BMW E36 Forum

Hi guys! New to forums,
and would be very grateful for any help at all!

Car Info: Build date: 25/6/96
323i E36 coupe 2.5 (3rd edition)
Petrol.
Not a very good start i know...
Basically whats happened is I've driven over quite a large speed bump(at night) slowly, but it gave quite a whack to the underneath of the car just behind the front wheels.
Car was driving fine after this, but noticed it was a bit quieter. The next day tried to drive it and couldn't top 30mph? It started juddering a bit and as i tried to make it home it seemed to die when using the throttle like there was no drive at all.
People have suggested fuel lines, the cats damaged or the exhaust could be (excuse my technical terms) 'squished'?

I have a 1994 325i 2.5(2nd edition) for spares and was wondering if the i could use any parts to get my 323i running again!? Would like to attempt any fix myself if poss as i cannot afford to go to a BMW garage..plus the car won't get there anyway.
Any possible answers will be greatly appreciated!!
I'm missing driving her tbh...

Thanks
Kayla.

Hi kayla,
I guess by now you have fixed the prob since it's been a couple of weeks now .
if not have you visuallty inspected the exhaust. I noticed on mine the other day that one of the oxygen sensor wires hangs down a bit I don't know if this was broken off if it would cause the probs your having.
Check all the fuel lines they may be crimped and your not getting fuel.
Have a good look at everything underneath.
You should be able to interchange the parts from the spare car ....I'm guessing thats why you have it.
Anyway if you found the prob can you post a fix so we can add to our knowledge

yes my boyfriend was under it having a look and there was no visual damage.
He changed the fuel filter as it was running on low fuel for a while, and the fuel lines are not crimped nor is the exhaust visually damaged. the spare 325 has a stainless system that will fit from down pipe back, so the exhaust is going to get changed encase it's blocked in any way. the coils looked at bit passed there sell by date so we have replacements for it from the 325 along with a new set of plugs. My boyfriend think's the head could be cracked as it sounds like it' lost compression. He had a mechanic have a look the other day and was advised to do this. So we will try it and see but i am very doubtful it will work.
I will keep you posted and thank's for your help.
Kayla

update on my bmw:
coils and plugs were replaced and it made no difference like my boyfriend thought.
we have established that the engine mounts are wrecked along with gearbox mounts. And the prop shaft bearing (or rubber seal) is destroyed. Because of this the engine isn't sitting in the correct position therefor making it run like a bag of s**t. Still not sure what the problem is as it now ticks over but when it rev's a horrible squeal from one of the belts occur and it just doesn't have any power still? my boyfriend thinks that the fuel or air is blocked in some way or the lamba sensor is broken. We have tried alot of things and still can't figure it out. any help or guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Kayla