Hunting high and low

[Henrik]

Hi!
I'm still hunting for a proper power plant for my German patient.
Recently I stumbled over a 3.3i with a 56K miles history.
I haven't seen any documents and don't have the engine number yet, but the guy who's selling it claims it's a 1981 model.
As far as I know, they stopped the production of this engine in 79!?

The car was bought in Switzerland and brought to Norway several years ago. After a couple of days on Norwegian soil it was detected by custom
officers and a giant bill was presented for the owner, who refused to pay.
The next day the car was taken care of by a breaker.

Do any of you know if this could be an American export model produced after 79?

Henrik

 

[Malc]

It may of been made in late 79 and not registered until 81. Quite often E3's and E9 sat for ages before being sold. A quick check with BMW Mobile tradition will provide the definitive answer.
Malc

 

[Bill Riblett]

I assume when you say 3.3i, you are referring to the engine and not to the body style.

The US got injected 3.3 liter engines from 1978 through 1984 in 5, 6 and 7 series. These had CIS through 81 and Motronic after that. They all had low compression (8.3:1 or so) and SAE horsepower ratings in the 170-180 range.

 

[Henrik]

Yes, it is from a 733i!
Is there a way to identify this as a US engine (externaly) except for the engine number?

Henrik