About Josh Fields Expertise I can answer questions related to the BMW e30. These are the cars produced from 1984-1991 (1992 for convertable) in the United states. I am more fluent with the six cylinder models, although few things changed for the 4 cylinder cars. I know most of the problematic areas of these cars, and have found ways to fix them.
Experience I have owned six different E30's over the last 10 years. I do all my own work, and know about ever nut and bolt on these cars.
Question If your engine overheats and you drive it to remove from the street, what damage could it do to your engine? The car cut off when I turned down the street to my neighborhood.
Answer Denise,
It all depends on HOW LONG the engine ran while it was over-heating. Many of the later models will shut themselves off before they blow a headgasket, but not always. If you notice the vehicle over-heating slightly (maybe 3/4) and it's stable then you could continue to drive it strait home. If it's all the way in the red (over-heating), then the vehicle should immediately be pulled to the side of the road and shut off.
I you remember from science class, that metal (or anything else) will expand when heated. Your engine has a steel block and an aluminum head. These two metals expand at different rates and temperatures. This can cause warping and require a full rebuild to fix. Hopefully you did not drive it that long.
Good luck,
Josh
