Replacement Engine Bulkhead Sound Insulation Solution

[e21Keith]

The insulation in the engine bay/bulkhead of my e21 is starting to disintegrate and replacement is not available from BMW. Although it's currently largely complete it's started to melt above the exhaust and come away from the bulkhead.

Full replacement is not an option as NLA from BMW.

I could try and re-affix what I have to the bulkhead but I think it's beyond glueing as it's coming to pieces. So the only other option would be to drill holes from inside and fit some large washers/plates to clamp it in place.

I could just remove it but I want to keep the car looking original and I want to keep an element of sound insulation.

So what have people done to resolve this issue?

[Stoffie]

I had the same issue on my E24, old one was disintegrating and NLA from BMW.

Ended up using Dynamat Extreme with Dynaliner on top, using the old liner as a template.

Looks almost stock, works well and been fine for a few years now.

[e21Keith]

Thank you, I'll have a look and see what I can make fit. If it looks stock I'll be happy. I don't really want to have to take the engine out.

[Stoffie]

Not sure how easy that will be with the engine still in the car. I had the engine out with full access to every nook and cranny.

[Jeroen]

The original material is very brittle, when they still were available about 50% would arrive at the dealer's already. With some more flexible material perhaps (heating a bit often helps) and some small incisions around lines (for example brakes, clutch) I think you can do a decent job.

[e21Keith]

Not sure how easy that will be with the engine still in the car. I had the engine out with full access to every nook and cranny.

I've had the engine in and out so many times the neighbours thought I was teaching it tricks! But I'm getting a bit old and rancid now so I'd rather not take it out if I can avoid it. A job for the new year, I need to get some use from the car next year!