can I replace a rod without taking the head off 89 bmw e30 by going through the front?

There is a chance the block is still good. You may have bent a valve or damaged the head too though. The only way to tell the extent of the damage is to take off the head and remove the piston and rod.

You don't have to take apart the front end of the car but the radiator will need to come out eventually. Whoever told you you can get at it from the front of the car didn't know what they were talking about.

I would have a professional do this job as there are lots of specific tools needed to do a job like this. You may want to source and price out a new engine. It might be more cost effective for you.

No, you would take it out from below by removing the oil pan if there is room however I doubt it will come out past the crank. You would have to undo the connecting rod cap and push the piston and rod assembly out through the top of the block. You cannot change a rod from the front of the engine at all; no way, no how.

To replace a rod. You broke a rod !! and it didn't damage the engine block ? AMAZING. You must remove the head as the piston must be removed in order to replace the rod. The piston can only be removed through the top of the engine.

Are you talking about a rocker rail rod? Or a crank rod?

Chances are VERY high the piston is shot anyways. You can remove the piston without pulling the head BUT you would have to remove the crank. And I would not say its impossible to put a piston in from the bottom but its darn close to impossible.

If you are asking this question, unfortunately, changing it and installing it properly is beyond your skill level or anybody else that said you could. Replace your engine, it'll be far cheaper in the long run. P.S. Replace the timing belt & water pump in the new motor.....

haha no