NtandoN
///Member
Howzit Gents.
Here is another addition to our small BMW family. I was looking for an E36 M3 but my budget and enthusiasm seemed to not be realistic as the cars that are out there are either cheap and require complete overhaul; or they are out of my budget completely. Also some great advice off the forum regarding M cars. So while browsing the internets, I landed on an E30 coupe that had recently gone on sale. Next day it was on my driveway :smilebounce:
Details are 1986 E30 323i, coupe, automatic, ruby red metallic exterior, cream cloth interior.
It's a 32 year old car and so I knew that I needed to do some work. Car has a dent on the front right fender behind the wheel (car came with replacement fender and mixed paint). Bonnet, front bumper and valance need alignment. The motor feels strong and it reaches 120km/h without a problem. The gearbox also feels good (will probably change to manual eventually). Cruise control still works.
A to-do list was put together (this list has gotten longer since
)
-Remove M badges :hammerhead: - done
-Service (oil, plugs, filters) - done
-Wheel bearings - done
-Brake fluid flush - done
-Sound upgrade - done (still need tweeter inserts for front split system)
-Interior door handles replacement - done
-Fuse replacement - done (6 fuses were shot :dunnoanymore
To do list
The following are important;
-Steering rack replacement (including rack ends and tie rods)
-Power steering fluid flush
-Front stabilizer bar and links
-Rear stabilizer links
Preventative maintenance;
-Cam belt replacement
-All belts (alternator, power steering and aircon)
-Water pump
-Thermostat
-Coolant flush
-Diff oil flush
I've managed to source all parts required at huge pains as some are difficult to find new and almost all scrapyards don't have any E30 parts.
After the above is done here's another list for later;
-Shocks all round
-Rear springs
-New tyres (four different brands on all 4 corners :thumbdo and maybe different wheels - style 5 or 32 :dunno:
-Paint and replace fender
-Straighten front valance
-Align bonnet and bumper
-Aircon reconditioning as it seems to be leaking
And then tackle the interior (looking for OEM sports seats :tiptoe
Some pics... not the best photographer
Here is another addition to our small BMW family. I was looking for an E36 M3 but my budget and enthusiasm seemed to not be realistic as the cars that are out there are either cheap and require complete overhaul; or they are out of my budget completely. Also some great advice off the forum regarding M cars. So while browsing the internets, I landed on an E30 coupe that had recently gone on sale. Next day it was on my driveway :smilebounce:
Details are 1986 E30 323i, coupe, automatic, ruby red metallic exterior, cream cloth interior.
It's a 32 year old car and so I knew that I needed to do some work. Car has a dent on the front right fender behind the wheel (car came with replacement fender and mixed paint). Bonnet, front bumper and valance need alignment. The motor feels strong and it reaches 120km/h without a problem. The gearbox also feels good (will probably change to manual eventually). Cruise control still works.
A to-do list was put together (this list has gotten longer since
)-Remove M badges :hammerhead: - done
-Service (oil, plugs, filters) - done
-Wheel bearings - done
-Brake fluid flush - done
-Sound upgrade - done (still need tweeter inserts for front split system)
-Interior door handles replacement - done
-Fuse replacement - done (6 fuses were shot :dunnoanymore
To do list
The following are important;
-Steering rack replacement (including rack ends and tie rods)
-Power steering fluid flush
-Front stabilizer bar and links
-Rear stabilizer links
Preventative maintenance;
-Cam belt replacement
-All belts (alternator, power steering and aircon)
-Water pump
-Thermostat
-Coolant flush
-Diff oil flush
I've managed to source all parts required at huge pains
as some are difficult to find new and almost all scrapyards don't have any E30 parts.After the above is done here's another list for later;
-Shocks all round
-Rear springs
-New tyres (four different brands on all 4 corners :thumbdo
and maybe different wheels - style 5 or 32 :dunno:-Paint and replace fender
-Straighten front valance
-Align bonnet and bumper
-Aircon reconditioning as it seems to be leaking
And then tackle the interior (looking for OEM sports seats :tiptoe
Some pics... not the best photographer
