So the story of this find starts back around October 2016. I had re-inherited a '87 325 that I originally purchased early 2008 for $500. There is MUCH more to the story of that car, but that will be a completely separate thread for another time. But basically, it has been sitting for 8 years under a shed, partially disassembled as it was in the process of a full tear down and respray that never was completed. Many of the interior pieces and parts were lost during those 8 years, so I needed to source replacements for the future rebuild.
During my search, I sent a message to a friend of mine that used to own an E30 but had sold it a few years ago. I just wanted to see if he had some spare parts left over that I could use. He didn't have any parts, but he mentioned that in the neighborhood he moved to, someone had a white plastic bumper E30 that had been sitting for months. He had seen it driven once, but then was parked and was now covered in pine straw. He sent me a quick drive-by picture the next morning:
Now I was really interested after seeing it was an iS of some sort...he didn't get close enough to see if it was a 318 or 325, so that remained a mystery. Normally I would have immediately made the hour long trip to where this car was located to talk with the owner, but family, work, and the fact I had bought a '87 325is car for parts all got in the way. I actually told my friend Bobby (RCWells) to go check the car out for himself, but he never got around to it for much of the same reasons.
Fast forward almost two months later to New Year's Eve, and my schedule was clear with nothing to do. I decided to make the trip and find out more about this car. Now realize, the car wasn't listed for sale...it had just been sitting for months. I didn't have any idea of what to expect when I arrived, and I still didn't know which model E30 it was.
As soon as I found the home and pulled into the driveway, I saw that it was a 318is. Years ago, this would have been a disappointment to me...but not now. I knew that the 318is was becoming more sought after for it's fun to drive factor, as well as being produced for only one year in the US.
I went and knocked on the owner's door and introduced myself, and inquired about the E30 and if he was willing to sell it. He laughed and said 'Well, I guess it is about time to sell it as I never drive it anymore'. He immediately told me why he parked it:
1. Front electric fan not working
2. Interior blower fan intermittent
3. SI board batteries were dead
As I took a look at the car, it was all I could do to keep from grinning ear to ear. The car was an unmolested, completely rust free and very straight example. The interior was almost like a time capsule...seats were perfect, crack-free dash, mint door panels, etc. No aftermarket modifications besides an old Eclipse CD head unit and some Boston Acoustics speakers. During the 10 years he owned it, he had hit an animal one evening that required replacement of the front drivers fender and the front metal valence. This repair was done fairly well and looked very presentable. The car did have a good bit of timing chain rattle, so I knew a timing chain kit was probably in order.
I made him an offer, and we agreed on a very favorable price. Due to me being alone, I made plans to come back the next day to pay him and pick the car up. Here are some pictures of the car right after I left his house. As you can tell, it is very dirty after sitting for many months under pine trees.
And the next morning, I gave it a good washing to see what I had:
I am pretty certain that all of the suspension pieces are the original parts...the control arms and control arm bushings are totally shot, as are the brakes. I do have replacements, so a full overhaul will be happening soon.
I caught a break with the bad timing chain rattle...I almost ordered $700 worth of timing chain components, but decided to take a chance with just replacing the tensioner. The new updated tensioner completely fixed all of the rattle! The old tensioner was original and very worn and obviously was in need of replacement.
There are a few dings here and there due to being parked under trees for so many years, but these will be addressed in the future. It isn't perfect, but it was one of the best E30's I have personally come across in years. I'll have more updates soon....
During my search, I sent a message to a friend of mine that used to own an E30 but had sold it a few years ago. I just wanted to see if he had some spare parts left over that I could use. He didn't have any parts, but he mentioned that in the neighborhood he moved to, someone had a white plastic bumper E30 that had been sitting for months. He had seen it driven once, but then was parked and was now covered in pine straw. He sent me a quick drive-by picture the next morning:
Now I was really interested after seeing it was an iS of some sort...he didn't get close enough to see if it was a 318 or 325, so that remained a mystery. Normally I would have immediately made the hour long trip to where this car was located to talk with the owner, but family, work, and the fact I had bought a '87 325is car for parts all got in the way. I actually told my friend Bobby (RCWells) to go check the car out for himself, but he never got around to it for much of the same reasons.
Fast forward almost two months later to New Year's Eve, and my schedule was clear with nothing to do. I decided to make the trip and find out more about this car. Now realize, the car wasn't listed for sale...it had just been sitting for months. I didn't have any idea of what to expect when I arrived, and I still didn't know which model E30 it was.
As soon as I found the home and pulled into the driveway, I saw that it was a 318is. Years ago, this would have been a disappointment to me...but not now. I knew that the 318is was becoming more sought after for it's fun to drive factor, as well as being produced for only one year in the US.
I went and knocked on the owner's door and introduced myself, and inquired about the E30 and if he was willing to sell it. He laughed and said 'Well, I guess it is about time to sell it as I never drive it anymore'. He immediately told me why he parked it:
1. Front electric fan not working
2. Interior blower fan intermittent
3. SI board batteries were dead
As I took a look at the car, it was all I could do to keep from grinning ear to ear. The car was an unmolested, completely rust free and very straight example. The interior was almost like a time capsule...seats were perfect, crack-free dash, mint door panels, etc. No aftermarket modifications besides an old Eclipse CD head unit and some Boston Acoustics speakers. During the 10 years he owned it, he had hit an animal one evening that required replacement of the front drivers fender and the front metal valence. This repair was done fairly well and looked very presentable. The car did have a good bit of timing chain rattle, so I knew a timing chain kit was probably in order.
I made him an offer, and we agreed on a very favorable price. Due to me being alone, I made plans to come back the next day to pay him and pick the car up. Here are some pictures of the car right after I left his house. As you can tell, it is very dirty after sitting for many months under pine trees.
And the next morning, I gave it a good washing to see what I had:
I am pretty certain that all of the suspension pieces are the original parts...the control arms and control arm bushings are totally shot, as are the brakes. I do have replacements, so a full overhaul will be happening soon.
I caught a break with the bad timing chain rattle...I almost ordered $700 worth of timing chain components, but decided to take a chance with just replacing the tensioner. The new updated tensioner completely fixed all of the rattle! The old tensioner was original and very worn and obviously was in need of replacement.
There are a few dings here and there due to being parked under trees for so many years, but these will be addressed in the future. It isn't perfect, but it was one of the best E30's I have personally come across in years. I'll have more updates soon....
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