First BMW Build.

[Mylch]

So this will be my first venture into the bimmer world. After messing around with vw's for the past 10 or so years the excitement is just not there. I picked this up for $550. Needs some cosmetic attention, starter and suspension. The P.O. was kind of lost in his own world putting a mark2 jetta rear bumper on it, multi-lug 17" wheels and cut springs. So along with a tune up those will be the first addressed problems. Car has Hid's and it "shark infested"? P.O says did not have any info on what this chip actually does maybe some of you can let me know. On to a couple pics.





I have some of my own shoes that I will be putting on:



Just curious on what you folks run for tire sizes. Wheels are 15x7.5Rear and 15x7Front I looked in some other posts and people suggesting 205-55's for a 8 inch wheel. I don't think I am going to go that big at all. I am guessing 195-50. (currently 195-45)


Just so people don't think I am a noob when it come to building cars there is a pic of my last project, I did it all from the swap to paint and shaved bay.
89 jetta gli 1.9TDi

[Trptguy]

good to see another New Englander....mono wiper.....fully functional?

[tyleRcoey]

i think 195 50's on a 15 are gonna look a little small...
its a DB so it has a higher arch on the rear well. you'd have to slam it.

i like the jetta, good luck with your build!

[Mylch]

Yea fully functional- because he just removed the the other wiper and change position the the passenger side.

[N2MYE30]

Its amazing what proper wheels do to a car. Unfortunately they dont work for yours...shipped to NC? Thanks! :)

That shaved bay looks great! Welcome aboard.

[Mylch]

i think 195 50's on a 15 are gonna look a little small...
its a DB so it has a higher arch on the rear well. you'd have to slam it.

i like the jetta, good luck with your build!

What do you mean by DB? Slamming it is a probability. I want to dial it in to the arches are at the top of the tire while maintaining a slight rake if possible.

Thanks :thumbup:

[Mylch]

Its amazing what proper wheels do to a car. Unfortunately they dont work for yours...shipped to NC? Thanks! :)

That shaved bay looks great! Welcome aboard.

haha sure- No problem. I can put them back in the original boxes (in which I got them un-opened) and mail them out for you sometime this afternoon.

[tyleRcoey]

What do you mean by DB? Slamming it is a probability. I want to dial it in to the arches are at the top of the tire while maintaining a slight rake if possible.

Thanks :thumbup:

DB is "diving board" meaning you have the early style bumpers. the later E30s have a lower arch on the rear quarter. if you do springs a rake is inevitable, i think all the springs made for them put the front a little lower.

[ForcedFirebird]

Yup, to have equal wheel gap, the early rear arches is the way to go :D

Welcome!

[Mylch]

Thanks, I am going to throw the rs's on this week to see how the off set fits. Also ordered bunch of parts today, tune up/ fresh gas this weekend and going to put some miles on her to see how she goes.

[sharky]

Where in CT are you? If you need any parts or service let me know. My shop is in Branford

[RainierHooker]

195-50's are going to way undersized. To get anywhere near the proper speedo-ratio I wouldn't go any smaller than 205-50's but you would have to be SLAMMED to fill out those wheel wells. 205-55's are the 'proper' size for a 15x7-8" wheel on an e30. On a 7" wheel they will be square to the wheel, on an 8" there will be some, but not readily apparent stretch.

[Mylch]

Where in CT are you? If you need any parts or service let me know. My shop is in Branford

I am in Enfield. I am good with service but what type of parts do you sell? I just bought bunch of regular tune up parts but looking for drivers side mirror, rear metal bumper and any trim that goes along with it. In need of the drivers side quarter panel's molding, hood, trunk if they are the same color.

195-50's are going to way undersized. To get anywhere near the proper speedo-ratio I wouldn't go any smaller than 205-50's but you would have to be SLAMMED to fill out those wheel wells. 205-55's are the 'proper' size for a 15x7-8" wheel on an e30. On a 7" wheel they will be square to the wheel, on an 8" there will be some, but not readily apparent stretch.

I feel like 205's are going to have to much balloon on the 7's. My 195's are square with them and the slightest if any stretch on the 7.5's Maybe 195-55? I have to see some other set ups. I am not a fan of stretch nor a fan of balloons. I tried a search to see what people are running for tire sizes on 15's and didn't come up with much but I saw a lot of wheel gap with balloon tires. Slammed is not a problem at all. Either way its going to take time to dial in the height to how I like it. IMO a car does not look good unless it sits right.

I have a set of Bilstein strut cartridges from a vw which I am going to use for sleeved coil over install.

[evil_twin]

What part of NE are you from? What are you doing with those old wheels? :)

[Mylch]

I am from CT. I have no idea whats happening with the old wheel. might see what i can get for them on craigslist or keep them for drift action.