My First e30 Project-- 88 325i Vert

[AlexMac]

So after a while of wanting one, I finally did it. I bought myself an e30 which had enough stuff wrong with it to keep me busy, but nothing, hopefully, that will make me crazy and cost me loads of money. The paint is chipping, the interior is shot, the motor is ok, the roof had a bunch of tape over it and the car has more door dings then I have ever seen. All stuff I can correct on a low budget. So here is my step by step build. Ill update it frequently when I get more things done. I have a few things en route so it should be fun. Plans for the car are: motor servicing (she runs great so far but ill do a full service and tune up), get door dings out, lower (after the winter), new wheels and finally vinyl in matte grey. Please offer any advice you'd like, I am very new to the e30's since I have an e92 that I will show below. Thanks for looking!


Page 1- Step one- Interior

UPDATE ON PAGE 2 and PAGE 3


I figured because its the part of the car I need to interact with the most, it would be a good place to start. I never liked Tan interiors so that had to go. I used Dupli-color Vinyl and Fabric and painted the carpet, doors, rear panels, and the part that goes up and down for the convertible top. The interior was pretty grimy so I rented one of those super expensive carpet cleaners and went to work. The Dupli-color paint is amazing for this application. The doors dont feel like they were painted at all, still soft-ish (for vinyl) and look new. Carpet is a little bit different, not so soft to the touch, but its good enough.

I also ordered new leathers from Kevin from creative options. Psyched to get those in and have the interior complete. SO here are before and afters.


Before:











AFTER

Carpets- I started running low on paint so I sprayed where the carpets would be seen. I will go over the parts like under the seat later in the future.




My e92

[Dermeister3]

DAT E92!!!!

The E30 project looks fun! I'm doing most of the same to a Schwartz

[fixedsix]

Did you name the e30?

Did you find any other pictures hidden under the seats? I think you need to come up with a catchy build name for the thread. Wait I got it! How is this……. “e30 psycho build NO bolts left unturned” I think you should name the car “PSYCHO” because of the picture I found melted into the visor. This is not just a car……

[slammin.e28]

Did you find any other pictures hidden under the seats? I think you need to come up with a catchy build name for the thread. Wait I got it! How is this……. “e30 psycho build NO bolts left unturned” I think you should name the car “PSYCHO” because of the picture I found melted into the visor. This is not just a car……

Backstory plz.

[fixedsix]

Well, when you pick up a used car that has 150,000 miles on it, you are bound to find some remnants from its previous owners. This car was no exception. The first step in making a car your own is removing any stickers or other junk that was forgotten in the car. As Alex removed the stickers from the window, I did a little poking around the rusty red bmw, (don’t worry it’s just surface rust) to my surprise I found a school photo of a young boy with a face and outfit that only a mother could love. On his shirt there was a name embroidered; it didn’t say Bob, Bill, Rich or Joe instead it said “PSYCHO”

[AlexMac]

^ ahah true story... Ill take an iphone pic and add it

[FutureE30]

Hey how many cans did you use on the painting project and did you have to apply a few coats? Does it match the dash and where did you buy the paint?

THX,
M

[NorwayE30]

Nice job man! :) What are the wheel-planes?

[AlexMac]

I used about 10 cans. I'd say it matches pretty well. You can't tell that I painted even if I told you. Plans are esm 002 wheels in 16 or 17. I found my roof leaking in two Spots today so I have to fix that before doing anything else. Anyone have any advice?

[marshtgrade]

mine leaks on my vert as well. sucks the rubber gasket is a bit expensive. i havent come up with anything for mine so let me know if you come up wit something effective other then a new seal.

[AlexMac]

mine leaks on my vert as well. sucks the rubber gasket is a bit expensive. i havent come up with anything for mine so let me know if you come up wit something effective other then a new seal.

I put some thick electrical wire behind the seals to push them into the window a little bit. I doubt its going to work very well. The seals are a few hundred bucks huh

[fixedsix]

add some exterior shots of "THE RED BARON", I want to Photoshop some concepts of the E30.

[Hick]

looks like someone pooped on you drivers seat

[AlexMac]

looks like someone pooped on you drivers seat

I thought so too but since Its been non stop raining in Philly I realize thats where the water would sit on the seat. I have to get my roof fixed before I get my leathers from Kevin at creative options

[Boost2Perfection]

Welcome Alex! :)