Automatic, big bumpers, and an eta; what's not to love?
This is my new 1987 325e automatic. After a low-speed accident totaled our 1991 325i, I bought this 325e from a friend. It belonged to a neighbor of his until he took it on a few years ago with the intention of making it a reliable commuter. He went through a ton of maintenance and successfully drove it for a few years before it sprung an input seal leak and was sidelined until I bought it.
The primary purpose of this car is to be a comfortable and reliable commuter car for the wife. Accordingly, I did the unthinkable; I repaired the automatic transmission and reinstalled it.
New filter and pan seal while I'm at it.
I used an interesting method for reinstalling the transmission without a lift or transmission jack, as seen on Jalopnik.com.
I also tacked a cracked section of the exhaust hanger back together.
Yes, those are terrible welds, but I only had access to an arc welder and no one will see my exhaust.
Next, I tackled the interior. The previous owner installed a relatively nice Alpine unit from circa 2002, but the wife requested Bluetooth connectivity. So, time for some rewiring.
The head unit is a Pioneer DEH-X6700BT. It has Bluetooth connectivity and the display color can be changed to match the interior lights, all for less than $100.
I also installed my digital volt meter.
Crappy night shot:
Washed and waxed, ready for commuting duties.
This is my new 1987 325e automatic. After a low-speed accident totaled our 1991 325i, I bought this 325e from a friend. It belonged to a neighbor of his until he took it on a few years ago with the intention of making it a reliable commuter. He went through a ton of maintenance and successfully drove it for a few years before it sprung an input seal leak and was sidelined until I bought it.
The primary purpose of this car is to be a comfortable and reliable commuter car for the wife. Accordingly, I did the unthinkable; I repaired the automatic transmission and reinstalled it.
New filter and pan seal while I'm at it.
I used an interesting method for reinstalling the transmission without a lift or transmission jack, as seen on Jalopnik.com.
I also tacked a cracked section of the exhaust hanger back together.
Yes, those are terrible welds, but I only had access to an arc welder and no one will see my exhaust.
Next, I tackled the interior. The previous owner installed a relatively nice Alpine unit from circa 2002, but the wife requested Bluetooth connectivity. So, time for some rewiring.
The head unit is a Pioneer DEH-X6700BT. It has Bluetooth connectivity and the display color can be changed to match the interior lights, all for less than $100.
I also installed my digital volt meter.
Crappy night shot:
Washed and waxed, ready for commuting duties.
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