After owning two Saab 900s (a red 1993 Turbo and a black 1991 SPG) over the last 16 years, I am joining the E30 ix fold with the recent acquisition of this 1991 325iX. Car has about 131K miles and looks pretty good from the exterior, but needs some rust remediation (not structural) underneath and then has a lot of areas for improvement internally. Here's what I know needs to be done in order to get it in decent condition right now:
I am relatively inexperienced with these cars, but would like to start small and grow into doing more DIY work on this car. At some point, I would like to swap the transmission to be a 5-speed though I need to source all of the parts, so for right now I am just fixing things.
In addition to the iX registry and the R3VLimited sites, I welcome any advice you have for other iX and/or E30 resources. In the meantime, your suggestions for independent BMW mechanics that have expertise with these cars would be helpful.
I am looking forward to being part of this forum.
Bill
- Replace hard brake lines ideally with stainless steel assuming it is easily available - not sure what one should expect to pay a mechanic to run these (seems like a complicated DIY)
- New Battery - existing one is at least 5 years old
- Engine
- Replace spark plugs and wires
- Install new timing belt (last done at 97K miles)
- Identify oil leaks - possibly head gasket and near oil filter[/INDENT]
- Cooling system
- Replace coolant hoses and flush system
- Replace fan (blade broken)[/INDENT]
- Replace exhaust (corrosion) and hangers - is there a good stainless steel option?
- Suspension
- Torn left inner axle boot[/INDENT]
- Replace driver's side control arm bushing (currently has an M3 offset CAB which I am not sure is even a fit for this car)
- Shifter out of line - need to adjust driveshaft linkage (something must be out of alignment since the reverse lights go on when the car is in neutral)
- Temperature Gauge Not Moving - possibly the nut on the back of the instrument panel needs to be tightened
- Locks - central locking works, but only by using the trunk cylinder; not sure whether to purchase re-build kit for driver's and passenger's side cylinders or if there is something simpler I could try first
- Find a set of stock 15" ix wheels - car is currently on Ronal LS wheels with 205/60R15 tires (perhaps I could sell these though I am not sure of their value?) which appear to be too big for the car
I am relatively inexperienced with these cars, but would like to start small and grow into doing more DIY work on this car. At some point, I would like to swap the transmission to be a 5-speed though I need to source all of the parts, so for right now I am just fixing things.
In addition to the iX registry and the R3VLimited sites, I welcome any advice you have for other iX and/or E30 resources. In the meantime, your suggestions for independent BMW mechanics that have expertise with these cars would be helpful.
I am looking forward to being part of this forum.
Bill
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