Cosmetic Ideas

[threetwentyfive]

Hey guys im pretty new around here. I posted a few months ago and have recently started wanting to work on my e30. I have a red 1988 325is. Im pretty low-budget being a highschool student heading off to college but I would appreciate some cheaper cosmetic mod ideas and performance as well. My car (like many others) is missing the iS lip and i havent been able to find one cheaper than like 125 not painted. I am in the process of repainting all my black trim due to it fading. I have blacked out my ugly chrome bumpers and repainted the front molding, license plate bracket and kidneys. I plan on doing the side moldings, shadowlining the window trim and blacking out my back bumper/moldings. The front bumper was easy to take off but im having trouble with my rear. Other things I plan to do are...

-Front angel eye DIY mod (the one from the web written in russian) but I am having trouble removing my high beam lights. Any help?
- All red tails
- My paint is oxidized and fading...anything i can do other than respraying?
- Maybe front and rear bumper tuck depending on difficulty
-Short shift kit (is this ebay one any good or just a POS?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7971461304&category=33736&sspagename=WDVW

I also would like new rims, but money is a huge factor, so I was wondering if it would be possible to paint my stock BBS rims charcoal or black. The rims are very old and look almost powdercoat white due to the fading and years of uncleanliness. Will it look decent if i paint them myself? I have seen "rim paint" at places but I dont know how it would look. If anyone coule help me out with the back bumper removal, the headlight removal and my questions about painting rims, or any other cheaper DIY mods it would be appreciated. Sorry for the long ass post I just didnt want to make 5 different threads.

[aaron_silva]

It sounds like the appearance of the car is lacking (oxidized paint, missing front valence, aluminum bumpers...)

Here is my suggestion:
1) Save your money
2) When the time comes, upgrade your suspension with something decent
3) Enjoy the way the car drives more than its appearnce

Good luck.

Oh, if you want to rattle can you baskets, I think anything would look better than what you currently have. Pick up some silver wheel paint, prep the wheels and spray.

Aaron

[GaryE30]

http://www.understeer.com/onlinestore-shifters.shtml

David325is has this one, its pretty cheap and it feels great.

[Court M3]

Agree with Aaron. School is more important now. Save money and upgrade your suspension first. That will make a big difference to the handling of the car.

For a SSK just go with stock BMW parts from BMA. Couple people here have either went Z3 1.9 or Z4 route.

Don't waste too much time on appearance if the car isn't sound mechanically. Just my

[erik325i]

Re: Cosmetic Ideas

Short shift kit (is this ebay one any good or just a POS?

Don't get a short shift kit from eBay. Get a Z3 or Z4 shifter with all related bushings fom BMA (read thread in FAQ).

[threetwentyfive]

thanks for the help guys

Im probably shadowlining this weekend and doing a bumper tuck as well

) Save your money
2) When the time comes, upgrade your suspension with something decent
3) Enjoy the way the car drives more than its appearnce

Any specifics you guys would recommend for me to upgrade my suspension?

[Court M3]

suspension might be a little subjective. I like Eiback Pro Kit springs and Bilstein shocks. All depends on what type of drop you are looking for as well as handling and ride quality. Sure others will chime in with their choices. 8)

[threetwentyfive]

how much would that run me? and easy to install or would i have to pay for that

[erik325i]

H&R sport springs with Bilstein sport shocks seen to be very popular. I have those, but haven't installed them yet.
-Erik

[KenC]

how much would that run me?

Probably 5-600 depending on where you shop.