U.S. Euro 323i owners: Use-able USDM parts options!

[Rampelsauce]

Hey all, I just started getting going on my 323i resto project, and I have no idea where to find parts. I have searched for what is common between my '84 323 and the USDM '84 325e. I know they are fairly similar, but I want to do all my general maintenance, and I don't feel like having stuff shipped from the mother land ($$$).

If anyone could help me, I'd be forever in your debt. In the mean time, here's of picture of the old Henna.

[MR 325]

Parts are easy to get and there's no additional cost to get them from Europe.

I bought ALL of the coolant hoses and tune up parts for mine from TheBMWpartStore. Took then about a week to get everything in and then a little less than a week to get the parts to my door. Any of the other R3V vendors like Blunt or Guten can do the same.

The only reason I got my coolant hoses from BMW is because my car is a factory non-AC car and uses different radiator hoses. Most 323i's had AC from what I've seen. Basically everything will be the same as a US 325e minus spark plugs, cap, rotor, and spark plug wires.

[Rampelsauce]

Thanks. I really didn't find a definitive answer out there on what parts were shared. I need to put in an order for my cooling system overhaul.

I'm on the damn phone!

[MR 325]

Oops forgot to mention vacuum hoses are different since the 323i has so many. ;)

But all engine gaskets, water pump, thermostat, timing belt, etc will be the same.

[Rampelsauce]

Oops forgot to mention vacuum hoses are different since the 323i has so many. ;)

But all engine gaskets, water pump, thermostat, timing belt, etc will be the same.

The vacuum lines, oh my god. Im going to be converting to motronic 1.3 on this little baby ASAP! The car runs suprisingly well, though. I have some surging at idle when cold, but it runs nicely and pulls good on the freeway. It's a fun little car, and all the euro goodies don't hurt.

[MR 325]

I might do the same. I'm struggling with a surging idle ALL of the time. :rofl:

[Farbin Kaiber]

Parts are easy to get and there's no additional cost to get them from Europe.

I bought ALL of the coolant hoses and tune up parts for mine from TheBMWpartStore. Took then about a week to get everything in and then a little less than a week to get the parts to my door. Any of the other R3V vendors like Blunt or Guten can do the same.

The only reason I got my coolant hoses from BMW is because my car is a factory non-AC car and uses different radiator hoses. Most 323i's had AC from what I've seen. Basically everything will be the same as a US 325e minus spark plugs, cap, rotor, and spark plug wires.

Good to know, mine is a factory non-AC car as well.

I might do the same. I'm struggling with a surging idle ALL of the time. :rofl:

LOL, Mine idles well, but cold startup is a 2k RPM idle until a couple r3vs, then it drops to reasonable idle. I too need to 1.3 it.

[Court M3]

Common causes of high idle speed is a clogged warm up regulator located underneath the inlet manifold.

Check that first before changing anything. If you need one for troubleshooting efforts pay postage and I'll get it in the mail. I'd like it back though as it's my spare for my next 323i.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Parts are easy I have a 320i all you do is get on realoem get your part number and put it in pelicans or Ecs site. You can also go to your local dealer and order parts you just need a vin number