Troubleshooting and Replacements After Purchase

[Ether]

Hey everyone, so to start, I'm Ty and I'm new to the e30 world, but not new to car forums.

With that being said, I went to check out a 1987 325ES (project-ish) car the other day and decided I am going to buy it and I have been making a list of things that I am going to have to replace. I was wondering if anyone had a similiar list that they could expand on mine, and/or help me find parts to mine.

The first part of my list is just engine/mechanicals, the engine will be pulled so I don't have a problem replacing some things. So far I know I need to replace

• Waterpump / Timing Belt
• Brakelines
• Hoses
• Flush the ICV
• Trans seal leak

Am I missing anything else that I should change out and/or fluids I should flush?

The next thing I need is an exhaust since the one on it is beat up and will not pass inspection, I have been looking online and found an oem one for 300.00, but would prefer to get an aftermarket one with a little more rumble to it, does anyone have suggestions?

Thanks for the help everyone!

[ST1G]

$300 for an OEM exhaust is crazy. You could do a Borla for that cost.

Unless the ICV is acting up I would let it alone. I had one I cleaned and the car never idled on it well again.

Welcome and enjoy. Don't be shy.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Troubleshooting and Replacements After Purchase

Welcome. Everything on your list seems good. I'm with ST1G though on the ICV just let t be if the car isn't rough on idle. Change the air filter and you'll be good. Also with ST1G on the exhaust 300 would be getting robbed imo. Just find a nice Remus/magma flow etc. And you'll be good. Btw pics of said car???

Edit- car will most likely need the oil pan gasket replaced. Seems like they all do unless it's been done already.

[Ether]

The main reason I said ICV is because I read if there is low pressure and if the idle wanders a bit that it could be the reason. As for the exhaust, I may have seen the ad and been under the impression it was oem. I would need one that could pass emissions though.

The sale is pending so the car is not currently in my possession, but will be in the next week or so

[ST1G]

You don't need an OEM to pass emissions. You just need a cat and a muffler.

[Ether]

You don't need an OEM to pass emissions. You just need a cat and a muffler.

Should I be worried about not passing ODB? Don't ODB1s need a sniffer test? Would an aftermarket exhaust affect the output?

Also, when you said I could get a borla for 300, were you talking used or new? I can only find Bosal online, I don't really know any aftermarket support sites at the moment. I've been using sites like Rockauto for all the maintenance things, since I'm making the list now, if there are places I can find things cheaper, I'd love to know!

[ST1G]

Should I be worried about not passing ODB? Don't ODB1s need a sniffer test? Would an aftermarket exhaust affect the output?

Also, when you said I could get a borla for 300, were you talking used or new? I can only find Bosal online, I don't really know any aftermarket support sites at the moment. I've been using sites like Rockauto for all the maintenance things, since I'm making the list now, if there are places I can find things cheaper, I'd love to know!

You can get a Borla muffler from their website for $150 new. You just need to do some searching.

Where I live they just do a sniffer since the car isn't OBD. The cat is what pulls the garb out of the exhaust gas.

[Ether]

You can get a Borla muffler from their website for $150 new. You just need to do some searching.

Where I live they just do a sniffer since the car isn't OBD. The cat is what pulls the garb out of the exhaust gas.

Oh see, that's the problem.. there is literally no exhaust on this. It's all ruined and taken off the car, I need a complete system starting at headers down.

[ST1G]

Oh see, that's the problem.. there is literally no exhaust on this. It's all ruined and taken off the car, I need a complete system starting at headers down.

Ah, I see. So you're talking about more than a muffler. Still seems a little steep.

[Ether]

Ah, I see. So you're talking about more than a muffler. Still seems a little steep.

Here is the cheapest one I found, Bosal for $192. Aren't bosals pretty much just OEM replacements though?

http://www.nextdayauto.com/1987-bmw-325es-exhaust-muffler-rear-bosal-w0133-1602669.html

[NoM54me]

Check the floor pans for rust holes. If the car has lived in PA for very long, I'd suspect it has at least small holes. I bought a "rust-free" '86 ES a couple of years ago. Turned out to have holes on each side big enough to have been Fred Flintstone's ride. Seller just didn't know they were there. Either pull up the carpet or look under the car, right behind the front wheels. The presence of such holes can immediately adjust one's priorities.

[Ether]

Check the floor pans for rust holes. If the car has lived in PA for very long, I'd suspect it has at least small holes. I bought a "rust-free" '86 ES a couple of years ago. Turned out to have holes on each side big enough to have been Fred Flintstone's ride. Seller just didn't know they were there. Either pull up the carpet or look under the car, right behind the front wheels. The presence of such holes can immediately adjust one's priorities.

I already know it has holes in the FPs, do you know what would be an appropriate guage of steel to repair them?

[NoM54me]

I used either 14 or 16, can't remember which. Double-layered it. It was not fun.

[Ether]

I used either 14 or 16, can't remember which. Double-layered it. It was not fun.

That doesn't make me feel good at all.. lol about how much did it run you?

[NoM54me]

I fixed both sides for less than $30, which included the steel (Home Depot) and rustproof material. It's not really difficult, but will be time-consuming if you do it right. I discovered these holes on the 130-mile drive home from buying the car, in a December "wintry mix" of snow and rain. A temporary, gas station fix of a couple of cut-up Monster energy cans and Shoe Goo kept more slush from getting in. Ah, the memories....