89 325i, to fix or scrap

[new2bmw]

Hey everyone. OK, I have an 89 325i and its in rough shape. I want to begin a restoration so i thought i would use your collective knowledge to ask where or if I should I start? Any hints, advice? Not really wanting to modify the car as of yet, just clean, repair and get it to almost like new condition.
Here are some pics. The sub frame rust has me the most concerned, the hole is about the size of a golf ball in the same spot on both sides. had the local collision guy come over and he said it could go on the frame machine and be fixed for $500.
I believe that most of you will say, " what the hell are you thinking" lol. Well i picked the car up for $500 and I don't have the cash to buy another, so I need to take my time and work with what I have' If you guys think it is worthwhile.
cheers guys
Larry







this rusted frame is the only thing that has me really worried

[AndrewBird]

Considering how many clean e30's there are, I'd say part it and find a better car. You could make at least $1000 off of it and will spend WAY more then a clean e30 is worth fixing this one. Rust repair and paint get expensive QUICK.

[red325]

Part it out, make some cash, and get a cleaner e30 for a better starting point.

[new2bmw]

problem

heres the issue i have. i have 3 babies, 1,2 and 3 and it will be a long time till i can afford a bimmer for $3000. i was thinking that i could take a few years, cut/sandblast all rust and repaint. on the other hand if you have seen someone try this before and fail let me know. i was just thinking i could handle small amounts of money over a long time but not huge amounts of money all at once. I dont mind doing the labor, i love these cars so no issue there. i am torn.

[Ben Carufel]

heres the issue i have. i have 3 babies, 1,2 and 3 and it will be a long time till i can afford a bimmer for $3000. i was thinking that i could take a few years, cut/sandblast all rust and repaint. on the other hand if you have seen someone try this before and fail let me know. i was just thinking i could handle small amounts of money over a long time but not huge amounts of money all at once. I dont mind doing the labor, i love these cars so no issue there. i am torn.

It is not worth the amount of money and time you will need to invest.

Do not put money into this car.

Get yourself a reliable Honda Civic or Toyota Camry if money is tight.

I am constantly amazed that people want to "restore" BMWs on a "tight budget".

[new2bmw]

never said tight budget

i was just saying i could spend money over time not all at once.

[Ben Carufel]

i was just saying i could spend money over time not all at once.

It's not worth it.

[Jean]

part it out...you want to start with a clean chassis.

[whiltebeitel]

It's not worth it.

+1. Buy a $3,000 car now, or spend $7,000 to make a car like that worth $3,000?

[BigD]

i was just saying i could spend money over time not all at once.

Get rid of it. If you can't afford a cheap decent car for cash, then get a small car loan or borrow $ from someone.

[Restoman]

Strip all of the useful parts and scrap it.

[Julien]

or just drive it like it is and let it rust... keep a lookout for a clean shell

[StereoInstaller1]

or just drive it like it is and let it rust... keep a lookout for a clean shell

wisdom

[TexasTerp]

You forget that over time the rust will get worse and worse, sure you could be fixing it little by little but the rust will continue to wreak havoc on the body, so there will be more rust each time you fix a spot. Part it out, make some cash, find a clean shell.

[85Dirty30]

or just drive it like it is and let it rust... keep a lookout for a clean shell

agree