Just purchased an E30... How did I do?

[11SportWagonX]

My son and I want to build a DE/RallyCross car. I have been looking for a cheap E30 as a base for our project. I just picked up this one for $690.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1987-BMW-325E-with-1991-325i-engine-No-Reserve-/330844487811?_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&forcev4exp=true#ht_500wt_1182

No rust!!!... 87 325E with 91 325i engine... runs and drives, bad interior, needs wheel bearing replaced but we are going all new suspension, brakes, etc anyway, paint old but we were planning on stripping and repainting.

How did we do?

[travish325]

Pretty damn good if it actually runs. Ive seen shells sell for that much

[matthugie]

Those wheels are worth it alone. You definitely need to rallycross those.

[11SportWagonX]

I've got a new four post lift with sliding scissor jacks coming next week. Can't wait to tear that car apart.

[TheTacoMan]

One thing that caught my eye is that the radiator setup does not seem like an 91 setup, it just seems like it could be an "e" engine with a i intake manifold.

I could be wrong, but going off the one photo it raises some questions. Either way good deal.

[11SportWagonX]

One thing that caught my eye is that the radiator setup does not seem like an 91 setup, it just seems like it could be an "e" engine with a i intake manifold.

I could be wrong, but going off the one photo it raises some questions. Either way good deal.

Good eye TacoMan. He said one of the things that he would do if he kept the car was put a 325i intake on. He said it is a complete 325i engine but that they didn't change everything connecting to it from the 325E setup.

I'm looking forward to getting it here and seeing exactly what I've got. I talked to the guy on the phone and he seemed very honest about the defects and condition, he has good ebay ratings on many sales so he seems legit.

The no rust condition (which is my primary concern) is all in writing so I can be after my $690 with paypal and ebay if I have to but I don't expect I'm going to have a problem.

[wojtek79]

How much are you paying to get it here? Let me know if you need E30 parts. I am local and can point you in the right direction.

[Pantless Spency]

dang man nice score.
some simple fixes and youve got yourself a nice car.

[Cynical 1]

you'll pay more to bring it home than you paid for the car...

looks good for a project.

[11SportWagonX]

How much are you paying to get it here? Let me know if you need E30 parts. I am local and can point you in the right direction.

Thanks Wojtek. It looks like it is going to be just under $500 to ship it here. I will take you up on where to find parts when I get into this and figure out what I need.

[MonkeyMan]

any pics of your own? the ebay auction ended so no more pics..

[11SportWagonX]

any pics of your own? the ebay auction ended so no more pics..

These are the shots from the auction...









He is also including an extra gas tank and some various other parts... including the missing glove box...

[11SportWagonX]

The car arrived today... the good news is that there is no rust on body! After inflating a tire and replacing the battery we started the car and drove it up into the driveway. It idled rough for a while but then smoothed out. Here are some photos of the car and the engine that will be going in it.

http://photos.kwilinski.org/325e_Before/

Here is the rough plan which we will be documenting in a blog...

Phase 1: Get car safe to drive for myself and my 15 year old.

1. Replace all four wheel bearings and the front hub assemblies
2. Replace both CV/Axles
3. Replace all brake rotors and install new stainless steel lines and new fluid
4. Replace shocks and springs and mounts… haven't decided what yet.
5. Install new UUC sway bars and mounting hardware/bushings… front and back
6. Change front seats… trying to decide what sport street/race seats to use
7. Install new 15in wheels and tires… sell the 14 inch Helo Legends... any takers? :D
8. Replace timing belt
9. Adjust valves
10. Make sure engine is running good.

Take my son out to some large parking lot and teach him how to drive a stick.

Phase 2: Replace motor (maybe transmission), gut car, roll bar, and paint

1. Installing a 97 328i M52B28 engine… warrantied motor with 89,000 miles from a rear-ended car
2. Rebuild head… install S52/50US cams from an M3
2. Car is emissions exempt in IL based on age so will have chip modified for no SAP, no Cat, new camshafts, M50 intake, keeping OBD-II… should be around 230 rwhp
3. Planning to paint the car Arctic Silver to match my Cayman S
4. Will stick with a 5sp manual gearbox but depending on condition of the one in it, may replace or have rebuilt.
5. Custom exhaust and headers
6. Replace interior… carpet, recover panels, etc...

Phase 3: FI phase… turbo or supercharge… achieve around 350 rwhp

Phase 4: Rebuild engine destroyed by FI system and hard driving :)

I welcome any suggestions!

[Kershaw]

phase 2: weld in new core support after son rear ends a camry.

jk jk. :P

16" rims look better on e30s. standard e30 sports seats are great.

[ltz Viper]

father of the year?