new 325i vert - Bay Area BMW Shops

[-holiday76]

Hey guys,
Today I'm picking up an original owner, well maintained 1990 BMW 325i vert. New top, all maintenance records dating back to 1991, new tranny and clutch, bunch of other work already done.
The only thing I want to get done right away is the timing belt as it's got 170k on it and it hasn't been done since the car had about 90-100k on it. I might do it myself but failing that, can anyone recommend a good shop for these cars that won't screw me that's in the bay area? San Jose area would be best but I will travel for the right shop.

failing that, I'm mechanically inclined and have tools but I know nothing about BMW's yet. Should I take it on myself? Do I need any special tools?

Here's a bad shot of the car. I'll post more when I get it. It has some aftermarket ghetto rims on it but it comes with the originals which I'll be swapping over to shortly.

[agent]

Most of the basics on these cars can be done if you have some tools and the willingness. There are lots of DIY writeups on this site and other places on the internet. If you prefer to have someone else handle the dirty work, my stepbrother Derek co-owns Bavarian Performance in Santa Rosa.

Looks like a clean car, congrats!

[-holiday76]

thanks for the reply. I do plan to do most of the work myself, I'm just not sure if i want to tackle the timing belt just yet and I understand there might be a few non standard specific tools I might need. I did find this article online about doing it though:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/101-Projects-20-E30-Timing-Belt/101-Projects-20-E30-Timing-Belt.htm

either way I'm thinking of taking it to a shop just to have them look it over.

[oliver.r]

hit up cabriolet or cyberkaa, they can fix almost anything mechanical for you

[-holiday76]

hit up cabriolet or cyberkaa, they can fix almost anything mechanical for you

are those shops in San Jose? Maybe forum members? I'm not finding much on a google text or image search so I'm guessing you're pointing me to forum members.

In any event, thanks.

[series88]

^they are both forum members. Eddie's German in Fremont is someone I go to for things I can't do on my own. They do a really good job and prices are great. Also, try Swift Motorsports in Santa Cruz. Oddly enough, both people I know from those shops are named Andrew.

[Rodoni]

there are tons of shops in the bay. btm motorworks in campbell, brracing in los gatos, there's a shop behind bmw mtn view that my buddy works at, can't remember the name though. Don't go to motorspeed west in sj.

[Thizzelle]

welcome, i'd say do it yourself, you will learn alot and can easily be done on a weekend taking your time. only special tool you need is a 32mm open end wrench and yes it will fit you don't need a fucking skinny one.

[Cabriolet]

my ears were burning...

get that TB done asap! if i were you, i wouldn't do it unless you really know your way around the engine. those of us that do it often, it takes 3-4 hours, but if done wrong can kill your engine. Im in campbell if you need someone to inspect the car for you.

[IAmGary]

+1 for Cabriolet. He did an amazing job on my m20 engine transplant, he can handle your timing belt and advise you on anything else that's critical.

[Wh33lhop]

Cabriolet and cyberkaa are forum members and they will take care of you real good ;) ;) ;)

Timing belt was one of the first things I did to my e30 when I got it, being completely unfamiliar with them before that. I'd say you're probably fine to do it yourself.

[SkiFree]

Lots of shops....

North Bay Bavarian
A1 Imports Autoworks
BTM Motorworks
(each of these shops actively race SPEC E30).

[e30vert]

That picture of the vert is over by Westfield Mall ( formerly Valley Fair Mall ) . Have Eric /Cabriolet do the work! He knows his way around the M20 engine and has done all kinds of work on e30's with lots of satisfied customers! Along with the belt the tensioner should be replaced, etc. He is very reasonable as well. Plus you will get to meet another board member who will be willing to give you good solid advice on the new vert!

Can you do it yourself - Sure! You will need the Bentley and lots of time and patience. In the back of your mind you will also be wondering if you allowed the timing gear to advance or if you have the belt on the right tooth when you put the new one on , but thats OK- right? LOL

Congratulations on the e30 vert purchase!

[-holiday76]

Thanks guys!
Actually the pic is from Santana Row Where i bought the car, but maybe thats the same place you're talking about.
Anyhow, i will get ahold of Cabriolet , especially since i work in campbell.
I picked up the car this afternoon and its awesome. Well, except that the driver seat is leaning at a weird angle and the rims need to go asap. I got the stock rims with the car too.

Does anyone know where to get a spare center cap just like this one other than ebay? Im missing one.


The car.

[darkcolor.666]

Congrats. Looking good (other than the wheels lol)

I am looking for a shop myself too. But I am more near San Francisco.