91 318iC - What do to now?

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  • rob_e30
    E30 Addict
    • Feb 2005
    • 456

    #1

    91 318iC - What do to now?

    So I picked up a well maintained 91 318i convertible a few weeks ago. It had just had a major service, but the shop failed to replace the timing chain tensioner (which failed and allowed the chain to slip). I had expected my 15 year old son to help with the repair so he could earn his way into the car, but it was not the priority for him that I thought it should be so I did all the work by myself. I did a valve job, replaced all the timing components as well as all the ICV and intake plumbing and last night took the car for a ride.

    It's a very clean black convertible that could use a new back window... It's got a tan sport (vinyl) interior with the original stereo, and 14" weaves with the center caps. Everything works including the onboard computer with outside temperature gauge. Clean title and SMOG test in mid-February. It has a few dings and the right front fender could use some work (or to be swapped), but other than that it's a great car. It's had new control arms and I'm confident it will be a very reliable ride given the work that has been done and that I just did.

    Now my challenge... do I:

    Keep the car as a project and get it to pristine shape with a lot of upgrades? Although it may look great, I'm not sure it will ever be the kind of ride that I would relish. My last "fun" car was a '99 M3 Convertible and that was 5-6 years ago.

    Sell it to fund more racing projects?

    Flip it for something I will enjoy more?

    Let my son find other ways to earn his way into the car as he'll need something to learn on a drive within 6 months?

    Thoughts?
  • Joe318is
    R3V OG
    • Sep 2005
    • 6451

    #2
    take a craftsman flat edge screwdriver and pop off as many interior and exterior parts as you can. paint them a bright color that clashes with the rest of the color scheme. replace painted parts and enjoy.


    Originally posted by vlad
    Do you know anybody else who built that many bad ass E30s?

    Comment

    • bmw325csi
      R3V Elite
      • May 2007
      • 4045

      #3
      318ic is a great daily driver, thats about it.

      You should restore it best as you can, get a couple of mando upgrades, like a wind deflector, heated seats and sit back and enjoy as gas prices rise again.
      harry/harout

      Comment

      • kronus
        R3V OG
        • Apr 2008
        • 13006

        #4
        facelift verts are some of my favorite e30's. Clean it up, lower it modestly, and enjoy cruising.
        cars beep boop

        Comment

        • BenM
          R3VLimited
          • Nov 2006
          • 2184

          #5
          Originally posted by Joe318is
          take a craftsman flat edge screwdriver and pop off as many interior and exterior parts as you can. paint them a bright color that clashes with the rest of the color scheme. replace painted parts and enjoy.
          hahahhahahahah I remember that thread.
          Originally posted by BillBrasky
          E36's are the Stephen Baldwin of the 3 series family. They barely hold everything together and they only sold a lot because of the popularity of their older sibling.
          1991 318i Alpine II - S50/5-lug swapped - track car
          1989 325i Cirrusblau - Daily
          1970 2500 - Malaga over Grey Cloth
          2012 F350 6.7PSD

          Comment

          • Joe318is
            R3V OG
            • Sep 2005
            • 6451

            #6
            Originally posted by BenM
            hahahhahahahah I remember that thread.
            wut?


            Originally posted by vlad
            Do you know anybody else who built that many bad ass E30s?

            Comment

            • 2002maniac
              R3V Elite
              • Feb 2005
              • 4260

              #7
              flip it.

              Comment

              • wastedincome
                E30 Modder
                • Aug 2004
                • 906

                #8
                I love mine but, it does need some more hp
                sigpic
                Wastedincome420@yahoo.com

                CURRENT STOCK LIST:
                00' e38 750iL HighLine=Highway Queen
                92' e30 318 vert=Aint going anywhere
                91' e34 535iM=Aint going anywhere
                91' e34 525iA=For parts
                92' e34 535iA=For parts

                Comment

                • ZM Blue Devil
                  Forum Sponsor
                  • Dec 2006
                  • 13836

                  #9
                  exhaust, chip, CAI, COP kit and lighter flywheel... It will feel like completely new car.
                  sigpic
                  New website releasing soon www.gutenparts.com Guten Parts + Service | Facebook | Twitter
                  ____________________________________

                  Levent
                  %20levent@gutenparts.com

                  ____________________________________
                  Ladies:
                  1998 E36 m3/4/5 1988 325i 1989 325iT

                  Comment

                  • rob_e30
                    E30 Addict
                    • Feb 2005
                    • 456

                    #10
                    COP Kit...hmm... Where would I get one of those?

                    As far as more HP goes, I could easily have that covered. I have a 320RWHP M42 sitting right next to this car too.

                    Comment

                    • ZM Blue Devil
                      Forum Sponsor
                      • Dec 2006
                      • 13836

                      #11
                      This is who I bought from...

                      sigpic
                      New website releasing soon www.gutenparts.com Guten Parts + Service | Facebook | Twitter
                      ____________________________________

                      Levent
                      %20levent@gutenparts.com

                      ____________________________________
                      Ladies:
                      1998 E36 m3/4/5 1988 325i 1989 325iT

                      Comment

                      • rob_e30
                        E30 Addict
                        • Feb 2005
                        • 456

                        #12
                        Originally posted by ZM Blue Devil
                        Yeah, that's me. Thanks for the product endorsement!

                        Comment

                        • oekundar
                          E30 Modder
                          • Sep 2007
                          • 964

                          #13
                          Originally posted by rob_e30
                          COP Kit...hmm... Where would I get one of those?

                          As far as more HP goes, I could easily have that covered. I have a 320RWHP M42 sitting right next to this car too.
                          Originally posted by ZM Blue Devil
                          Originally posted by rob_e30
                          Yeah, that's me. Thanks for the product endorsement!
                          BMWCCA #389756

                          Comment

                          • ZM Blue Devil
                            Forum Sponsor
                            • Dec 2006
                            • 13836

                            #14
                            LOL, oops, never caught on it was the same user name.

                            Nice plug... for you.
                            sigpic
                            New website releasing soon www.gutenparts.com Guten Parts + Service | Facebook | Twitter
                            ____________________________________

                            Levent
                            %20levent@gutenparts.com

                            ____________________________________
                            Ladies:
                            1998 E36 m3/4/5 1988 325i 1989 325iT

                            Comment

                            • Unearth078
                              R3VLimited
                              • May 2008
                              • 2623

                              #15
                              flip it for something more enjoyable! or racing projects. those are always fun. id love to have a 318 for a project car when i was 15...
                              Originally posted by Lof8
                              4 doors allow you to transport more whores.
                              therefore, their value is much greater.
                              Down to: 89 aw2 332i/4/5 , 70 Sahara 2002

                              Comment

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