1985 325e White M3 Rep

[OttoB]

I just got the news that the car is finally being picked up today!!! The transportation of the car from Bend, OR to WPB is approximately 3,400 miles but I have travel plans next week and as such, foresee problems with the delivery of the car, unfortunately. I guess I will deal with things as they come and worry about it next week.

In the meantime, I placed a call to a highly recommended shop that is owned by Peter Shadowen of Roadnrace.com who thankfully, is located nearby. He is out of town for a few days but, if I meet up with him and everything squares up - then, he likely will help out with the car going forward including a post purchase inspection/change of fluids as a starting point.

On a separate note, being that I have not seen the car in person yet - now realizing that the car does not have foglights in the front lower spoiler, but these covers.





So...

1) the headlights appear to be Smileys - are there different models or types of them, and these happen to be tinted ones - if anyone knows? I prefer having normal headlights/maybe with bright LED bulbs as the mean streets here in WPB are not always very well lit. If they are already permanently tinted, then I want to replace them and looking for comparables that look like the ones on a real M3 (what, other Smileys - what part number or description are they referenced by)?

2) same with the turn signals - are they standard spec across the years and models, or would they have to be M3 specific to appear like the genuine article? I am not looking to convince anyone that this fiberglass-bodied M3 is not a replica, so I don't have to get Hella Germany pricey ones when identical appearing ones could be had for much less. I prefer new/not OEM than OEM, but worn out - ya know?

3) same with the missing fog lamps - I buy most of everything on eBay so if you could please tell me what to place on the search bar to source a new pair of foglights, that would be greatly appreciated. I had not noticed until moments ago that they were missing entirely, in all sincerity.

[kronus]

any energy expended on the 2.7 eta motor is more or less wasted. you'd be much better off putting something decent in. E36 M3 motors are an extremely common and well understood swap.

[82eye]

most chips don't do much without supporting mods. i'm not sure it's worth your time if you are leaning toward an engine swap.

[OttoB]

What about 42mm ITB’s for the M20 2.7L engines… up to 40hp increase as stated by Redux? At the $1,649 asking price - still isn’t turnkey as it requires an ecu (and a tune) as well as a throttle position sensor and a throttle cable off an e36?

This M3 rep has coilovers which will hopefully assist the possible issues with the 17x8.5 front wheels. It also has what appears to be a nicely laid out, wrapped exhaust. Other than a K&N, I am exploring ‘simple/straightforward’ horsepower gains as I have to drive that car for a few years and 120hp back in 1985, when there’s likely a few horses that have left the stable since then - may not be adequate enough. It’s illogical to add 50-60 hp just on the Conforti chip, air filter, and this ITB application (all for less than $2K), correct?

Your input, advice and/or suggestions are welcomed.

https://reduxracing.com/products/individual-throttle-body-kit-itb-intake-for-bmw-m20?srsltid=AfmBOopsO2-GxE5sKzRbdeUCXoaMZYtWIVQ6MZyRp-6iamJtKVm6JJxR

[OttoB]

Is this Conforti chip from Turner worth getting? 24hp gain at 4500rpm? Sounds almost too good to be true although Turner is well-respected and has been around for a long time.

Thoughts? Anyone else installed it on their eta and can vouch for it (or not)?

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...formance-chip/

[OttoB]

On my 850, I bought it for less than $7K when my son was just a month old in 2013 and of course - we all know that the most sensible car to use as a daily (because the then 22 year old 911 Turbo as well as 21 year old MB 500e were already reliable) was a 21 year old BMW V-12 with missing info on all accounts. So, I continued with being sensible and got ESM mesh wheels to give off the look of the BBS LM's since BBS wheels were not part of the budget (and neither were lowering springs, so we cut the factory ones off to get that look too!). I think I actually got those ESM wheels from Ary also, since he's been around for what seems forever!

Earlier this summer, I got another 'toy' car in BAT (black Alfa GTV-6) that was 'meant' for my son but, have decided to keep it for myself instead. Since the ESM wheels with the stepped lip really complimented the 850, I reached to Ary for another set now for this Alfa. But, he does not offer a lot of variety in terms of sizes although if I remember correctly, at the time he did refer me then to DTM Raderwerkz, actually. After finding out that JNC makes BBS LM reps in different sizes, I then bought a set from them for that car.

As to this e30 - since I have an exciting time every day dealing with a handful of ongoing projects and/or cars with needs - I want to keep things as simple as possible. By getting this particular wheel design, where the cap covers the lug pattern - then no... I prefer not having to source the 5-bolt kit, nor pay someone to do it. How can I go wrong when these wheels are direct 4x100 lug pattern with same OEM hub bore at a reasonable price?!?! Man... it checks off all the boxes and then some!

I will figure out the need for spacers next month, apparently - as BAT still hasn't found someone to pick up the dang car (but they will, and the car will arrive). Both the wheels and tires have been delivered to the tire place who will also do an alignment. Hilarious!

[82eye]

i take it you're not changing to 5 lug

[Northern]

Did Ary split ESM and DTM wheels based on rep/non rep stuff or something else? Didn't even know of DTM wheels, but the ESM site is still up so I assume they're both live.
I had some old ESM-007 (fake CCW classics) and they were good, just heavy and 16s so tire options dried up. I like those "RW02" basketweaves a lot.

I think a square setup is the way to go, both wheels and tires. Then you never have to worry about finding a tire in e30 diameter that's available in front and rear widths. Probably less of an issue with 17s, but I still don't think it's worth is.

With the non-M suspension, you're probably going to need a front spacer for those wheels. 17x8 ET20 is a gamble for strut clearance (Depending on how 20 that "20" actually is) so I'm pretty sure a 17x8.5 is going to need something.

I don't think there's any issue fitting 225-255 on an 8.5. Maybe even wider if the tires run narrow.

[kronus]

people definitely fit 235s and 8.5s up front, it just takes some attention. you will likely want to roll or clearance your fenders and check for interference elsewhere.

[patrick88m3]

Put an m30 in it and say its a b6 3.5s clone haha

[OttoB]

welcome! I was watching this auction and it looked like a well-built body. Glad that we get to follow along with your journey.

I like the wheel style, it will look just right on a white m3 body. 235 will be a little wide for the front. It's possible to fit, but you will battle some clearance issues and may need a travel limiter kit. What offset did you get?

You know? The owner of DTM Raderwerkz - Ary - who is a very likable individual - told me that the purpose behind this line of wheels ( several of the offerings at DTM Raderwerkz) was primarily designed to capture the spirit of BMW DTM-era M3's... Although they sell them in white also and sure white ones would look good on a white car - most times, colors/shades do not match. With them in silver, I can always apply some type of removal finish color if I want a change - but, they ought to look great in this color (have not been able locate a single image of an e30 M3 with them)!

Until your post, it never dawned on me to consider getting a narrower set of front wheels such as a 17x7.5 or 17x8. When I looked into tire sizes for the 17x8.5 wheels, there was a mention that a 225 sized tire was right on the border of not big enough for the wheel - so, I opted for a 'safe' square setup that all 4 corners have the same sized tires at 235/40/17's. But, last night after your post, I went back to the DTM website and saw that 17x8.5 is actually the smallest (and ONLY) sized wheel they sell for this series! So, I am hopeful and optimistic this wheel and tire combo doesn't present any clearance issues, as it would be quite a step back to have purchased them and then later find out that they are not compatible or a straightforward swap/install... When I bought an S123 MB wagon with 16inch AMG Pentas last year, it came with 225's on all 4 corners but didn't look right. I made the fronts go down to 205 tires so they wouldn't stick out as much and then got 245's for the rear conservatively - as there is even more room there. However, your post got me thinking that I hope its no big deal installing the only sized 17x8.5's up front (on the 235 tires on a small car) as I am unable to return the tires once mounted... We'll see what happens. The et is 20 - which again, is the only choice offered for the 4x100 bolt pattern and 57.1 bore that my car came with from the factory.

On another note - as of today, the e30 still has not been picked up at the Seller's place in OR... I bought it 2 weeks this upcoming Sunday and BAT Shipping got paid the following day. It'll arrive eventually all right - but, somewhat unusual for me in this delay in comparison to previous purchases/delivery times.

[2mAn]

I like the wheel choice, I had envisioned these wheels when I was dream-building it...

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/e30-classified-forums/for-sale-wanted/wheels-tires-for-sale-wanted/10145041-fs-compomotive-super-rare-17%E2%80%9D-wheels-4x100-motorsport-rally

BTW I tagged you as someone is looking for a set of Ronals in MD

[kronus]

welcome! I was watching this auction and it looked like a well-built body. Glad that we get to follow along with your journey.

I like the wheel style, it will look just right on a white m3 body. 235 will be a little wide for the front. It's possible to fit, but you will battle some clearance issues and may need a travel limiter kit. What offset did you get?

[OttoB]

In WPB, I am limited to whoever can and will work on any of my cars... I reached out to a local last week, who has a shop and they apparently install turbos on all European machinery (including an e30 on his website's video). But, that is not necessarily the direction I want to take. The end goal for me is to sort this car out with the dash situation, electronics, and mechanical needs (if any) to make it as reliable and turnkey as possible. I have gone to town on many of my other cars (and still am) but not this one, for now anyway. Although too damn nice of a car for any kid, I genuinely want to pass this one to my son when he turns 15 and can begin practicing driving for a year to get his learner's permit. Selfishly, I have always wanted an e30 M3 - just like anyone else with a heartbeat - but, I have also been lucky, grateful, and fortunate to check off other 'dream cars' off my list beforehand. So, by getting a rep that can be modified - it is my hope that I can enjoy it sparingly for a couple of years and then, Jr. can appreciate and enjoy it too. So, I know 120hp on this eta will not be getting me excited, but the car certainly looks as if it was really well put together with coilovers, exhaust, and attention to detail on the bodywork and throughout.

When I am about to buy a particular brand of car - first step is to research forums to learn as much as possible and see what has been done (or not) so I have the ability to make a decision on what to do with it. Reading up on swaps, to get some decent hp north of 175-200, then it appears that $10K is the expected outlay. And, I am not remotely even close to considering that. I did speak to the assistant mechanic at a shop that helps me with a British V12, 6 Spd manual I own - and, he has a 2.5 head ready to go which was meant for his own personal car - him working previously at a BMW tuning shop in Delray Beach, I believe. I am also hesitant to see that through as it requires more than just the head swap and, apprehensive to begin spending $1,000's on making the car be faster. Which, for any 'kid' - is not a great idea to be driving a fast car since they will find ways to drive the wheels off of them, regardless of how responsible and mature any 16 year-old claims to be. We ALL were 16, 17, 18, 19 at some point, ya know?




Switching gears on what has been done as of last week after paying for the car... All I have been able to do thus far is to take care of some minor issues which to me, are needed - such as: 1) replacement antenna on the roof which is missing (paid ECS for a new one last week); 2) a little cigarette lighter cap to cover the missing one; 3) floor mats to spruce up the ones there (and required me trying to find ones that appear OEM which are velour, apparently?); and of course 4) WHEELS!!!!! Nothing against what is there now on the Ronals, but if it a mesh design - it has to be step lipped and these aren't. So, they are nice, but not what I have in mind.

I spent a considerable amount of time going over many 100's of pictures looking at e30's and their wheels ALL of LAST WEEK. I mean - who doesn't want or like a VW GTI with BBS wheels, or a 2002, or an M3 with them - right? When I bought the 914 off BAT last year which is powered by a Subaru 2.0L Turbo engine - it came with 17 inch chrome Fuchs appearing wheels, and was the first time in my life I then installed smaller wheels on one of my cars [ now has 15x9 and 15x10 with the rears mounted on 295/40/15 Michelin TB tires, so ... ].

There was the ability to 'spend' money to convert the car to a 5 lug, there are a zillion options to attempt to make my car look like an OEM stock M3 with those wheels, then there was 15's, 16's, 17's, and 18's... My initial preference was for DTM type center lock BBS appearing ones, and there are some for sale for about $4.5K all in. Nope - too much. Then, there are the other racing inspired wheels like BBS e48 , e55, e87/e88 styles - BUT, it would like strange on a 4-lug bolt pattern and this car is meant to somewhat continue looking similar to a real one. Ultimately, I decided that:

1) simpler is better - so keeping the 4x100 bolt pattern for now;
2) inexpensive is even better, as there is a chance in the next few years that 1-2 wheels will be bent, by accident or simple lack of awareness - so, I am being realistic somewhat;
3) DTM look is the mythological preference for all e30 M3's IMHO;
4) having a wheel that covers the bolts, give the look of a center lock, give the look of DTM, and being on the reasonable price point of things, was the way to go; and
5) BONUS that it is not a wheel used very regularly on other M3's AND AND AND - that they actually look really COOL!!!!


Let me show you what I came up with.... drum roll, please - tum tum tum -

DTM Raderwerkz DTM RW-03 in silver - 17x8.5, 4x100, 57.1 cb in stock and will be mounted on Yoko's 235/40/17 on all 4 corners.

https://dtmraderwerkz.com/shop/ols/categories/dtm-rw03

I almost always use a staggered set of wheels/tires - even on my 1981 MB station wagon... but - after seeing a video of a turbo e30 bottoming out with 3 guys in it - I opted for 17's which are not unusual, but also for this 'safe' size tire vs. 245/255. It is important for me that if my son's first car (we'll see about that in a couple of years, won't we!?!) is an old European car which may not be all that practical, that it still can be used/abused/enjoyed and bottoming out or having mechanical problems are not issues I want him to start with!

[2mAn]

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/e30-classified-forums/for-sale-wanted/parts-for-sale/10148416-bmw-m20-3-0-stroker-engine-kit-with-trans-and-all-parts-8000

Fastest and easiest swap to transform the car