1985 325e White M3 Rep

[OttoB]

Okay - after 2 calls today to Run Buggy - first was told car can be delivered on Thanksgiving or, supposedly next Monday, December 1st. So, next Monday hopefully it will be and had coincidentally already lined up an appointment with the DMV Tuesday to get plates in order to be able to drive it... In the meantime, I got the Depo Smiley headlights in today from Classic Hero and they appear great...












Although the listing of the car when the Seller bought it in 2022 off Cars & Bids had a regular kidney grill, I asked him if he had done anything to it as its presently black to match the tinted dark headlights and turn signals. When he said no - which is strange since the kidney grill on the car is black - I went ahead and bought a new one since this is a New-to-Me car and I want it looking as good as possible from Day1:










The amber turn signals sourced from eBay (as has everything else other than the headlights which is where I found them, actually) also arrived and looking spiffy:











Long story but in essence, all my cars have to either get a Momo steering wheel and/or Alpine head unit - no exceptions (other than the VQ). So, here is a new, old-stock Alpine CD player since they don't make or sell them new anymore and, I use the the USB ports on them to charge my cell phone. Next to the box is a cigarette lighter cap since it's missing on my car and I don't smoke (much less in any car).

[OttoB]

Lastly, these floor mats are a very nice, understated improvement over the ones my car has had it seems since it was built in 2020. I like the quality, look, finish, and touch but - likely the last thing I will install on the car so they don't get beat up by any shop while the car is being worked soon, in order to get some of this stuff installed, plus more on the way (and the routine, basic post-purchase fluids/maintenance stuff).

[OttoB]

Car was supposed to have been dropped off this morning from Miami - a 70 mile drive that takes 1.5 hours at most. The DMV appointment was scheduled 2 weeks ago for tomorrow morning, so the car can be driven once it has been registered. This is the picture of the car in the transporter from this morning that the driver sent me but, the batteries on the truck died, and he supposedly has been waiting 7+ hours for replacements to be delivered to him. I am not banking on the car arriving tonight although it would be nice not to have it sitting for another week+ per a backup DMV appointment on the 8th that I just booked. Taking delivery of a car at night is no bueno - but, what choice do I have? Life goes on! Wish me luck and I will post pics of the car in daylight tomorrow, hopefully. Off to get the DTM wheels installed on Wednesday, hopefully!

[2mAn]

Transporters are always frustrating... I swear they always want to drop off at night

[OttoB]

Well... this week has certainly been very eventful! After having been promised that the car would be delivered in the morning this past Monday... excuse after bullcrap excuse had them arrive at around 8:30pm or so.








That was the plan anyway - the driver ended up somehow breaking the one key the car came with, off the trunk lock. Don't ask me why it was there or why he was fiddling with it, or? But, no other choice but to take the car back to Miami while being told they would get a locksmith Tuesday morning to create a new key and deliver the car to me later that day.

Okay - that was the plan anyway. Car got delivered yesterday instead during working hours and washed but, one key only for the ignition as the trunk lock essentially is busted open (in attempting to remove the remaining part off the key) so, I now have to figure out how to get all locks on the car on the same key with parts, and who. I want a genuine BMW key as well vs. a locksmith special... The driver told me the battery was weak (sat on the truck for 2 weeks actually) so, as soon as it was unloaded yesterday, I went straight to AutoZone and bought a Mac Daddy 5 year Duralast one. Then, topped the fuel tank with 6 gallons of premium as the fuel gage nor most of the other gages work on the cluster. While I was there, got air on the tires since they were at only 12 psi, revealing to me that this car apparently spent a long time sitting. I checked the oil and I'd say it was topped off as there was plenty!

Having missed the DMV appointment, now scheduled for next week - then I don't want to drive the car much. These are pics before the wax, detail job being done to the car as we speak:






Tomorrow, the car will have the DTM wheels installed which I believe will significantly change the look of the car, and I am genuinely enthusiastic about that. HOWEVER, the laundry list of the car's needs is pretty significant and, that is aside and apart from my own personal list of all items that will be undertaken to make the car more to my liking. Both are extensive, actually. On the short drive to AutoZone, the car had plenty of pep which was surprising! The exhaust is raspy and lets out a nice sound (bordering on almost too loud, but I am good with it). Brakes, clutch, suspension - everything really good, actually! But, the a/c does not work and I cannot drive a car without one. I am on the hunt to replace the dashboard and have been looking at eBay for some. The refurbished Euro 325e cluster from Canada is arriving soon, as are Euro side marker lights that go on the front quarter panel, headlight wiper system, lower lip Evo splitter, K&N, etc.

If anyone with a Euro spec car can give me a heads up on how to mount a 'regular license plate' from the holes atop license plates (vs. on the sides/middle of euro ones - adapters available?), that would be appreciated. Also, info on the door locks?? Is the dealer is the only way, but they would sell all of them or? There are 2-3 shops nearby that I am considering getting the work done and will have to visit them next week. I will store the car at a warehouse/shop belonging to a friend as the door locks don't work with the ignition key either and, without a license plate - not good having this good looking car hanging around!

[kronus]

sounds like a rough adventure. glad the car mostly survived.

for door locks, I'd find a used factory one and have it reconfigured to match your existing lock. simple job for a locksmith. this can be done to all of your cylinders to have them match whatever.

this is a kit that's typically used - https://www.bimmerworld.com/Body-Aer...61343-E30.html

[OttoB]

sounds like a rough adventure. glad the car mostly survived.

for door locks, I'd find a used factory one and have it reconfigured to match your existing lock. simple job for a locksmith. this can be done to all of your cylinders to have them match whatever.

this is a kit that's typically used - https://www.bimmerworld.com/Body-Aer...61343-E30.html

The link you sent from Bimmer World indicates that it is out of stock. I don’t feel comfortable driving the car without working locks. In the link, it specified “Left”? What does that mean? For a LHD car?

I then did a Google search under the same description as the Bimmer World link and found a kit for the e30 but… says “Right” and oh - they want $113 just for shipping 😳🫣‼️

Can you please elaborate on whether these kits bring locks for ignition, doors, trunk and glove box? Forgive my being naive and if there’s a link with everything I need from someone having it in stock, no’ better!

[OttoB]

Dang - not sure what heck is wrong with the site. Found a link and tried pasting to the post above but no dice!?!

Is this from FCP good to go? Is there a difference also as to central locking or not? Anyway of knowing if mine is/has central locking or which to buy?

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...er-51219556313


And this one also for the trunk?

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-rep-kit-f-lock-cylinder-51249061876?ads_cmpid=21618909340&ads_adid=1663468 72277&ads_matchtype=&ads_network=g&ads_creative=71 0435931532&utm_term=&ads_targetid=pla-2338160550696&utm_campaign=&utm_source=adwords&utm _medium=ppc&ttv=2&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=2161 8909340&gbraid=0AAAAAD3np3Vb-xQwHEkifEMiqs35BI-xZ&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_8TJBhDNARIsAPX5qxRzANJ26-hCLtW-JlfKizX6aBvptUAPMNGly9ebcEx4DKumuvZKC9oaAs9iEALw_w cB#fitment

[AWDBOB]

The link you sent from Bimmer World indicates that it is out of stock. I don’t feel comfortable driving the car without working locks. In the link, it specified “Left”? What does that mean? For a LHD car?

I then did a Google search under the same description as the Bimmer World link and found a kit for the e30 but… says “Right” and oh - they want $113 just for shipping 😳🫣‼️

Can you please elaborate on whether these kits bring locks for ignition, doors, trunk and glove box? Forgive my being naive and if there’s a link with everything I need from someone having it in stock, mo’ better!

Found this from FCP - yes?


https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...er-51219556313

Left means left drivers side lock cylinder. That p/n is a repair/rebuild kit for the commonly broken pieces on the drivers lock cylinder.

Left and right lock cylinders are different.

That p/n was NLA for a long time, and was only recently restocked..... but went back out of stock today.

You can't buy a full central locking lock set any more.

The ignition tumblers fail/wear out so it's common to have a different key for the ignition than the doors/glovebox/trunk lock.

Path of least resistance will be to have a locksmith cut a new key for your door locks. They can also reconfigure your door locks to match your ignition tumbler lock.

When you do this, you'll likely find that your drivers door lock is exploded like most of them are, which you'd then need the 9061343 kit to remedy that issue.

The entire car can be locked/unlocked via the trunk if you have central locking, so a more affordable path could be purchasing a good used trunk lock with key and installing that in the meantime.

You have a 9/85 euro car, do you know if you have central locking or not?

[OttoB]

I have no idea whether the car has central power locks although it appears not. But, I was able to find 2 complete sets on eBay for sale that have key, tumblers for the ignition, both doors and trunk. Given that there is an insurance claim with the transportation company, could you tell me which of these 2 sets available for sale I should get? I prefer getting this going soon for peace of mind and cannot differentiate one from the other. Both offerings are asking very similar prices:

A) first option:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/125990792047

B) second option:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/157496348632

[AWDBOB]

You need to figure out if you have central locking or not before buying a lock set.

Easiest way is to open the fuel door and see if you have a black grommet on the lower left side of the opening, which would be the hole for the fuel door lock actuator.

If you have that, buy lock set #2.

#1 is for an ‘84 car which has slightly different door lock cylinders (pre 09/84 production).

[OttoB]

The car is at the wheel/tire place and despite having an appointment, was told it might not be ready until Monday. The gas cap itself does have a lock and I had to unlock it the other day to put fuel in. The seats are manual, I doubt the car has power steering, and the locks seem to be individual. Could you please post an image of what the fuel door looks like if it has central locking with the grommet you mention or, if it does not? I have to then ask the tire guy to video chat with me because they are not open on the weekend and I would be looking at Monday afternoon, the soonest! Much appreciate your patience and continued support!

[2mAn]

This is why I try to DIY a lot of stuff myself... Havent they had the wheels/tires for a week now? They should've been mounted and balanced you should have them installed already

Sorry for the troubles.

[kronus]

it's a 9/85 car (1229766 from the BAT ad), you should have central locking and thus need set #2.

parts diagram/list - https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=41_0581

[OttoB]

This is the gas cap area and I don’t see anything?