1985 325e White M3 Rep

[patrick88m3]

They are most likely DEPO Smileys, which it looks like are NLA.

You gotta be kidding me. Hope I can sell some more part out parts and grab a set before they all go out of stock.

[OttoB]

The car was finally picked up last night, so it should arrive next week and I can take a closer look at everything. As it is, however, I’m never truly happy leaving any car I get ‘as-is’ from the previous owner. So, whereas the builder back in 2021 installed these smoked lenses, they’re just not for me (nor more importantly - the wheels)… Mind you, elsewhere in this thread I posted pics of me having tinted the lenses front and back of my 850 - but, not into same on this e30.

I appreciate everyone’s feedback and support, since you all know infinitely these cars in + out!

[reelizmpro]

Nice M3 clone. You should wait until you have the car looked over before buying parts. The car has Evo brake ducts in place of the foglights, smoked Autoart turn signal lenses and custom smoked smilies. I can't tell what brand they are but they don't appear to be the usual Bosch or Hella.

[OttoB]

Many thanks for the detailed response. As a matter of fact, I reached out directly via PM to the entity that is selling a refurbished set, asking a couple of questions and requesting they contact me back. That was last week - so, they must be really, really busy. Hence, this post so that I can seek out alternative sources for headlights, turn signals, and foglights since exploring options is always a great thing (we are talking about BMW's right)?!?!


I took a look at the many pictures on Cars+Bids from 2022 for this car - here is the link to that auction (never saw this until after bought the car):

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3qz...12&ref=pr_1_10

For your pros out there, if you had not seen this link/photos/info before - I absolutely welcome any additional information or insight that you are able to see based on same? I see a whole bunch of suspension and brake parts, but have no idea of what I am looking at other than it seems a lot of effort and time was spent to transform this M3 Rep.

The kidney grill back then was normal, and hoping that a shop in town (there are surprisingly a few) would have either an engine ready to go, a kidney grill, seatbelt receptacles, dashboard, etc. that this car appears to may end up with, ya know? For sure, the tinted headlights will be coming off the car but, not until I get every other part I want to replace so that everything can be swapped during a single visit to a shop - in case anyone is interested.

[2mAn]

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.

RealOEM is a place you should bookmark.

(1) OEM Smileys are later model factory Euro lights. They were never available smoked as far as I know. They are most likely DEPO Smileys, which it looks like are NLA. Should be able to get some bucks for them if you sell them here
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...headlight-set/

I PM'd you the OEM setup I would replace these with. You can upgrade the projector beam light if they arent already bright enough for you. Euro lights are pretty good IMO.

(2) I went over to Real OEM to pull the part# for the turn signal lenses and it looks like my suspicion was correct that they are the same as Early Model ones. A WTB here in the classifieds should help you get a set of Amber ones. As usual, when you put a WTB out there be careful of scammers.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=63_0157

Part # 63131386611

(3) This will be something that may take a little more work to find out since the bumpers are aftermarket fiberglass... there likely isnt the OEM mounting tabs. I would start with #1 & #2 and then you can address the #2

Get an OEM Chrome Kidney too... Those 3 items together (lights, signals and grille) will transform the front of the car.

[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