1985 325e White M3 Rep

[OttoB]

Because I think there may be one or three people in this forum who could be interested in knowing how the headrests came out, then... sharing is caring. Not a terribly complicated undertaking, although I am very happy that this car now is rocking a pair of them on the rear seats.

Hoping everyone is feeling + doing great! Anyone attending Bimmer Invasion in WPB coming up in 5 weeks? In 5 weeks, I am counting on this car being at the shop with the missing dashboard already in hand and - there is another show that same day already where I signed up to participate with another whip... If it's possible for me to check out the BMW's, no doubt I will be there later in the day!

[2mAn]

You're doing it right... theres a lot of work you want to do and while its not happening in the order you want its important to keep going.

[OttoB]

As honest as they come, the seller of the dash (without me asking) sent me the other 8 tracking numbers this week of the bundle/order he shipped out back in December, to prove he sent several out. Unfortunately through no fault of his - mine is the only one that has not been delivered and, remains stuck in NY with no movement/new info since January 17th :(

He offered to reimburse me in full for the dash and in all sincerity - after I spent way too much time looking for next to new dashes, I realized getting one that had been redone to appear brand new was the best alternative. Today, he confirmed having sent a second, replacement newly redone one yesterday and I simply cannot vouch enough for the guy. I have repeated and affirmed that if I end up with both dashes, that I will do the right thing in shipping it to another client of his (as long as payment is made directly for shipping to the shipper) as good karma is exactly just that - good karma. He didn't do anything wrong and has gone over and beyond to assure me he is genuine, honest, and stands behind his product(s)! Theoretically, this last piece of the puzzle will be old, forgotten news in a matter of a few more weeks!

[reelizmpro]

I wonder if it's weather related or just lost. These things happen from time to time.

[BadDays]

No doubt that is an awesome looking replica! Hopefully you get the dash issues sorted out!

[OttoB]

It's been a hot minute since I last updated the thread... but same ol' rice. The phenomenally responsible seller of the new/refurbished dashboard shipped out a second one 2 weeks ago (all at his cost, since the first one only God knows why/what/NY/Customs/etc. out of the 9 he shipped in December). So, I am hopeful it arrives soon as that's all that is needed to get the car over to a shop that can do the anticipated work of installing a/c (with wiring too) on a car that never came with; replacing all locks including ignition barrel with complete replacement set; replace gage cluster to ensure all features work as they should; install head unit/amp/compact sub + 5.25 speakers x4; installs front foglights + Euro front quarter panel turn signals; and install Evo II front splitter from Condor Racing and Cecotto Evo III rear small mini spoiler under the wing from Pesch Motorsport in Czech Republic. I may be forgetting some other stuff but essentially, I want to be able to drive/enjoy the car with good working a/c, tunes, and not hesitate to take it anywhere. It will happen, but now the leading contender to have worked on the e30 is in doubt on my end, as they have had another car of mine for 9-10 weeks - given it back to me twice - and twice within the day, the car leaving me stranded. Good guys but that can only carry me through for so long. So, the search for alternatives continues and actively reaching out to more than one shop so that we can get this car moving & going!

Switching gears, I wanted to share some e30 content with the forum as I went to Amelia Island (and the car I was supposed to display - from the shop above - left me stranded which took 5.5 hours for AAA to come pick up) last weekend. Out of the 3 shows this car had been accepted, I participated in none of them! But, I sure went to same and all other shows/events/happenings...

Below, are pics of a 1988 M3 Evo II, no. 151 out of 500, being sold via auction by Broad Arrow - it was cherry!





This is the link which shows that with fees, someone paid $157K excluding transportation or taxes for it!

https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/am26_r0095/1988-bmw-m3-evolution-ii

It was the first Evo II I have seen in person, and took tons of pics of the mini rear spoiler that I will install on my rep. Uber cool car, but unsure the new owner will actually be driving it as much of an apparent investment. There are a whole lot of interesting, cool, awesome cars to be had for that dough but when you are flush like the buyer, then this is just a toy. Must be nice to have options ;)

[2mAn]

The accumulation phase is almost as much fun as the installation phase... however nothing beats the finale of all that which is enjoying the completion of the vision you had. I know you've experienced this before so just stick to it and enjoy each phase as best you can.

[OttoB]

The weather in SoFla tends to be hit or miss and, it rained most of last week (plus rain had been expected this past Saturday) for a Hagerty Driver's Club Cars + Coffee in Delray. The thought of me taking my car there had not crossed my mind even when I went to bed Friday night, as I do feel bad that the car mostly sits while waiting for the Phantom Dashboard... Needless to say, I was very happy to take the M3 Rep out for the near 35-40 minute drive there, plus running a few errands with the car afterwards, and topping it off with now its second tank of fuel (still had 1/3 left). The car ran flawlessly and made me very chucked as I am presently dealing with several cars who regrettably, aren't either running or not running well at all!

The pics from this first post are from when I got there, a little early but no matter - the e30 was happy to get some sunshine and get out of its cave!

[OttoB]

Since it seems I am always running from A to B to then C and X - I don't think I had posted current images of the interior? I have new floor mats and the Z1 steering wheel going in, but only after I get the car back from the shop where I anticipate will likely be at for a couple of months, depending on priority there? Sharing is caring so here are the 5 pics I can post:

[OttoB]

I know most of the cats who showed up to the C+C, and there is zero chance of me passing this car as the genuine real deal. On the contrary, I want everyone to know its a 325e with a bodykit that was originally built in Poland, sold via Cars & Bids in 2021, and then I got it in October 2025 via BAT since I cannot afford nor justify $65K+ for an actual e30 M3. I was pleased to hear the support and compliments from those in attendance since 95% of folks wouldn't know that the rear seat on my e30 M3 gives it away that its not a real one.

No care - it was in great company flanked by a Euro M6 and a 996 GT3:










And then... back to its crib/cave/resting place as driving a car without a/c in the rain is just not fun (and plenty of rain this entire week here)!!!