new-to-me Henna 318is

[misterTT]

*edit* new pics on page 4! e38 Style 5s FTW!


Hey R3v,
I had a 325ix for a couple years, that I sold last winter. Didn't need another car, and really didn't need another AWD car in SoCal. (i've also got an '06 WRX wagon that does DD duty). Here she was 4x4 style:




I missed it too much, and had to find a new e30!
After much searching and deliberation, I picked up this '91 318is from a fellow r3v member about a month ago. It was in pretty rough shape, and had been sitting for awhile. It was clear that someone had loved it in a previous life, and needed to be brought back. It started life as DS, and was resprayed Henna at some point. It had faded pretty badly (or so I thought).

(from the FS ad)




I gave it a good bath and started painting some trim before bimmerfest:









Finally found some time to get into the paint - claybar and lots of rubbing compound and it turned out nicely. Also painted the godawful body-colored door trim and door handles. That made all the difference in the world!

Wheels are silver/nogaro painted 15x7 Euroweaves. Ireland Stage 3 springs and bilstein sports for suspension.

Exterior Trim Painted:
Kidneys
Wiper Arms
Vent Grilles
Headlight Surrounds
Front Grilles
Door Handles
Mirrors
Door Trim
Bumper Covers
Rear Deck spoiler (replaced as the old one was cracked and floppy)


A few other goodies came with as well - e30 m3 offset CABs installed, poly motor mounts installed, IS lip came with the purchase and just needed to be installed. euro plate filler came installed. I picked up a new-ish real deck spoiler and trim-painted that. Also added black door cards and an Mtech I wheel. Put some cheapo lamin-X on the lows and highs, just until I can source a nice set of ellipsoids/smileys. I'd like to pick up some is skirts - i really don't like the look of the exposed rockers.

As it sits today:


























I just got done with replacing the M42's timing chain tensioner, cleaning up the mess under the intake, replacing a bunch of worn out gaskets, hoses, belts, filters, spark plugs, etc.

I'm hooked!

I'm thinking next step is to drop the lower oil pan and make sure everything is tight in there, and chase through any other leaks. I fixed a hot-start stalling issue today, which is a great relief. I've got an ebay chip coming in the mail, but beyond that I don't think the M42 is destined to be there for too much longer - maybe a year or so while I can stockpile for a swap fund.

comments/suggestions?

[rares]

sweeeeeeeeeeeeet, nice ride, glad your paint was salvaged... very kewl. keep up the good work and be safe out there.

[E30YrsOld]

Nice wax job rook!

That car is sitting on IE3s yes? Regardless...any shock/spring combo on an e30 needs drop hats to level out, do it:p

[DuMa]

i almost bought that car. glad to see it was bought by someone here too. keep up the good work

[byza213]

nice car mate!

drop hats ive read some bad thigns about them ..but anyway where to get online that ship ?

[MisterMiniS]

Nice wax job rook!

Shenanigans!

[bmwguy325is]

Very nice I must say. The poor mans M3 of the day. Well the 318is was. Still nice ride I like the wheels

[thowes24]

Good looking car man! :up:

[misterTT]

Thanks for the comments guys!

nice car mate!

drop hats ive read some bad things about them ..but anyway where to get online that ship ?

The little bit of research i've done suggests that the OEM e90 drop hats might be the best solution - not too much drop, just enough to even out some fender gap. They're VERY inexpensive from the dealership as well!

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=165995

i almost bought that car. glad to see it was bought by someone here too. keep up the good work

I almost didn't buy it - there were too many problems when I first checked it out - all the HVAC/AC and gauges were nonfunctional, and fourth gear was nowhere to be found. Couple that with the paint and not-so-complete interior and I just about ran away screaming. Luckily those were all problems that could be addressed relatively simply.

That car is sitting on IE3s yes? Regardless...any shock/spring combo on an e30 needs drop hats to level out, do it:razz:

Yep IE3s. I haven't thought about drop hats, but the e90s seem like a good option. I don't have the facilities to do that kind of a job myself though, which really sucks. I'm not in the mood to pay a shop to do that kind of thing for me. I wish I had a garage!

sweeeeeeeeeeeeet, nice ride, glad your paint was salvaged... very kewl. keep up the good work and be safe out there.

Thanks! I was very skeptical that it would clean up, but boy was I surprised. I guarantee that it would look even better with a professional's touch, though. I used admittedly crappy and inexpensive supplies, and rushed it a bit. Looks good enough for now though. Maybe i'll pony up the $$$ sometime to get it done right.

[325ix]

I think it needs chrome kidneys. The black ones blend in too much. I also think that the yellow highs look odd with the red. I think smoked or clear would clash less.

[Luis325]

Its Perfect!
All i would do is a Mtech 1 spoiler!

[misterTT]

I think it needs chrome kidneys. The black ones blend in too much. I also think that the yellow highs look odd with the red. I think smoked or clear would clash less.

I tend to agree - when I get a decent set of headlamps, i'll leave them clear, and probably pick up a set of chrome kidneys that I can swap out whenever I need to feel classy. I bought the el cheapo $10 film just to try it on the lamps, and I think they look better than the pitted crappy sealed beams underneath. I know film over sealed beams is a non-no, but I never drive this car at night anyway!

Its Perfect!
All i would do is a Mtech 1 spoiler!

Thanks! Mtech I spoiler would be cool, but so much $$$!

[freeride53]

Your car is amazing.
Henna Latemodel = Brilliant Idea.

[MR 325]

Damn, the polishing came out good! Amazing difference over what it looked like.

[misterTT]

Damn, the polishing came out good! Amazing difference over what it looked like.

Thanks! if it weren't for John at your shop showing me the wonders of 3m rubbing compound while getting my new trans installed, I don't think I would have known that the paint had any life left. :bow: Thanks TNG!