1987 325i Convertible (Red)

[SouthBayE30]

I have had this car for around 3 years now.



I bought it with around 91,000 original miles. It now has 102,000.

Current Problems/Issues:

- No Radio Code (Radio serial #: K70113666) - Got it from the dealer
- Front driver's side bumper border is cracked - Replaced the part
- Speedometer works intermittently
- No power locks
- Shift boot has a tear in it
- Hood and trunk roundels have chips in them
- Convertible top has several small holes
- Wiring is exposed above the pedals (a piece of trim/covering missing?)
- Paint on the 3rd brake light is chipping and faded - Sanded down and repainted
- Headlights are uneven (one of them is angled up into the sky) - Adjusted them.

I just washed and waxed it so I will upload some better pics soon. This is a great car that has served me well. I plan to fix the above issues one by one over the next couple of months.

Glad to be on this board! Lots of great info here.

If any one has any ideas/suggestions about the above issues, it would be appreciated! Would love some quick fixes so I can check them off the list and be one step closer to having a "perfect" E30. (I know, impossible!)

[bastianshaw]

you can find answers to all those issues just by reading and searching around here and on google
welcome

[fporro]

- radio, dealer gives you code for $ 25
- front bumper cover, color match on convertibles only, look on classifieds section or upgrade to plastic bumpers.
- speedometer, s.i. boadr batteries starting to go bad, replace them.
- power locks, undo driver door to body connector, clean pins.
- buy new shifter boot, many to choose from.
- roundels, buy new ones.
- you can patch the little holes, depending on size., do a thick small smear under hole from inside cabin.
- wireing, yes, carboard piece is missing, local pick apart junk yard has it, cost more to ship than they charge.
- 3rd brake light, look for parted convertible, those from northeast would be less faded.
- headlights, open hood, remove plastic covers if still there, turn big plastic knobs.

but the best advise i could give you is to buy a bentley manual...

here's my other cabrio, it was just like your's is now, even same interior, lol. did a litlle upgrading.

[Bronzit325is]

Beverly Hills BMW didn't charge anything to retrieve radio codes.

[e30partsguy]

Do not rush, take your time or it can be overwhelming. You got a great ride, don't let anybody discourage you because it's a convertible. All problems you listed are minor/easy fix. Many people wishes they have an e30 with 100k miles. Good luck. Bo

[fporro]

Do not rush, take your time or it can be overwhelming. You got a great ride, don't let anybody discourage you because it's a convertible. All problems you listed are minor/easy fix. Many people wishes they have an e30 with 100k miles. Good luck. Bo

100k's ? !, that's just braking it in. ;)

250k member

[SouthBayE30]

Thanks everyone for your replies!

fporro,
I just fixed the headlight issue that's been bothering me for months, with your advice. I can't believe it was so simple.

BTW, your car looks sweet!

[e30rapidic]

welcome to the '87 zinnoberrot cabrio club!

[2ndName]

Hello and welcome. Another vert from the bay, sweet.

[Nsquared97]

Yeah just call up the dealer for the code, guy gave it to me over the phone for free. He said "we are really supposed to make sure it's really your radio, but I kinda doubt you would be stealing a 25 year old cassette deck" haha.

And I had a red '87 zinno 'vert once, it was a parts car :P lol JFWY, looks good, welcome to the addiction!

[fporro]

Thanks everyone for your replies!

fporro,
I just fixed the headlight issue that's been bothering me for months, with your advice. I can't believe it was so simple.

BTW, your car looks sweet!

Thanks, glad to be of help, welcome to the wigglely's

[SouthBayE30]

Replaced driver's side bumper border today... pics coming soon.

[SouthBayE30]

[SouthBayE30]

More pics:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/91129541@N04/sets/72157632255177376/

[SouthBayE30]

Repainted Mirror:



In the Rain:



Thank You bernzspeed For the Bumper Trim Piece:



More pics on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91129541@N04/sets/72157632255177376/detail/