New member looking for advice

[santas"e30"]

Hey guys I'm 21 and from Oregon and a very proud new owner of an 89 325i I've admired these cars for a very long time and on Saturday I snagged my opportunity to get obe needless to say I love the car I've been fabricating on 4x4 for almost 10 years nos some I'm super excited to build a daily driven super slider lol my question is where do I begin? The odometer is broken the gas gauge doesn't really work there is a hacked in security system under the dash I'm missing the passenger side door pocket and mirror control so it's definitely a project which I'm very ok with so...... What are the best mods quick power builders I'm already on the hunt for a intake chip and exhaust and a 4.10 lsd what's next any input is greatly appreciated :)

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[ak-]

Timing belt, tensioner, water-pump, and all the "while you're in there" things so you don't regret your purchase lol. Welcome to r3v.

[santas"e30"]

It's supposed to have the timing belt replaced 2k ago definitely excited for the build

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[our guile]

If the PO can't prove that it was done 2k ago (receipts, etc.), assume it hasn't been done.

[fresh_TD]

maintenance first like "ak-" said before anything else or you might find yourself spending your "quick mods" money on things other then mods...nice find btw and welcome to r3v!!

[einhander]

My advice:

1) Use some punctuation.
2) I bet that thing needs some maintenance - ignore go-fast bits for now.
3) Get a chip, if you must.

[delatlanta1281]

Agreed. I would do the tab, we, plugs, fluids, check the rubber underneath, etc. then make a list of what it needs to be as perfect as you want cosmeticly. After all that is done, mod it. If you are replacing the rubber underneath look at going to a more performance setup, but keep in mind, when you replace one type of bushing, the others will show their age pretty quickly.

[sfinsf]

Search then Read what the forum says before you ask a bunch of questions, do your research to confirm, listen to the older members and try not to be annoying.

All the shit you want to do has probably been done, tried and tweaked, so pay attention and start reading.

Oh yeah... welcome!

[StereoInstaller1]

Hey guys I'm 21 and from Oregon and a very proud new owner of an 89 325i I've admired these cars for a very long time and on Saturday I snagged my opportunity to get obe needless to say I love the car I've been fabricating on 4x4 for almost 10 years nos some I'm super excited to build a daily driven super slider lol my question is where do I begin? The odometer is broken the gas gauge doesn't really work there is a hacked in security system under the dash I'm missing the passenger side door pocket and mirror control so it's definitely a project which I'm very ok with so...... What are the best mods quick power builders I'm already on the hunt for a intake chip and exhaust and a 4.10 lsd what's next any input is greatly appreciated :)

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Hey man, congrats. Welcome to R3V! '89 is a great year for E30s, like everyone else says, maintain first and then hotrod...and post more pics.

Luke

[CorvallisBMW]

Welcome! First up should be a basic tune-up and maintenance blitz:

Engine:
spark plugs
cap
rotor
wires (if you see signs of wear/cracking in the insulation)
timing belt
water pump
air filter
fuel filter
oil + oil filter
trans fluid
diff fluid
coolant flush
check for and repair vacuum leaks
clean idle control valve
clean throttle body + plate
clean AFM + door
adjust valves

Suspension:
check ball joints for play, replace control arms if necessary
replace control arm bushings
check tie rod ends for play, replace if necessary
check all 4 shocks for leaks, signs of wear. replace as necessary.
replace rear subframe bushings and rear trailing arm bushings
Replace front upper strut mounts
replace front + rear sway bar bushings and end links

Drivetrain:
inspect guibo/flex disc (located between the trans and driveshaft) for any cracks, replace as necessary
inspect center support bearing (driveshaft), replace as necessary
inspect all exhaust hangers, replace as necessary
inspect motor and transmission mounts, replace as necessary
inspect differential bushing, replace as necassary

Brakes:
Inspect pads and rotors for wear, replace as necessary
Inspect calipers and guide bushings, replace as necessary. Lube guide bushings
Inspect all rubber hoses, replace as necessary
flush brake fluid thoroughly
flush clutch fluid thoroughly

I'm probably missing some things, but that should keep you busy for a while :)

Also don't bother with a cold air intake, they don't do shit on these cars. and nothing short of a full, well-designed exhaust system is really going to get you any power. Stick with a good engine management chip (Jim Conforti or Mark D'sylva both make excellent tunes)

[Cletonius]

Welcome!

Like everyone else said, focus on getting the maintenance right before you go nuts.

[santas"e30"]

CorvallisBMW thank you for the awesome check list I plan on putting it up on the car list this weekend and running through that check list.

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