My First BMW build-1989 325is

[Amoehlau]

Hello everyone,

My name is Adam. I've just graduated from college and started a job as a Mechanical Design Engineer here in Buffalo NY. I've owned a couple different cars including a 300Z, RSX-S, and my current car, a WRX. I've had the wrx for about two years now and built it into a 325awhp daily driver. I love the car alot but I've come to the realization that I should probably not sink anymore money into my daily. So after looking around for about two months I finally made up my mind and bought a 1989 325is! I've got some plans for this car and I'm sure it'll be a blast. Here's some pics, let me know what you guys think.

[IzzY_325is]

Looks great, my first car was a red '89 325is that my dad gave me five years ago. Great find on this.

[Haystack]

What's the specs on the rims and tires?

[Amoehlau]

Thanks! So far I'm loving it. Definitely needs some love but I'm excited to get into a new project.

Wheels are 15x8 +20 and tires are 205/50's. I like the look but even with a bit of stretch the tires rub occasionally and they are EXTREMELY close to the struts up front. I'll probably be rolling my fenders in the near future.

[Amoehlau]

Well, the car starts really hard and idles pretty rough so first thing I did was pull the plugs. What came out was pretty ugly so I threw some new ones in, but didn't seem to have any effect. I cleaned the throttle body which was pretty nasty but still no luck. I read a bit about other people having the same issue and figured with the cars age I'd throw some of the recommended parts at it and see what happens. Parts included: new idle control valve, fuel pressure regulator, cap & rotor, and spark plugs... still no dice. I'll continue to diagnose and see what I can come up with.

Some pics of the nice clean throttle body as well as the worst plug that I pulled...

[ST1G]

I'm in for build. Looks like you have a good starting place and the money to make it great. I hope you do her up right.

[Amoehlau]

Thanks, I'll do my best. I've got big plans so hopefully my student loans don't take away too much from the build haha.

[Amoehlau]

Well after a new crank position sensor and O2 sensor it still starts hard and idles rough. I've read that a check valve before the fuel rail could possibly solve the problem? maybe I'll just get a new fuel pump... and for future plans maybe a bigger fuel pump ;)