90 325is a.k.a. Bronzit Bombshell

[laidback93]

Finally getting around to posting pics of my 1990 325is.

After months of endless searching in the northern California area, I finally found my E30. Finding clean, non molested, non salvage title E30s is becoming very hard in California. I had replied to this particular car's craigslist ad at the beginning of my search. Something about this E30 grabbed my attention and deep down inside I knew this was the car. I had to have it.

After over a month of not hearing back from the seller, I'd just about given up hope on ever seeing this car. Then it happened. On the very same day I had made arrangements to see a very clean 90 325is alpine white coupe, the seller of the Bronzit contacted me. I made the hard decision to go check out the Bronzit that night. I instantly fell in love with her.

All she needs is paint and body work. Interior is spotless with the exception of the ubiquitous cracked dash.

Quick list of the modifications.

- E36 Gauge Needles
- Z3 Steering Rack
- Bilstein Sport Shocks
- H&R Springs
- GC Camber Plates
- Auto to Manual Swap
- Z3 Short Shifter
- JB Racing Alum Flywheel
- E46 330i Muffler
- 3.46 LSD

And here she is.


Some old shoes. Didn't want to spend more money for them though.

[MR E30 325is]

Good start!

[laidback93]

Good start!

Thank you! I had planned to have paint and body work done this year, but weddings are expensive!

Look out next year!

[laidback93]

After a very long hiatus, we are back and looking better than ever. My E30 arrived yesterday on a truck here in Phoenix. The car came back from the central valley of California where I used to live before my company relocated me to the valley of the sun.

It spent some time at the mechanics getting maintenance stuff done such as timing belt, water pump, valve adjustment, new battery. Oh and a brand new ICV to the tune of $400 bucks. Ouch.

Then it went to paint and body which took forever...

But the wait was worth it.

I still have a lengthy list of little things to do here and there:

- Install new 325 iS badge on trunk
- Install new iS front lip
- Adjust driver's side door (the door body trim rubs on the fender trim when you open it all the way)
- Replace cracked dash
- New interior door handle bezel
- Figure out why driver's door tweeter pod is half way falling off
- New wheels and tires (most likely Ronals from the guy on here in WA)

And that's about it to make this e30 factory fresh.

Enjoy the pics.

[e30RS]

Very nice. Car looks superb.

[laidback93]

Very nice. Car looks superb.

Thanks!

I have a set of brand new Ronals sitting in the garage that I bought from Kaikane40. The'll be going on the car this week.

I also had a bunch of things done at the body including that damn door rubbing against the fender issue.


I'll be posting pictures as soon as I get my baby back.

[2mAn]

Body didnt look bad before, but now it looks fantastic! Now you just have to protect it from the land of the Sun baking that fresh paint...

[e30RS]

Looking forward to seeing the Ronals on the car. Just noticed you have the color matching center console arm rest. Superb.

[vintage_appeal]

Ugh! I can't wait to get a fresh paint job done to my e30, I got a bronzit also. Loving the progress man

[laidback93]

Body didnt look bad before, but now it looks fantastic! Now you just have to protect it from the land of the Sun baking that fresh paint...

Oh it was pretty bad. There wasn’t a straight panel on the car except for maybe the hood. This poor e30 was used and abused. Previous owner got her started on the road to recovery and I’m taking her to the finish line.

My car wash guy wants to do a ceramic coating but damn is it pricy! Going to get a good coat of wax on her for now and minimize its exposure to the cruel Sonoran desert sun.

Thanks for all the positive comments. Really appreciate it.

[laidback93]

New shots from a weekend birthday trip to Sedona. I didn’t want to leave!

Driver’s door and fender are now adjusted. No more being super careful opening the door too far.

Passenger door and fender trim has been fixed with new clips. They fit perfect now.

Fresh 325 iS badge has been installed.

Ronals installed. I love the fitment and way she sits on the suspension setup.

Finally - full detail job, including first wax job on the new paint, performed today.

I’m so happy with the progress.

Next up - finally solving the damn rough idle and rare stall out. Many have tried, but all have failed...

[mike.bmw]

Looks great!

[e30RS]

Love the stance and the ronals look superb. Well done.

[laidback93]

Love the stance and the ronals look superb. Well done.

Looks great!

Thanks guys! Really appreciate it. A lot of work and money to get to this point.


iS lip coming very soon.

[laidback93]

Some minor updates.

E82 floor mats have replaced the rubber mats. Really like the fitment and look.

And... My buddy and I installed a new Infinity amp to replace a super generic no name amp that came with the car. The PO had grounded the old amp to the battery and I'm sure you all know what happened. Dead batter after dead battery.

A nice new Rockford Fosgate wiring kit did the trick.

iS lip has been installed. It's so half assed it's not even funny. I broke half of the very brittle and very original valence clips. New clips will be ordered.

I'll snap a photo when it's been installed the right way!










And finally a shot of her with little sister.




Picking her up from her 30K service.