Charlie’s first E30 - 325i-C

[CharlieVu]

Charlie’s first E30 - 325i-C

Update: still waiting on ecs tuning to ship all the missing bolts and things I broke along the way.

Hella headlights came in. Housing rings were warn n rusted so I hit it with some plastidip. Will probably sand it all down and prime/paint it next month when it warms up. Plastidipped the grill (chrome bubbled so probably order a new one tomorrow)

Valve cover needed paint stripping and sanding. Used too much paint so it wouldn’t dry n harden. When I removed the tape, the paint came with it. Spent an hour scrapping with paint stripper. Will remove as much I can n try again next week.

Picking up IX valance and lip from local seller tomo. Hopefully I’ll have that all installed by Sunday night.

Ecs cant come any sooner! Im so excited to put everything back on driveeeee!

Oh yea! Found the brake sensor harness. It was torn out but enough left for me to solder on the sensor and tuck it away. It’s coming together!







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[325isman]

Sweet!

[DBShiznit]

I did the same with my headlight rings. Made a difference for sure. I too have a red vert. Are you going for the black on red theme? I posted on the photoshop section to see what black style 5's would look like but mostly everyone told me it wouldn't look good however I love it! Good luck with the car as well I'm going to subscribe, I may borrow some ideas haha I have a thread about my car too if you want to check it out!

[CharlieVu]

I did the same with my headlight rings. Made a difference for sure. I too have a red vert. Are you going for the black on red theme? I posted on the photoshop section to see what black style 5's would look like but mostly everyone told me it wouldn't look good however I love it! Good luck with the car as well I'm going to subscribe, I may borrow some ideas haha I have a thread about my car too if you want to check it out!

Twinsie!!! I want to stick with the silver mesh wheels on red just because I have diving boards. Might paint the chrome black like this photo I stole from the internet. Just not sure if I want to press my DB’s


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[CharlieVu]

Update!

Found a local e30 fanatic/mechanic that came over and put everything back together for me for $100. She’s running great!!!

So not sure what I updated in the last post but my bulbs came in and not to my surprise I ordered the wrong sizes.

I thought 9005/9006 low/high and they were actually backwards. I was tripping because my bulbs wouldn’t fit the Hellas! Also second guessed the seller but after doing some research, it’s 9006/9005 low/high. Had to redo the pigtails and now I have yellow low beams as spares. :D
Should I get crosshairs and paint them black?

While removing the Cam shaft seal my flat head broke through the metal piece but was fortunate enough to find a local e30 guy here town that donated his extra to my cause lmao.

Alright, here’s what I’ve replaced. Pretty much a tune up kit...
Spark plugs
Igniter rotor (hex bolts were stripped
(Sanded down distributor)
Battery (told me it was new- liar!)
Valve cover gasket
Valve cover nuts
All belts
Cam shaft gasket
Thermostat and o ring
Water pump (graf)
Hella headlights
Oil (not sure why I bought 2 Castro’s and Mobil 1)
Oil filter
Radiator fluid
Brake sensor
Throttle cable (mine had a lot of play and a missing nut) hands down the worst job I’ve done so far. Bending my body like a contortionist and trying to squeeze that plastic clip. Best way was to lay upside down with my legs in the air and holding on to the steering wheel lmao!

Next is to get it registered, insured and passed emission. Then I can drive it like I stole it and find out what else needs replacing.

Bought a leather cleaner and conditioner
Mr chemical guys deep carpet cleaner(so I really have to remove the carpet?!)



Here’s a link to the hid’s in action. Add me on instagram if you’re on there!!

https://instagram.com/p/Bgyx33egtrt/

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[CharlieVu]

Update:

Car drives strong! Finally took it to get washed n scrubbed it down. Car leaks from the soft top corners pretty good. On the way home realized it has no ac, should I convert the ac??

Car brakes squealed like a pig so ordered new front brake pads, rotors, and SS brake lines. Can’t wait to do that this week.

Earned $2000 in GC’s from work and one of the merchants is crutchfield.com. Time to upgrade the speakers n sub?

also been looking at wheels..

Can’t decide on what size... 15/16 or 17s...


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[CharlieVu]

Update!

Found an oil leak but can’t pin point where. Will get it on a lift soon.

Brakes bite strong. Car drives hard. I think I have an exhaust leak too as it’s pretty loud.. can smell it too with a strong gust of wind.

Today:

Finally had time to clean the inside. Removed the seats, vacuumed, then started scrubbing with some chemical guys carpet/vinyl cleaner. Scrubbed every nook and cranny. Cleaned the black door cards Ima swap in too! Going to dye the carpet black and finish the rest of interior at the end of the month.

Hopefully she doesn’t smell like she used to after this. Oh yea! Found zero rust 🤙

Removed the compartment vinyl cover because it was ripped and sun damaged. Looks pretty cool. Should I remove the chrome trim too?





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[CharlieVu]

Oh forgot to update on the brakes. Replaced front rotors, brake lines n pads. Got some stoptech SS braided lines too!




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