1989 325i Vert from Florida

[bellerto]

Hello everyone. Here is my '89 E30 convertible in Zinnoberrot that I acquired back in May '18. I've been a happy BMW owner for some years now but the E30 has definitely been the pinnacle so far.

I spent about 6 months actively looking for a good example and after many test drives and lost auctions at BAT, I feel very lucky to have found this one locally and in good shape. I was originally looking for a coupe or sedan but I couldn't pass this vert and I have no regrets. I truly enjoy driving around with the top down.

Part of the reason for getting the car was to have a DIY project where I could learn more about auto mechanics so I have been working on it since day one. Here is what I have done so far:

Timing Belt & Water Pump
Oil & filter, coolant change
Suspension refresh (New shocks, springs, mounts)
Tie rods
Wheel alignment
Cat-back exhaust
Door locks
Convertible Top release handle

I started a Youtube channel as way to document the process here: NoGaragE30

Next on my list is to fix the AC, which has not worked since I got the car and is not something you can live without down here in South FL. Im plan to do the R134 conversion following the awesome "Detailed E30 R-134a Conversion Thread/DIY” on this forum.

Glad to be a part of this great community. Cheers!

[Bearmw]

Nice spoilers. I always like the look even if they are not super functional at typical road road speeds.

[E's-30]

Great looking car! I have a zinno vert as well!




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[jgilber0]

Good lookin’ ‘vert! I’m also planning to do the R-134a deal. It’s too hot down here to go without AC.

[bellerto]

Nice spoilers. I always like the look even if they are not super functional at typical road road speeds.

Thanks. Im not too happy with the trunk spoiler to be honest. The paint is all faded and there are many spots where the paint is completely gone and you can see the white (rubber, foam?) material. Im not sure how to go about fixing this. I see some people here recommending plasti-dip.

[bellerto]

Great looking car! I have a zinno vert as well!

Yours looks really good. Is that the chrome bumper painted in red? Also, what type of apron is that on the rear? Mine looks like it's missing something below the rear bumper, you can see the spare tire well from the back.

[bellerto]

Good lookin’ ‘vert! I’m also planning to do the R-134a deal. It’s too hot down here to go without AC.

Good luck with that. I see yours is a '92, was that not 134a already? I have all the parts in hand already except for the compressor which is proving to be a PITA to find so far. No mounting kits for aftermarket options and all the OE options are expensive R12 compressors with 134a compatible seals.

[E's-30]

1989 325i Vert from Florida

Yours looks really good. Is that the chrome bumper painted in red? Also, what type of apron is that on the rear? Mine looks like it's missing something below the rear bumper, you can see the spare tire well from the back.

Yea chrome bumper painted red with a rear bumper strip on the front as well. It’s a Zender rear apron, believe it was actually meant for euro bumpers but I got it to fit mine. The only other one I have come across that looked similar is the racing dynamics one. DTM Fiberworks makes a reproduction that looks decent as a real one is near impossible to find.

Not to threadjack but here is a better pic of the side of the rear apron.


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[jgilber0]

Good luck with that. I see yours is a '92, was that not 134a already? I have all the parts in hand already except for the compressor which is proving to be a PITA to find so far. No mounting kits for aftermarket options and all the OE options are expensive R12 compressors with 134a compatible seals.

Unfortunately early 1992 models are R-12.

I’m contemplating just having my compressor rebuilt with R134a seals. Still need all the other stuff, and not a priority until I have my top redone, seats fixed, and manual transmission swap completed. Keep us posted on compressor options please.

Also, consider coming up to Palm Beach for Cars & Coffee sometime. We often get a good turnout of e30s and it’s always great to see new faces and cars.

[jgilber0]

Yea chrome bumper painted red with a rear bumper strip on the front as well. It’s a Zender rear apron, believe it was actually meant for euro bumpers but I got it to fit mine. The only other one I have come across that looked similar is the racing dynamics one. DTM Fiberworks makes a reproduction that looks decent as a real one is near impossible to find.

Not to threadjack but here is a better pic of the side of the rear apron.


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Bumpers look good!

[bellerto]

Unfortunately early 1992 models are R-12.

I’m contemplating just having my compressor rebuilt with R134a seals. Still need all the other stuff, and not a priority until I have my top redone, seats fixed, and manual transmission swap completed. Keep us posted on compressor options please.

Also, consider coming up to Palm Beach for Cars & Coffee sometime. We often get a good turnout of e30s and it’s always great to see new faces and cars.

Will do. I attended Cars and Coffee Miami for the first time this past Saturday and I was the only E30 there. I just looked at the C&C PM page and that is certainly a much larger event. That is a bit of a drive for me but could be a good excuse to drive the car more :)

[jgilber0]

Will do. I attended Cars and Coffee Miami for the first time this past Saturday and I was the only E30 there. I just looked at the C&C PM page and that is certainly a much larger event. That is a bit of a drive for me but could be a good excuse to drive the car more :)

Great!

[inkeys]

Just watched you channel on Youtube. Keep up the great work. She looks lovely!

[bellerto]

Just watched you channel on Youtube. Keep up the great work. She looks lovely!

Awesome, glad you liked the car and the videos. Just uploaded a new one today where I do some cosmetic work.

I see you have the same car and it seems to be in great shape! I wish my paint looked as good. I like the euro bumpers too.

[bellerto]

Here is the video of my first cars and coffee event. That 2002 was amazing!