I’ve been a forum member for awhile, and have casually considered purchasing an E30 for years. About four months ago, I finally had the opportunity to drive one for the first time. It wasn’t the greatest example, but I knew within a few minutes behind the wheel that it was time to get serious about this. So I sought out to find a nice late model six cylinder coupe. I had a good budget and was willing to travel, but I’m very picky about condition and color preferences, so this wasn’t an easy task. I got pretty serious about purchasing two different cars, but they both sold quickly before I could close the deal.
During a nationwide Craigslist search last month, I came across a promising 91 325i just after it was listed. The ad was well written, the color combo was right, and the car featured some nice upgrades and recent maintenance. It was located in Massachusetts, but had spent most its life in the south. I really wanted an E30 with good original paint, but this car reportedly had a glass out/trim off respray several years back. It appeared to be a quality job based on the many photos I was sent, and body panels were all original. The asking price seemed almost too low (and WAY under budget!) but I had good vibes from the seller, so I took some risk and pulled the trigger.
Production Info:
Date: 1991-02-14
Type - 325I (USA)
Series - E30
Body Type - LIM
Steering - LHD
Engine - M20
Displacement - 2.50
Power - 125kw / 170hp
Drive - HECK
Transmission - Automatic (swapped to manual mid-2018)
Colour - Brilliantrot (308)
Upholstery - Black Leather (0203)
Options
S240A Leather Steering Wheel
S286A BMW LA Wheel BMW Styling
S401A Sunroof Electric
S410A Window Lifts Electric Front
S530A Air Conditioning
S540A Cruise Control
S556A Outdoor Temperature Indicator
S675A Rear Audio System
S925A DummySALAPA
I was originally going to have the car shipped, but decided it would be cheaper and more fun to fly in and drive home. While eagerly awaiting pickup date, I was able to track down the original forum build thread, which detailed some of the restoration work from three owners prior to me: (https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...d.php?t=229654).
The seller met me at the airport, and first impressions of the car were good. The paint was presentable, the drivetrain was strong, and even the A/C worked. Heading south, I decided to stop and see the Connecticut coastline.
Stopped at a friend’s place in NJ for a closer look under the car. Some minor issues noted, but nothing significant.
Headed south again, I spent a couple days in Virginia at my parent’s place. Dad and I completed the timing belt service, valve adjustment, and some other miscellaneous work.
During further inspection, I noticed these plugs on both front foot wells were loose, basically exposing the inside of the car to the elements. I pulled the seats to take a peek under the carpets, and fortunately found no hidden rust.
The plugs were reinstalled with seam seller, then undercoated.
On my way to Georgia, I stopped to take a couple photos at the BMW Zentrum facility in Greer, SC.
Finally home, about 1200 miles from where the journey started. Temporary housing squeezed in the garage until I have the driveway to my basement shop redone…
During the initial cleanup, I decided to do something about the trim around all the glass, which was caked with dried polishing compound and wax residue. During the process..
The only rust I have encountered (so far) is limited to an area under the trunk seal, and the common spot under the battery.
A couple photos after quick clean up
Changes from Stock:
Transmission swap to 5-speed Getrag 260
Z3 1.9 shifter, Garagistic DSSR, Delrin shifter & rear carrier bushings
4.10 limited slip differential
SSSquid Stage 1 chip
MagnaFlow 16535 stainless steel cat-back exhaust system
Red46 front skid plate
E36 steering rack
Ground Control complete coilover suspension
OE M3 offset front control arm bushings
Suspension Techniques 22 mm front sway bar (stock rear bar)
Garagistic front strut bar
"iS" front lip
Shadowline trim
Autobahn Black Ceramic 40% window tint
15x7.5" Ronal LS wheels
Kenwood head unit with aftermarket speakers
Radio antenna delete
Atiwe leather steering wheel
Aluminum gauge cluster rings
E36 illuminated window switches
E36 leather e-brake handle
M-Tech leather shift knob
StitchedWheels leather shift & e-brake boot
German Engineering keyless entry
4300K HID low beams with U.S. Ellipsoid/projector headlights and Euro grilles
During a nationwide Craigslist search last month, I came across a promising 91 325i just after it was listed. The ad was well written, the color combo was right, and the car featured some nice upgrades and recent maintenance. It was located in Massachusetts, but had spent most its life in the south. I really wanted an E30 with good original paint, but this car reportedly had a glass out/trim off respray several years back. It appeared to be a quality job based on the many photos I was sent, and body panels were all original. The asking price seemed almost too low (and WAY under budget!) but I had good vibes from the seller, so I took some risk and pulled the trigger.
Production Info:
Date: 1991-02-14
Type - 325I (USA)
Series - E30
Body Type - LIM
Steering - LHD
Engine - M20
Displacement - 2.50
Power - 125kw / 170hp
Drive - HECK
Transmission - Automatic (swapped to manual mid-2018)
Colour - Brilliantrot (308)
Upholstery - Black Leather (0203)
Options
S240A Leather Steering Wheel
S286A BMW LA Wheel BMW Styling
S401A Sunroof Electric
S410A Window Lifts Electric Front
S530A Air Conditioning
S540A Cruise Control
S556A Outdoor Temperature Indicator
S675A Rear Audio System
S925A DummySALAPA
I was originally going to have the car shipped, but decided it would be cheaper and more fun to fly in and drive home. While eagerly awaiting pickup date, I was able to track down the original forum build thread, which detailed some of the restoration work from three owners prior to me: (https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...d.php?t=229654).
The seller met me at the airport, and first impressions of the car were good. The paint was presentable, the drivetrain was strong, and even the A/C worked. Heading south, I decided to stop and see the Connecticut coastline.
Stopped at a friend’s place in NJ for a closer look under the car. Some minor issues noted, but nothing significant.
Headed south again, I spent a couple days in Virginia at my parent’s place. Dad and I completed the timing belt service, valve adjustment, and some other miscellaneous work.
During further inspection, I noticed these plugs on both front foot wells were loose, basically exposing the inside of the car to the elements. I pulled the seats to take a peek under the carpets, and fortunately found no hidden rust.
The plugs were reinstalled with seam seller, then undercoated.
On my way to Georgia, I stopped to take a couple photos at the BMW Zentrum facility in Greer, SC.
Finally home, about 1200 miles from where the journey started. Temporary housing squeezed in the garage until I have the driveway to my basement shop redone…
During the initial cleanup, I decided to do something about the trim around all the glass, which was caked with dried polishing compound and wax residue. During the process..
The only rust I have encountered (so far) is limited to an area under the trunk seal, and the common spot under the battery.
A couple photos after quick clean up
Changes from Stock:
Transmission swap to 5-speed Getrag 260
Z3 1.9 shifter, Garagistic DSSR, Delrin shifter & rear carrier bushings
4.10 limited slip differential
SSSquid Stage 1 chip
MagnaFlow 16535 stainless steel cat-back exhaust system
Red46 front skid plate
E36 steering rack
Ground Control complete coilover suspension
OE M3 offset front control arm bushings
Suspension Techniques 22 mm front sway bar (stock rear bar)
Garagistic front strut bar
"iS" front lip
Shadowline trim
Autobahn Black Ceramic 40% window tint
15x7.5" Ronal LS wheels
Kenwood head unit with aftermarket speakers
Radio antenna delete
Atiwe leather steering wheel
Aluminum gauge cluster rings
E36 illuminated window switches
E36 leather e-brake handle
M-Tech leather shift knob
StitchedWheels leather shift & e-brake boot
German Engineering keyless entry
4300K HID low beams with U.S. Ellipsoid/projector headlights and Euro grilles
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