1983 323i where to start?

[lowbrow1]

Greetings everyone. This is by far the best e30 forum I have come across.
I appreciate the honest and sometimes harsh assesments you folks give.
This is my first stab at a BMW. I'm not sure I could have picked a more confusing model if I had tried. I'll tell you what I know about it.
1983 model 323i E30 B23 Euro Model.
Produced in November 1982 in Munich.
Imported to the US in 1986.
It has a neuspeed throddle????
Alpina cam and springs.
Dogleg sport transmission.
Euro headlamp wash bottle?
Cloth seats-little tattering:(
Original uncracked dash
102k miles
What looks to be original bumpers and trim.
Radiator - not sure if it is correct.
Crappy panasonic tape w cd line to trunk & no changer.
VDO guages where the ashtray should be (inoperable)
No front lip (what is factory spec?)
I beleive this is the original color with 1 not so good respray.
What do you guys think? Mod or stock? It is a very early example.
Run away? See if someone would like to trade for something( another E30 Coupe) that is a little more parts accessible? Thinking about it
I would like to see the right thing happen for this car. Don't want to be another idiot previous owner.
It is very quick.
Thanks for the look. Comments appreciated.

[BDSax]

that thing is awesome! i would definitely keep it and work from there. i love euro bumpers. what color is that?
Dogleg tranny and adjustable headlights are sweet!

[garrett]

Why does it look like the back bumper is a diving board?

[Julien]

Since the car isn't in the best of shape, i'd opt for another clean chassis with good paint sport leather interior, a/c, power windows, etc and transfer that kick ass engine/tranny and bumpers over to it.

[lowbrow1]

Is this a diving board? Original or bastardized?

[Julien]

Is this a diving board? Original or bastardized?

bastardized

[SchnellerVert]

Someone tried to federalize it. Needs work but if rust free it will be a good project car.

Had or has some of the headlight wiper system in place. Iron out the underhood mess and do basic maintance. 323i's work on the older motronic system like the eta's Not that it's a bad system.
Clean up the maintance items find a rear bumper add an airdam and drive it. The 323i DL's were not the same as the M's two piece style and had weak synchros if I remember right.

How much did you pay for it?

[Massive Lee]

Nothing on that car is pleasing.
The overall condition is 4/10
Front Euro and rear US bumpers - Why?
Extremely messy engine compartment, missing many parts, and too much exposed wiring.
Kink in the driverside quarter?
Where are the headlamp wipers?

Keep away.

[lowbrow1]

This is how I received the car. Purchased it off ebay for $800. I agree it has some issues (alot). But thats why I'm asking the pros. I hope to work the bugs out and have it painted within a $2K budget. Anyone got a complete rear euro bumper?

[SchnellerVert]

Nah honestly fixing all the issues and doing paint for under 2g's is not likely to happen. Paint will be that if not more, body guys got it so easy these days.

For 800 buck you could drive it like a bomber and careless.

I was gonna say why does R3V have to turd on every car but forgot I was at R3V.

[ejnight]

I have seen a lot worst.

[Court M3]

I'd keep it. Build date on mine is DEC 1982 Most parts are interchangeable with the eta engine. Have no problem finding parts for mine. Use the shots of the engine bay that I requested earlier in General Discussion and clean up that engine bay! If you need anything specific, got a model specific repair manual.

z3 1.9 or z4 2.5 ssk, refresh all suspension bushing and you have a sweet handling car
Early e lip fits perfectly

[JamesE30]

look's to be malachatgrun metalic, or maybe even a shit respray of achatgrun metalic. Interesting to see that colour with a tan interior...

Either way, Looks as though my car has an illegitimate twin!





Car has potential, but consider this,
Car need's body work,
bumpers,
engine work,
respray,
and a heap of nitpicking just to bring it back to it's original glory,
then ad wheels, suspension, exhaust etc etc etc.. to make it something special..
IMO Best bet would be give it a good detail, an try sell it for $1000 bucks...

*edit*
Are you sure it's a euro model?
I spy US grills, no fender side markers, an ENORMOUS rear bumper,
not to mention it's LHD, does it say anything about "objects may appear such an such..." in your side view mirror?
Big guess here but, US model with 1/2 ass engine transplant, and euro conversion?...

[JasonC]

I like it. Keep it and get rid of those stupid side marker lights in the back and pick up a rear euro bumper. For the lip just get the one for the 85 and back with the brake ducts in it, you can see it on James's car. My sister just got her eclipse painted for $950 that was some body work, red paint, extra metalic, and a clear coat.

[SchnellerVert]

*edit*
Are you sure it's a euro model?
I spy US grills, no fender side markers, an ENORMOUS rear bumper,
not to mention it's LHD, does it say anything about "objects may appear such an such..." in your side view mirror?
Big guess here but, US model with 1/2 ass engine transplant, and euro conversion?...

Look at left front cowl panel it's got a small data panel riveted in right spots.