1983 323i where to start?

[ClassicScot]

i have a friend that is almost done a full resto of a 323.... i say it is well worth the time and money to just restore the car to where you are happy with it... they are a very nice car... and buying at 800$ is great, then you can afford to spend more down the line :). I say do wat the car needs and keep it.

[Court M3]

[QUOTE=
*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?...[/QUOTE]

my car is a LHD euro model, the side markers in the rear give it away that is was a federalized car. Mine have the same in the front and rear. US grills were also on mine after fed, but kept my euro grills for after.

[elguapo84]

In order to federalize the car, the rear bumper had to be at a certain height supposedly. I've heard a guy who actually lifted the car to get it to US specs, which I never really understood since diving boards seem to be lower than euro bumpers. I wish the US wasn't so much of an import nazi.

[elguapo84]

by the way, I spent exactly 2,000 on body work/paint job and the guy did a pretty damn good job...Definitely consider keeping the car and restoring it.

[SchnellerVert]

How much of the body work did you do thou?

[elguapo84]

How much of the body work did you do thou?

I didn't do any of the body work...the only thing I did was take off the door panels. Nonetheless, the extent of the body work was repairing small dents and dings, ripples, and a decent dent in the corner of the front driver's side fender. All in all it wasn't too terrible, but needed work, and for 2,000 I was stoked.

[SchnellerVert]

I would be as well, I just spent 3300 on a paint job I will never be able to enjoy. STBX is taking it. Mine was less as I gave a few referal customers to the shop which truely helped.

Guess it depends on the area.

[elguapo84]

I would be as well, I just spent 3300 on a paint job I will never be able to enjoy. STBX is taking it. Mine was less as I gave a few referal customers to the shop which truely helped.

Guess it depends on the area.

I had a great referral...a guy who builds custom drag cars and has this guy paint all of them. so I did have a bit of an inside connection. That, and I paid in cash, so that always helps.

[Rathbone]

It's different and different is good! Drive and enjoy it and do work on it a little at a time. That trans is very cool, about any one would like to have one of those.

[mikeedler]

i would keep it and fix it up. the color is just so ugly looking it would lkook cool with the right stance and wheels.

its a pretty "rare" e30 in the u.s.