Sitting for the better part of the last decade, finally running and driving

[ElJimo]

I bought this '88 325e I think more than 10 years ago now? Honestly can't remember, but I'm starting this thread to document the process and to aid my failing memory. Nothing crazy, mostly just trying to bring a tired old car back up to speed, repairing some classic midwestern rust issues and upgrading a few components here and there. This was/is my first project car and was a huge learning process for me. I won't say it's been fun per say, but I have learned a lot along the way and I'm finally starting to enjoy the car after all this time. I'll be updating this thread as I get all the info/pictures together.


Modification & Restoration:

• Suspension, Wheels, Brakes, Steering
  • GC coilover kit with koni adjustable dampers
  • GC camber plates
  • Lemförder LCAs (both sides)
  • Powerflex E30 M3 Offset Control Arm Bushings
  • Rear Subframe Restoration
    • Garagistic Weld-in reinforcements, rear toe adjustment, and powder coated rear subframe
    • Garagistic 80A Polyurethane Differential, Subframe, Trailing Arm Bushings.
    • New rear wheel bearings
    • Rebuilt 3/4 calipers, purchased one new caliper.
    • New SS DOT approved caliper brake lines
    • Subframe hard brakelines eliminated with chasebay kit, eliminated T distribution piece.
    • New E-brake cables
  • 16x7.5 TSW Hockenheim" [et-20] w/ Firestone Firehawk (205/50r16)
  • e46 "purple tag" steering rack
  • replaced steering linkage rubber puck with poly and modified linkage for e46 rack with garagistic spacer kit
  • Replaced MC and brake booster
• Engine & Transmission
  • Engine Refresh
    • Replaced timing belt, water pump.
    • ebay ss headers
    • replaced axel back exhaust
    • cat back ebay ss muffler
    • 5-speed swap using getrag 260 off craigslist
    • painted intake and valve cover
• Interior
  • gutted to replace rust...still gutted
  • front comfort seats replaced with corbeau GTS II - black cloth
• Exterior
  • plastic bumper swap
  • New wipers
• Bodywork
  • Floorpan replacement
  • fender replacement
  • Installed Red46 skidplate

[ElJimo]

First day photos:







Overall, not terrible condition. Some rust on the lower fenders/rocker panels which, as we'll see later, spread into the floor boards. Also is an auto transmission which I later swapped for a 5-speed. But solid bones, car ran ok, just needed some love.

[ElJimo]

Photos of floor pan replacement:

[ElJimo]

Most recently:

Just finally sorted some long standing issues with vacuum leaks (ended up being the brake master cylinder). Finally got it running pretty good. Insured through the rest of the month. Gonna just enjoy it until putting it away again for the winter. I have some projects coming up that I want to try and get done over the holidays. Definitely need to raise it a bit in the front. Tires rubbing a bit at full lock.

<a href="https://imgur.com/zDrF11Z"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/zDrF11Z.mp4" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

[82eye]

nice work.