M3 Rep - the sunk cost build

[carlb]

Grond Control e30 5-lug Coilover Kit Installed

So, I finally got around to ordering the Ground Control e36 on e30 coilover kit. It took them three weeks to build and powder coat as they were out of stock. Not bad considering.

I was giddy when they arrived.


It took me all day Sunday. And two half days to get them installed. By far the longest time spent was on the first front suspension bits. I was learning how to get things undone (and redone).

This little nut took me forever to figure out. Eventually, I cried uncle and asked you fine folks what the hell to do. Thanks to R3v, I put the jack underneath the tie rod and got it out.


Once I finished the passenger side. Things started to move more swiftly.


I didn't take pictures of the stance. But, right now i'm about 25 1/4" from floor to top of fender. It is a relief to be off the deck. The cut coils that the PO put on the car were simply not functional. The car rode like shit. Scraped over everything. And, didn't even handle well to make up for the shitty ride.

The car rides like a dream now. Even without an alignment or corner weighting, it is fantastic. I can't wait to really get some quick miles under my belt.

I can start to make progress on the S52 swap now that the suspension is sorted. Finally! (and thousands of dollars later). Although, I have been noodling with the idea of going LS1 like my RX-7 FD. They could be twin beasts!

[BingM3]

The woman in the ebay pic served its purpose, distraction:)

[carlb]

Man id put a little spacer in the rear and it would look sexy!

Had spacers on their originally. Even with rolled fenders, the tire/fender inteference on deep bumps was disconcerting. So, no spacers until I sort out the rest of the suspension, ride height, etc. Then, I can determine what spacers i need to even out front and back as well as best aesthetics. Function first though.

[Luis325]

Man id put a little spacer in the rear and it would look sexy!

[carlb]

Some pictures of the car from a couple of hours ago...




BBS RX-II's really do look great!



So, I've bought the e36M control arms and spindles. One question that I can't seem to find is if the non-M e36 hubs/rotor/caliper assembly fit the e36M spindles? I'd rather not buy these components if I can avoid. Anybody?

Also, I decided to go with the AST 4100 coilovers to upgrade the suspension. Can't wait for them to arrive!

[smooth]

No, I knew it was a modified 325e when I bought it. That wasn't an issue with me in buying the car.

The point I'm making to you is that "as is" clauses do not protect seller misrepresentation. The vehicle in question was clearly and intentionally misrepresented here and elsewhere.

The issue isn't whether you did or did not know the car was an iS as the claim isn't that you were sold a car you believed to be an iS only to later find out wasn't. The claim is that you can demonstrate by a preponderance of evidence a pattern of misrepresentation by the seller.

Anyway, I'm not trying to muddy your thread. My only intent was to advise you to seek competent legal advise if you haven't done so already unless you have personal reasons not to (for example, I believe Yan's reasoning was that his religious beliefs precluded him from seeking legal recourse). When someone behaves fraudulently it's not the victim's fault.

[nrubenstein]

By my eye, the C-pillar and the rear quarter panels look good. Perhaps I should have a professional look at them? I'll take some pics later today.

The real problem is what you can't see. In particular, you have to wonder if there was any rustproofing done of the back side of the welds inside the panels.

[carlb]

you can clearly see dents in the roof in the pics vlad took. i cant believe no one caught that in the thread vlad made.

You are correct sir.

[carlb]

Exactly, this and the rear quarter panels is where this car will eventually be made or lost, how well was the conversion done?

By my eye, the C-pillar and the rear quarter panels look good. Perhaps I should have a professional look at them? I'll take some pics later today.

[carlb]

so does it have e30 m3 5-lug setup on it right now? and you're changing that for e36 parts that will mess up the geometry?!?

No, it has e36 5-lug conversion right now. If it had e30 M3 5-lug, I wouldn't touch it as that's the better way to go from a suspension geometry point of view. At least, that's what I understand from the research I've done on the forums.

I have so much hate in my heart for you.

:)

Last I read, the car was sold within the constraints of a binding contract as a modified iS when in fact the VIN should match to an E. So unless you want it to be your "bag to carry" you have legal recourse.

No, I knew it was a modified 325e when I bought it. That wasn't an issue with me in buying the car.

[smooth]

Unfortunately, the car was sold as is. No warranty expressed or implied. And, it is now my bag to carry.

Last I read, the car was sold within the constraints of a binding contract as a modified iS when in fact the VIN should match to an E. So unless you want it to be your "bag to carry" you have legal recourse.

[eurotrash]

I have an FD as well. So, I completely understand. I think these two cars (e30 M3 and FD RX-7) are the pinnacle of late 80's early 90's cars. Perfectly balanced. Aged extremely well. And, take well to modification. Classic cars you can drive hard and be fast.
.

I have so much hate in my heart for you.;)

[McGyver]

so does it have e30 m3 5-lug setup on it right now? and you're changing that for e36 parts that will mess up the geometry?!?

[scottinAZ]

How about more pics of the car? did they do a good job on the C pillar?

Exactly, this and the rear quarter panels is where this car will eventually be made or lost, how well was the conversion done?

[reelizmpro]

He advertised it as an 87 325iS but it's really a 325e. I noticed that when it was on ebay but didn't make much fuss over it since it was advertised as a "swap-ready" car. lol Fuckin' Vlad. I was hoping the new owner would know the difference. Anyway, enough about Vlad. How about more pics of the car? did they do a good job on the C pillar?