M3 Rep - the sunk cost build

[bmwstephen]

Actually, speaking from the experience I gained from my project, I can say that the M3 C-pillar is indeed a cap that fits over the C-pillar. The quarter panels of the regular E30 and the E30 M3 are exactly the same from the base of the rear window up the C-pillar to the roof skin seam. The M3 C-pillar is a stamped piece of sheetmetal that fits over top of the regular C-pillar and is spot-welded along the roof, down the C-pillar and all around the perimeter of the pinch seam that forms the regular window opening. I have an 87E that I converted to an M3 clone using all new BMW sheetmetal, except for the C-pillar, which was from a wrecked M3 I bought to complete the project. Not boasting, but I probably have a better knowledge of the differences between the regular E30 and the E30 M3 than just about anyone on the planet. I can't speak to how this particular car was converted, but to do it properly requires a fair amount of work, a chunk of change and a little luck in finding some of the NLA parts, even if you do all of the work yourself.

Carl, your caster issue looks much better... if you look at some pictures of stock E30 M3's from the side, you will notice that they have a wheel centerline very much like yours, so you've made progress indeed!

Garey

so if I were opening the gas flap door on a regular m3, would I be able to see a second layer of sheet metal behind the wide-bodied panel?

[M-technik-3]

The cap along the top to the roof was functional as well as it broke the air up and caused it to tumble across the spoiler for a vortex generator.

[bmwmech1]

so if I were opening the gas flap door on a regular m3, would I be able to see a second layer of sheet metal behind the wide-bodied panel?

No, it's a single layer, stamped quarter panel, just like the regular E30's. It just has a box flare stamped into it rather than the smaller flare right at the wheel opening. The only place it is a double panel is around the wheel opening, where it's folded over on and spot welded to the outer wheel house, just like a regular E30...

The cap along the top to the roof was functional as well as it broke the air up and caused it to tumble across the spoiler for a vortex generator.

Very true... they could have made that junction smoother, but didn't for that reason...

Garey

[samiam3356]

The while I'm in there list always kills! Good progress! Always look forward to this thread

[carlb]

I haven't updated this thread in awhile. I've recently had to change out the clutch, flywheel, slave cylinder and throw-out bearing. Apparently, the slave was installed wrong. With all that new stuff, it is surprising how well, how smoothly, it drives. Good stuff.

While I wait for LS3 mounting equipment, I've put some Recaro Sportsters in there. I'm going to sell the upholstered SRD's (I think they're fake too) with matching rears. But, I'll need to get black rear seat replacements first. Pics:

[M-technik-3]

How are those seats? I like them some days and others I don't. Not sure why but hate em/love em.

[carlb]

So far, I've got nothing but love for them. They're firm. But, they are so much more ergonomically supportive than the SRD's that they feel nothing but more comfortable. Especially for my back, they just support me better.

[d.dalseno]

Keep up the good work.

Loving that you quoted Itzhak Perlman...and that you have an FD.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

[carlb]

Thanks d.dalseno. I'm still working it.

Yesterday morning, I installed a new glove box, a new panel under the steering column and this little cupholder/phone holder/usb port... Pretty neat. I added a little plastic below the cup holder to catch condensation. Other than that, it's in there like it's supposed to be:

[LSM3]

Damn those are some sexy seats. Lmk if you have any questions with dropping an LSX in you car.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=250378

[carlb]

Damn those are some sexy seats. Lmk if you have any questions with dropping an LSX in you car.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=250378

Thanks! I'm sure I'll take you up on it.

[carlb]

Retrofitting ABS

How difficult would it be to add ABS to my e30? The car is an '87 325e. I'm astonished it's not part of the car and would prefer to have it on. I've started to assemble most of the parts. But, I can't find anyone who's done this. Just folks removing it with dreams of being Ayrton Senna. I'm no Senna. I need that safety net.

I've got the following parts:

• ABS Computer
• ABS pump
• 2 front sensors
• 2 rear sensors (same part number, so I assume they're interchangeable)
• Some brake hard line

What I'm not sure about:
Do I need a new master cylinder or will any with the appropriate # in/out lines suffice?
Will the body harness have connections for the sensors and the computer if it is unmodified?
If there's no remnant of the body harness connections, how should I wire it up?

I've looked at the Real OEM diagrams lovingly for a long time. And, I've tried to find an electrical diagram of the ABS system online and I can't locate.

So folks, tell me what am I missing? Any resources to can point me to?

[carlb]

Well, the Sunk Cost Build may have just come to an ignominious end... This happened today:




Driving down the road with a car full of kids. A young man in a Honda CRV pulls up to a stop sign on an adjoining road, briefly pauses and pulls out right in front of me. I slam on the brakes and slam right into him a 1/2 second later. He said that he didn't see my bright red iconic BMW headed his way. Very sad day. Luckily, no one was hurt.

[AwakenNoMore]

I'm so sorry . . .

[FredK]

Dang. That's tough to see. I'm glad no one was hurt.