Saved a M30 Swapped 91 318is from being parted out project

[Big Chief]

Just bought this from a fellow R3v member in Norfolk VA. He didn't have it long or know much history on it. He had a small fender bender and just parked it.

I think it has potential and I hated the idea of it being parted.

Here is the link to the sale ad. He also listed it in parts.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=250817

Engine appears to run strong. It's a 5 speed, M30 swap with plastic bumpers so I figured... why not?

Should be a fun project.

[FunfGan]

Score! Looks perfectly salvageable. First thing: remove freshasf*ck license plate surround.

[Roysneon]

Most certainly remove plate holder. Second, what the fuck happened to that wheel/valence/fender?

[Big Chief]

Actually, I have been super busy on this car. Found a complete new front clip, same color, locally and all of it is being replaced. I have already pulled out the entire interior and cleaned the carpet. I found some useable front sport seats until I decide what to do for seats. He had sold the seats already. The radiator was damaged so I installed a new radiator out of a 535i. There is really minimal damage. It appears to have a new steering rack and the shop said the entire suspension is straight. I ordered new springs, as these were cut. I found a few small rust spots on the floor and the battery tray so I grinded them down and painted with rust bullet. Oh and I did ditch the license frame.

[Big Chief]

Guy said he ran over curb and hit some bushes.

[Big Chief]

here's the current state

Also replacing the door. Found a clean one and the one on it had some dings. I replaced the window switches so now they work. The po never put the small bolts in for the heater core so it was dripping on my shoe. All it took was putting the bolts in to get the leak fixed. I also found some nice KYB shocks that are almost new to add when I do the new springs. I have parts all over my garage right now. Dash is perfect but the interior was missing a lot of little parts.

Thanks to Frank M too. I downloaded his M30 swap writeup and it is excellent! That helped me bleed the radiator properly and told me the correct radiator to get.

I have only driven it briefly but between the crappy cut/welded springs and the coolant leaking on my foot it wasn't that great. But it definitely runs very strong and shifts great. :D

[Big Chief]

I also scored a nice complete Black interior, minus driver seat at the pick and pull that I am swapping in.

I emailed the guy that sells the Recaro seats but he said it would be October before I could get seats. I may go with the corbeau gts ii seats? or just reupholster the sports I have.

[InuFaye]

I was going to pick this up, glad to see someone on r3v did.

[freeride53]

wasnt this car also rear ended at some point in a parking lot?

[freeride53]

edit: wrong red late m30 2d from east coast

[Big Chief]

Rear is good. Front clip is now replaced with new sheet metal.

[Big Chief]

Been working hard at it. Gutted interior and have been cleaning, and installing nice parts I found in the local junk yards. Thoroughly cleaned carpet then re-dyed it black. PO had dyed it at some point. Getting a new cluster. I ordered new oem lip, oem black mats, new black leather seat covers from leatherseats.com. I think I will go with Apex arc-8 wheels. Talking to a couple of good local painters to see when they can work it in for a nice base/clear paint job.

I have fixed a ton of little issues, missing parts, broken parts etc. Here is an updated pic.

[Big Chief]

I drove it around today and it drove fantastic! Fast and smooth! Big difference from my old 1987 325is. I searched the engine vin and found out the m30 was from a 1987 635csi 3.5. 215bhp. Engine looks very clean. I just ordered all redline fluids for diff and tranny. I got mobile 1 5w/30 synthetic for engine. New headlights and I got all the lights working. The po had a cage in this at some point and then cut out the interior part but left the trunk part...see pics.

[VinniE30]

Nice work. M30 powa!

[Big Chief]

I bought and installed the ebay 1-1/2 drop springs and the kyb shocks and it drives and handles excellent. I had read some reviews on those springs that were positive so I figured I would try them. This, imo handles just as good as my 87 is that I did the hr sports and billie sports on. I do need an alignment on it, but I am waiting until I decide on wheels/tires. I have it at the shop now having it inspected and new axle boots put on it. I was too busy for diy on that.