Hi there. First ever project car, first ever BMW. This should be... Interesting.

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  • SJSchwarzevogel
    Noobie
    • May 2015
    • 7

    #1

    Hi there. First ever project car, first ever BMW. This should be... Interesting.

    New here. I've been interested/working on cars for a few years, helping keep family and friends vehicles running. My current daily is an '02 Volvo S60 T5. I really dig Swedish cars, especially Saabs. They're hard to find in my area due to rust. I had been looking at various E36s for the last 6 months. Was hoping to get a 328is, but also started looking at 318tis- I dig quirky hatches. Was on the verge of buying two 318tis for 3k, but that fell apart due to yard space and sister wrecking our suburban.
    And then- the old man tells me he wants me to keep dailying the Lolvo and get something to work on, instead of two. So I started looking for projects. And then an E30 popped up locally for 1.5k. Two weeks later, here I am.

    The car:
    1985 325e manual coupe
    200k miles. Sunroof still fucking works. The usual cracked dash. Previous owner swapped in red sport seats. No radio, but some wiring for a head unit, amp, and sub remain. Wheels and tires are good. Car runs but has shit fuel and needs belts done, along with a tuneup after sitting for 2 years. Minimal rust for an NJ E30. Power steering pump may need repair or replacement. Now.... Here's the good part. For an additional hundred bucks the dude gave me the rear boot lip, front and rear Euro bumpers, and the front air dam!! Everything, body included, needs fresh paint. Color choice pending but I'm thinking black. I'm really excited but realistic for what I have planned for this car, as well as getting advice and talking on this forum. Figured people get less butthurt on here than bimmerforums.
  • 613EDRTY
    Wrencher
    • Apr 2014
    • 267

    #2
    Good choice man.
    sigpic
    Rescued 1986 325e Coupe
    1988 325ix Touring 5spd currently being rescued
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada :finger:

    Comment

    • 2002jm
      R3VLimited
      • Sep 2005
      • 2062

      #3
      nice deal

      With the extra parts, your car is an excellent deal!! Post lots of pictures. The 325e is a great car to start with, and you mentioned doing the belts, so make sure that includes the timing belt:)....but you know that already.
      jm

      Comment

      • Matt341
        Grease Monkey
        • Feb 2014
        • 358

        #4
        great start and sweet deal on those euro bumpers!
        Bmw CCA # 490080

        1995 525iA RIP
        1987 325e Cirrusblau-Metallic/Pacific Blue (Daily)

        DSC_1725 by Matthew Johnson, on Flickr

        Comment

        • SJSchwarzevogel
          Noobie
          • May 2015
          • 7

          #5
          Yeah, it was a good deal. Did find I'm missing a bolt on the front crossmember, so there's that. Gonna need to replace the tensioner gear nut on the alternator and power steering pump, both were missing teeth and not working. Got all of the scrappy fuel pumped out last night. Could possibly get oil and new belts on tonight and start it up.
          Also, why do so many people fuck up on jacking points? Threads all over the internet debating where to put stands or where to jack.
          Lastly.... Major points to BMW for making the bumpers and airdam out of metal. Solid move. O

          Comment

          • DER E30
            R3VLimited
            • Sep 2013
            • 2343

            #6
            Looks like a good start!
            -Christian

            '02 ///M3 CarbonSchwartz 6MT daily beast
            08/91 Mtechnic II 325IC alpine/lotus
            318iS, slow build/garage queen...
            '37 Chevy pickup, the über project
            Originally posted by roguetoaster
            Be sure to remind them that the M42 is one of the best engines ever made, but be sure to not mention where it actually falls on that list.

            Comment

            • yungmike
              Wrencher
              • Jan 2014
              • 281

              #7
              I don't think those dumb Euro bumpers will do you any good, you should just cut your ties and pass them along my way :D

              Comment

              • SJSchwarzevogel
                Noobie
                • May 2015
                • 7

                #8
                Originally posted by yungmike
                I don't think those dumb Euro bumpers will do you any good, you should just cut your ties and pass them along my way :D
                For the right price sure thing ;P

                Comment

                • rturbo 930
                  R3VLimited
                  • Dec 2005
                  • 2603

                  #9
                  Looks like a good car to start with. Where in South Jersey are you?

                  Comment

                  • SJSchwarzevogel
                    Noobie
                    • May 2015
                    • 7

                    #10
                    Originally posted by rturbo 930
                    Looks like a good car to start with. Where in South Jersey are you?
                    I'm around the corner from Rowan U.

                    Comment

                    • SJSchwarzevogel
                      Noobie
                      • May 2015
                      • 7

                      #11
                      Well she's running, and I test fitted the M Technic front bumper over the weekend

                      Comment

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