Project Lessmeister: 91 318iS Restomod w/ MTech2 and modern drivetrain

[Bimmer_man]

Finally was able to see the video man. You have one beautiful ride love every square inch of it.

[Jordan]

It's not like I want the car to live the life of a garage queen, its built to be driven. If you watched the video you know I don't hold back there :-) but I also don't want to get the paint all chipped up before offering it for sale...

As such surface streets and back roads are best bets for run in and test driving. Its up to the next guy to pop her cherry there....

I remember driving my old Lachssilber 87 328iS from Oregon to Houston. It picked up innumerable stone pits on the trip. Granted interstates are generally much cleaner, but really.. Houston's highway system is ridiculously littered with debris. I go through 2-3 windshields a year on my E39, and the freshly resprayed front end that is less than 2 years old already looks like it was adjacent to a car bombing....

[ak-]

Maybe a vinyl clear guard for the front if you can swing it.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

I wont be taking my car on free way either. Only 2 lane highway and regular city roads

[Jordan]

I don't really want to drive it on the freeway for fear of rock/debris damage.

Drive it to the picnic this year!

srsly?

[AndrewBird]

Drive it to the picnic this year!

[jdance30]

Good lord, that acceleration is insane!!

[Jordan]

I've been out the HPA many times with the BMWCCA, but I have no desire to take this car out there to participate... that and I don't really want to drive it on the freeway for fear of rock/debris damage. Houston's roads are a filthy mess.

[c0rbin9]

Any plans on bringing any of your toys to the BMW CCA or SCCA autocrosses around here? Would love to see what a brand new E30 looks like in person.

[Mouse]

You're gonna make a pretty penny for it...so I understand the selling standpoint....but this car belongs to you. I hope you find a way to keep it.

[Jordan]

Everyone has been asking for it, and I was able to put something together this morning. A short video showcasing the car inside, out.... and some driving segments. I'm really beyond pleased with how the car has turned out, how amazingly nice the car drives, really just everything about it.

Driving this car transports you back to the 80's, sans the sewing machine under the hood. A perfect marriage of Classic German Engineering and a more practical modern drive train while keeping it all in the family.

Make sure to kick it up to HD, the whole video is shot in 1080P.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPbcpXMaQ80

[Bimmer_man]

Wow thanks a lot man. So far the car is running beautifully. If that changes I'll definitely let you know. Or if you can or have the time feel free to shoot me the diagrams and I can study them.

[Jordan]

On a E39 anyway its the same physical parts to change, plus some minor wiring for the clutch switches for the cruise control and for the DME.

I just swapped my wifes touring pictured above from 4spd AT to 5MT. Not a big deal, only 3 or 4 wires to run. If and when the time comes let me know I have all the info and the wiring diagrams put aside.

[Bimmer_man]

Wow that's awesome man. I currently have a 98 528i 4 speed auto. I'm really happy with it. If the engine goes or the transmission gives up I was planning on getting a m54b30 and the 6 speed. Maybe if that time comes I can pick your brain some. Sounds like it's an amazing car.

[Jordan]

Thats odd your vin doesn't have the cover. Maybe order one not using vin. Good thing you got insurance to cover damages to house although you may get a few questions when you go to file that claim.

I had those parts on my old car that's the only reason I knew about them. Try a want ad on here. You may get lucky and get one in really nice shape. I know most of that car is new but it's better than it missing imo. Still a perfect car. I'm currently searching for a early model she'll to more er less do the same thing as what you did.

I'm also curious if you can post a bit of information about your e39. It looks and sounds like it would be a mean machine.

I looked them up under an early 325e that would have had the same fuel tank size, they showed there and are on order. ~25 for both brand new. Will have them mid next week.

The E39 started as a 525i/5MT and I swapped the eng/tra from a 42k mi E46 330i ZHP into it, creating what I called a 530i/6MT ZHP. After some time I wanted more power so I strapped a ESS Tuning Twinscrew kit to the engine, then machined a smaller pulley than they will sell and installed that as well.

Anytime I tip into the throttle I have an instant 10psi, rolling up to 12psi by redline. In colder weather I've seen as much as 14psi. With the low RPM instant boost the torque on tap is wonderful to get the big daily barge up to speed in a hurry.

Build thread for the E39 is here:

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1997251-525i-5SPD-gt-530i-ZHP-6SPD-Build-Log