Current State:
So I purchased this gorgeous 1988 535is a couple of months ago and it turned out to be a lemon. Way too much rust around the rear subframe, and near the frame rails. So I parted it out and prayed I could find another clean e28 for the right price -> NOPE! So I came looking for a clean e30. I only found coupes in the Norfolk Area worth looking at, then finally upped the price range and found this 2.7 Stroker built 325is. The guy I purchased it from had ok documentation, and I looked at it with my pops, turned out to be a rust free car and a solid base to start. More solid than the e28 (RIP!). So here's a few pics of the 535is I parted and got rid of yesterday:
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3816/32715929100_52ef5c5069_b.jpg)
Anyways, it was very painful taking it apart. However, after selling the interior and some other small bits, I'm back into the green on total $ spent. I still have some interior pieces, the OBC, cruise control, ECU & harness, M30B34 & accessories, Getrag, driveshaft and 3.25LSD from the e28.
So anyways, looking at this e30, it was pretty nice. The car started as a 1987 BMW 325is Auto! Whomp whomp. The PO purchased it with a blown engine, went and snagged a 1988 Super ETA M20B27 block and sent the M20B25 head off the the machine shop then built the engine into a 2.7L "Stroker" and threw in a 173 ECU. He painted the engine/trans and threw on a bunch of new accessories. He also installed an aftermarket R134 A/C with some weird bracket so it blows cold even at idle (unlike converting to R134 later). Suspension all around are H&R OE Sport Springs with 1in drop. Koni STR.T Shocks up front and rear. Not sure what RTABs are in there, but I think the PO said they were stiffer than OEM. I need to confirm, but the PO also installed Racing Dynamic Sway Bars - definitely need to confirm and use my micrometer to get sizes front & rear. Here are some pics!
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/477/32001626370_e7c3a081a5_b.jpg)
I don't really like the black on black - I might be able to swap out some unpainted basketweaves from the PO.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/417/32228753172_5a0a08f7cf_b.jpg)
Who wants to buy this euro clock? I think I'm going to put the OBC back in - this thing is for tracking, not looking sexy. Def getting an Alpine head unit. I need to fix the bottom right hand corner of the facia, it doesn't stay pressed into place.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/297/32228753362_bb93bbe3b8_b.jpg)
Dude bought some aftermarket seat covers, works for me! They look pretty cool.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/707/32378846095_baf31646c1_b.jpg)
Unfortunately the rear seat was not originally black and was dyed, and it doesn't look good up close and it feels crusty. I think I MIGHT get a matching upholstery set from the same company. This is definitely a long term goal.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/414/32228753412_3fabbcc4ed_b.jpg)
Now to the fun! PO did a 1988 Super ETA block for the 2.7L "stroker" build with a B25 head. I need to do more investigating on exactly where this puts me in SCCA and NASA classes.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/516/32001626230_6de21f0b22_b.jpg)
2.7L gearheads, anything knowledgeable I can gain from this picture? I'm new to the BMW game so I'm drinking from a fire hose right now. Help!
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/478/32001626270_e975eaa21d_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/323/32228753942_18b2871994_b.jpg)
To conclude, here's a passenger side shot.
So far things I know I need to work on:
1. Driveshaft - I can tell the U-Joints are going bad, and the CSB is probably almost dead. What are people's thoughts on the Turner Motorsports driveshaft with rebuildable U-Joints?
2. Guibo
3. Z3 1.9L short shifter (really I just need to put new bushings in) but why not when the driveshaft is out right?!
4. With 200K on the body, I def think the LSD needs to be serviced, and probably receive new clutch disks. If it's shot, I'll throw in my e28 big case LSD. Yeup, tracking the flanges and rear case cover swap, anything else?
5. Ebay headers, high flow Magnaflow CAT & muffler - unless someone has a high performance suggestion that isn't $600 for just some bolt on exhaust kit.
6. E36 steering rack - nope not doing Z3 just for that smidge of better turn Lock to Lock over the e36, plus from my understanding e36 racks are less $$. This e30 steering takes FOREVER.
7. The window switches are a pain in the butt, but I have left overs from the e28 - hopefully they have the same plugs. And the driver's side window doesn't ride on the track well - guess I'll check out the regulators.
8. Keys! FML! I need to re-key all cylinders to match the ignition cylinder. Thank the lord my good buddy is a locksmith. Get that shit right quick.
9. Take that gawd awful rear window tint off.
10. Ditch those bumpers, but prior to doing that, verify which class I'll compete in. Anyone rock a pre face-lift e30 without bumpers?
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/413/32229482432_5853315164_b.jpg)
I mean look at that ass! I think my true love is the e28, but I'll settle with my e30.
11. Sell that iS Spoiler and build a removable one like the above picture. Who has a black non IS trunk who wants to trade in the Hampton Roads/Richmond, VA area?
Give me some advice, help with racing, etc.
![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51908533648_45c2d1c398_c.jpg)
So I purchased this gorgeous 1988 535is a couple of months ago and it turned out to be a lemon. Way too much rust around the rear subframe, and near the frame rails. So I parted it out and prayed I could find another clean e28 for the right price -> NOPE! So I came looking for a clean e30. I only found coupes in the Norfolk Area worth looking at, then finally upped the price range and found this 2.7 Stroker built 325is. The guy I purchased it from had ok documentation, and I looked at it with my pops, turned out to be a rust free car and a solid base to start. More solid than the e28 (RIP!). So here's a few pics of the 535is I parted and got rid of yesterday:
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3816/32715929100_52ef5c5069_b.jpg)
Anyways, it was very painful taking it apart. However, after selling the interior and some other small bits, I'm back into the green on total $ spent. I still have some interior pieces, the OBC, cruise control, ECU & harness, M30B34 & accessories, Getrag, driveshaft and 3.25LSD from the e28.
So anyways, looking at this e30, it was pretty nice. The car started as a 1987 BMW 325is Auto! Whomp whomp. The PO purchased it with a blown engine, went and snagged a 1988 Super ETA M20B27 block and sent the M20B25 head off the the machine shop then built the engine into a 2.7L "Stroker" and threw in a 173 ECU. He painted the engine/trans and threw on a bunch of new accessories. He also installed an aftermarket R134 A/C with some weird bracket so it blows cold even at idle (unlike converting to R134 later). Suspension all around are H&R OE Sport Springs with 1in drop. Koni STR.T Shocks up front and rear. Not sure what RTABs are in there, but I think the PO said they were stiffer than OEM. I need to confirm, but the PO also installed Racing Dynamic Sway Bars - definitely need to confirm and use my micrometer to get sizes front & rear. Here are some pics!
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/477/32001626370_e7c3a081a5_b.jpg)
I don't really like the black on black - I might be able to swap out some unpainted basketweaves from the PO.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/417/32228753172_5a0a08f7cf_b.jpg)
Who wants to buy this euro clock? I think I'm going to put the OBC back in - this thing is for tracking, not looking sexy. Def getting an Alpine head unit. I need to fix the bottom right hand corner of the facia, it doesn't stay pressed into place.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/297/32228753362_bb93bbe3b8_b.jpg)
Dude bought some aftermarket seat covers, works for me! They look pretty cool.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/707/32378846095_baf31646c1_b.jpg)
Unfortunately the rear seat was not originally black and was dyed, and it doesn't look good up close and it feels crusty. I think I MIGHT get a matching upholstery set from the same company. This is definitely a long term goal.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/414/32228753412_3fabbcc4ed_b.jpg)
Now to the fun! PO did a 1988 Super ETA block for the 2.7L "stroker" build with a B25 head. I need to do more investigating on exactly where this puts me in SCCA and NASA classes.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/516/32001626230_6de21f0b22_b.jpg)
2.7L gearheads, anything knowledgeable I can gain from this picture? I'm new to the BMW game so I'm drinking from a fire hose right now. Help!
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/478/32001626270_e975eaa21d_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/323/32228753942_18b2871994_b.jpg)
To conclude, here's a passenger side shot.
So far things I know I need to work on:
1. Driveshaft - I can tell the U-Joints are going bad, and the CSB is probably almost dead. What are people's thoughts on the Turner Motorsports driveshaft with rebuildable U-Joints?
2. Guibo
3. Z3 1.9L short shifter (really I just need to put new bushings in) but why not when the driveshaft is out right?!
4. With 200K on the body, I def think the LSD needs to be serviced, and probably receive new clutch disks. If it's shot, I'll throw in my e28 big case LSD. Yeup, tracking the flanges and rear case cover swap, anything else?
5. Ebay headers, high flow Magnaflow CAT & muffler - unless someone has a high performance suggestion that isn't $600 for just some bolt on exhaust kit.
6. E36 steering rack - nope not doing Z3 just for that smidge of better turn Lock to Lock over the e36, plus from my understanding e36 racks are less $$. This e30 steering takes FOREVER.
7. The window switches are a pain in the butt, but I have left overs from the e28 - hopefully they have the same plugs. And the driver's side window doesn't ride on the track well - guess I'll check out the regulators.
8. Keys! FML! I need to re-key all cylinders to match the ignition cylinder. Thank the lord my good buddy is a locksmith. Get that shit right quick.
9. Take that gawd awful rear window tint off.
10. Ditch those bumpers, but prior to doing that, verify which class I'll compete in. Anyone rock a pre face-lift e30 without bumpers?
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/413/32229482432_5853315164_b.jpg)
I mean look at that ass! I think my true love is the e28, but I'll settle with my e30.
11. Sell that iS Spoiler and build a removable one like the above picture. Who has a black non IS trunk who wants to trade in the Hampton Roads/Richmond, VA area?
Give me some advice, help with racing, etc.
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