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FS: Feeler E30 325ix

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    FS: Feeler E30 325ix

    Here's the story: 1989 Red 325ix coupe, manual, located in Abq, NM. Car has around 243k and ZERO rust, truly this is dry as a bone, desert car. Pics here:


    Sorry they are randomly ordered but you can see the before and after with some.

    Timing belt just broke, I haven't opened it up to see the damage, but I know what this repair usually entails and I'm not sure I want to deal with it.

    I bought the car with 234k in Denver. Previous owner had supposedly changed the timing belt, sticker was present, maybe he did, but did a poor job, anyhow that is moot.

    My goal was a full refurbishment/restoration of the car. What I have done:

    Replaced entire cooling system, hoses, radiator, heater core
    All CV boots replaced
    Complete suspension refresh (not cheap on an iX!): sway bar links, control arms, camber bushings, tie rod assembly, shock mount reinforcement, urethane bushings, rubber mounts, bilstein HD struts/shocks, H&R springs, pads, spring pockets (very important on these oldies), etc. I have left no stone unturned in this arena.

    Interior:
    Seats reupholstered (has ski bag and full assembly), Crack-free dash swapped, Euro Clock, All dash and cluster lights replaced, black carpet from 318i donor, coco mats, husco armrest, re-covered M-Tech 1 steering wheel, Jensen headunit with amber period correct lights, new speakers, new sunroof handle, Map Mirror

    AC compressor replaced (AC is awesome now)
    Power Steering Reservoir, Auxialry Fan, Aux fan resistor, radiator fan switch
    New Battery (with new cables), New Alternator, ABS relay replaced,
    All four brakes done with new rotors, pads, sensors, stainless steel lines.
    Windshield Wiper Switch, Windshield Wiper Pump
    Set of four RG Alpina Replicas 16in with locking covers

    What the car needs:
    In addition to the potential head/engine issues, my next step was to repaint the car as the clear is bad on the roof. The car does not have any dents, would need paint and it would be a wonderfully refurbished car.

    I'm looking at my costs and I've spent $10,000 in parts and labor (much of it done myself) since I purchased the car. I'm starting to feel sick at the prospect of potentially letting it go, but I'm not really wanting to deal the potential bill of the timing belt issues.

    Does this interest any serious enthusiasts? It is I guess only one of 250? or so manual coupe ixs and truly truly rust free. Feel free to PM for any interest or to offer solace in telling me to keep going. This has been a long project and I'm loosing motivation.
    '89 325ix
    '88 M6 Royal Blue
    '13 128i "M-Sport"
    '04 ZHP Mystic Blue-SOLD
    '02 E46 330xi-SOLD
    '89 325i Laachssilber metallic-SOLD
    '89 325i Bronzit-SOLD

    #2
    Man, you've put SO much time into this thing already, you shouldn't let a top end job deter you. 885s are so easy to come by (I have two spares in Indiana but shipping is $, PM me), I say without a doubt to keep fixing it. You have already put in the leg work, you need to see it through and enjoy the car, because no one is going to give you anything close to what you're going to want to get out of it due to the top end situation.

    Hope that helps-
    1990 Brilliantrot 325iS Build Thread
    1989 Zinnoberrot M3 Build Thread

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by AWDBOB View Post
      Man, you've put SO much time into this thing already, you shouldn't let a top end job deter you. 885s are so easy to come by (I have two spares in Indiana but shipping is $, PM me), I say without a doubt to keep fixing it. You have already put in the leg work, you need to see it through and enjoy the car, because no one is going to give you anything close to what you're going to want to get out of it due to the top end situation.

      Hope that helps-


      I second that. Way in too deep to give it away. A top end job on a M20 isn't that technically complex and once done you will have a nice driver in your hands.
      1995 525i Bostongruen Metallic
      1995 525i Calypsorot
      1988 325ic Zinnoberrot
      2000 540i M-Sport Cosmo Swartz

      Comment


        #4
        Great pics of the work you did, thanks for sharing. Agree with the other posters here, she’s a keeper, do the head and enjoy!

        I have an ix that needs interior refurb. That 318i carpet looks great, didn’t realize it fit the ix? Also didn’t know the coupes had the rear heater vents under the seats, mine doesn’t....
        89 325ix coupe Diamondschwartz
        1994 Mazda Miata

        Comment


          #5
          Another vote for keep! You've got the trifecta IX there ... rust free / manual / coupe.

          If this isn't your daily driver, ignore it for a few weeks. Your opinion will change about keeping it and doing the head. Lord knows I've had to set some of my projects aside for a while and allow the frustration level to die down a bit before proceeding.

          I've done two M20 head replacements now. It really isn't that bad of a job and you'll have a nice fresh top end to enjoy when you're all done with it.

          @E30andy - my '89 IX coupe has the rear heater vents. I haven't looked at the '90 yet.
          101

          The E30 collection:
          1987 325es M52 - Schwarz / Taurus Red Sport (son #2's)
          1987 325is - Delphin / Black Sport (son #3's)
          1987 325i Convertible - Triple Black
          1989 325iX Coupe - Diamondschwarz / Black Comfort
          1990 325iX Coupe - Sterling Silver / Grey Sport

          1981 Fiat 124 Spider 2000 - Green / Tan
          1998 Volvo V70 GLT - White / Tan
          1998 Volvo S70 T5 manual - White / Taupe
          2001 Ford Windstar - Silver / Grey (parts hauler)
          2006 Lexus GX470 - White / Tan (tow rig)

          Comment


            #6
            Yup you need to toss another head on that thing, not only will it be a runner again but the the value will easily triple compared to how it sits now.


            1992 M tech 2 Convertible - S50 Swap
            1992 e34 Touring- S50 Swap
            1992 325i-S50 Swap (SOLD)

            1995 e36 M3 Mugello Red - S50 (SOLD)
            1991 325i Convertible Laguna Green (SOLD)
            1987 325i (SOLD);1992 M tech 2 Convertible (SOLD)
            1988 325i Convertible Alpine White (SOLD)
            1991
            Brilliantrot Convertible 80k Miles (SOLD)
            1992 325i Convertible Schwarz (SOLD)
            1992 318i Convertible Project-Finished (SOLD)

            Comment


              #7
              The mudflaps alone will fetch u good money. Just swap the heads. Not a hard job
              www.instagram.com/snwmble
              #snwmble

              Current:
              '05 BMW M3 - Silver Grey/Imola Red
              '90 BMW 325iX - Sterling Silver/Houndstooth sport(5-speed converted)
              '15 Mini Countryman - Blazing Red/Carbon Black

              Past:
              '01 Audi Allroad - Light Silver/Platinum Saber Black
              '88 BMW 325iX - Diamond Schwarz/Silver sport *Sold*
              '01.5 1.8TQ - Brilliant Black/Nogaro Alcantara ...after 8.5yrs, *Sold* =(
              '90 BMW 325i - Schwarz/Tan sport *Sold*
              '89 BMW 325ix - Diamond Schwarz/Black sport *Sold*

              Comment


                #8
                Cheers, Guys. I appreciate it. I need to first determine if it's just the head or more as I was driving on a highway when it happened and I've read that that may cause more damage.
                '89 325ix
                '88 M6 Royal Blue
                '13 128i "M-Sport"
                '04 ZHP Mystic Blue-SOLD
                '02 E46 330xi-SOLD
                '89 325i Laachssilber metallic-SOLD
                '89 325i Bronzit-SOLD

                Comment


                  #9
                  Head has been pulled: All valves are bent, camshaft pitted, 3 broken rocker arms, the others worn, etc.

                  Any leads for a good replacement head assembly rather than having current machined, etc?

                  Bimmerheads seems solid. There are other options through Turner, FCP Euro, etc but they use AMC heads which I've heard are not the greatest. Any other suggestions?

                  or I can sell...
                  '89 325ix
                  '88 M6 Royal Blue
                  '13 128i "M-Sport"
                  '04 ZHP Mystic Blue-SOLD
                  '02 E46 330xi-SOLD
                  '89 325i Laachssilber metallic-SOLD
                  '89 325i Bronzit-SOLD

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Hit up John @WOT-tech (ForcedFirebird on here) or Bimmerheads and they'll get you squared away. With the bum core, you may have to source a spare 885 on here or pay a core fee. I have a few but they aren't ready to be pulled yet.
                    1990 Brilliantrot 325iS Build Thread
                    1989 Zinnoberrot M3 Build Thread

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Reach out to bimmerheads, I had them build/modify an 885 head for me for my 2.8 stroker. They did quality work and in timely manner, highly recommended. You could also find a good core and do it yourself for slightly cheaper but, they honestly charge a really fair price with the ability to go HD rockers and a more aggressive cam etc. I'm out of good 885 cores at the moment or I'd try help you out.

                      Or you can sell, and I can buy. Good luck man!

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Sent a PM about buying this sucker. No response yet!
                        My previous build (currently E30-less)
                        http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=170390

                        A 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 Offroad in Inferno is my newest obsession

                        Comment


                          #13
                          You can put an 885 in a box, on a greyhound and have it at your local station for pickup for no more than $40 - it's super easy.

                          I agree with everyone else - you can tackle the job in a weekend. I'd imagine at least one or two 'mechanics' ( ;) )from r3v would even come lend a hand.

                          Sorry MR E30 325is - I'm kind of rooting against you on this one


                          Current Car: 2011 BMW 135i, M-Sport, 6 speed

                          Originally posted by lambo
                          Sounds like you need a massage.
                          Originally posted by kpeng
                          Who the hell is Vlad?

                          Comment


                            #14
                            This build has so much more sentimental value to you then what you'd be able to get money wise. You've took your time and did everything correct so far and put a lot of hard work and dedication into it. I agree with most everyone else on this thread. Keep her & put that new head on there. I'd love to see you open another thread to detail your rebuild on. I'd definitely subscribe. ��

                            Comment

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