Worth Saving

[Alpinerunner]

I just bought a 325iX 4-dr auto that has been parked for 2 years. So far I have found: good front drive shaft, all hard fuel lines rusted, all hard brake lines rusted, good interior but with mildew (smells), not bad body panels (front fender rust), all brake calipers shot (ordered rebuilts), fuel like resin, motor mount torn, 2 exhaust mounts torn, window switches shot, timing belt about to break. Boots on front axles torn.

Worth keeping? Right now it's looking like a partout candidate. I see the strong prices for half-shafts, and trans cases, and motors. What do you think?

[E30andy]

Sounds like a parts car to me considering what it would cost to get it on the road.

[101]

Base your decision on the condition of the body and any structural rust that might be present. There seems to be a rash of IX partouts recently and the remaining cars are only going up in value.

The list of items you mention are not overly expensive or difficult to replace if you're going to be doing the work yourself. Yeah - it's a lot of sweat equity that you'd have to invest, but you'd know your car tip to tail once you're done.

I agree that IX part prices are strong, but they would be stronger if you had serviceable, running components.

Besides, an IX in the fresh CT snow will definitely put a smile on your face.

[chuckdizzle]

I just bought a 325iX 4-dr auto that has been parked for 2 years. So far I have found: good front drive shaft, all hard fuel lines rusted, all hard brake lines rusted, good interior but with mildew (smells), not bad body panels (front fender rust), all brake calipers shot (ordered rebuilts), fuel like resin, motor mount torn, 2 exhaust mounts torn, window switches shot, timing belt about to break. Boots on front axles torn.

Worth keeping? Right now it's looking like a partout candidate. I see the strong prices for half-shafts, and trans cases, and motors. What do you think?

If you have the space then I would say it is worth keeping and doing some restoration over time. There are too many IX's being parted out right now, its time to keep them on the road :D

[ndfspd67]

Base your decision on the condition of the body and any structural rust that might be present. There seems to be a rash of IX partouts recently and the remaining cars are only going up in value.

The list of items you mention are not overly expensive or difficult to replace if you're going to be doing the work yourself. Yeah - it's a lot of sweat equity that you'd have to invest, but you'd know your car tip to tail once you're done.

I agree that IX part prices are strong, but they would be stronger if you had serviceable, running components.

Besides, an IX in the fresh CT snow will definitely put a smile on your face.

I completely agree with this. I am guilty of a couple part outs but those cars had structural rust that was far beyond even a lofty repair budget. Any structurally sound IX should not be parted out at this point. I have plenty of parts no one should need to take any more apart for a while [emoji23][emoji23]


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[Alpinerunner]

I appreciate the replies. I'm going to keep it and fix it up. So far I've ran all new fuel lines and got it running, so that's a plus! It idled smoothly and with no smoke... a shock after sitting for so long. I have all new calipers and I'm in the process of replacing the rear brake lines with the Chase Bays kit. I've also replaced the motor mount and redone the suspension with H&R springs, new front strut mounts, and new spring pads.

So far $4,000 invested, including the price of the car. This should include all the parts needed to make the car safe and reliable to drive for the winter. I'll reassess in the spring whether to sell or continue to fix it up.

[nrubenstein]

FYI, when it comes to dealing with interior mold/mildew, sporicidin is the shit.

[Alpinerunner]

Ok well the iX is finally on the road. She has some issues for sure, including no rear lights (brake or taillights) no HVAC fan, but in the past few weeks I've done:

Engine: timing belt with tensioner and water pump, spark plugs, air filter, oil filter and oil change.

Driveline: new front CV boots (inner and outer), front wheel bearings, front and rear diff fluid, 1/3 of trans fluid changed, front driveshaft lubed

Suspension: front outer ball joints, H&R springs, strut mounts (car has HD Bilsteins).

Brakes: New master cylinder, all 4 rebuilt calipers, new pads and rotors, new LF hard line, all new rear lines from Chase Bays.

[Alpinerunner]

I should add that it's for sale!: $5000 firm, this was 1/2 a flip project and 1/2 a winter beater project. However, I've realized that 3/4 of the winter is just a salt spray with no snow, so I'd rather get a more family oriented winter DD like an e46 AWD wagon. This summer the price will be $5100!

[Jonathonml]

Can you post pictures?

[e30davie]

No pictures no point in commenting :/

[eribit]

good for you getting it running and back on the road! I decided to do the same with my project from a couple of years, just recently took it back off the road to address some rust issues. Love these cars and so many have gone into parts bins (which I also understand) - but then again I am a nut and masochist...

[Alpinerunner]

No pictures no point in commenting :/

Thanks! Appreciate the comment! ;D

[Alpinerunner]

Photos

Pics attached. Hasn't been washed since sitting outside for 2 years. She's about to live the good life in a 6 car garage!

[The Dark Side of Will]

No wonder you can fit six cars! You can stash some on the ceiling!