91 318is Never ending project(s) journal

[e30s50dan]

I like it with the trim rings better.

This

[monty23psk]

I just realized the pigtail pictures a few post up did not post. I just corrected it.

[monty23psk]

I got my steering wheel spacers. I found out in the ETK there is a smaller ring on the end, towards the firewall that looks smaller. I receive it and sure enough, same diameter but 7mm in length, not 14mm. Its half in size. So instead of having a ~1/2 inch gap from column to steering wheel, it is much closer, about 1/4 now. The switches are closer and will still have to get use to it but if I dont like, it, I have the standard 14mm spacer to swap in.

The smaller one is on the right. Left is the standard one we all get. If I use both 14mm spacers, it brings it back to airbag oem distance but the gap is insanely huge.



Here is picture with no spacer:


Here is the picture with the 7mm ring:


I also fixed my exicter wire issue. I decide to replace the voltage regulator and glad I did, because the brushes were all wasted. I know bet 14.1 instead of 13.6. This still didnt fix my issue on the exciter circuit. I did more research and decided to put the regular bulb back in because the LEDs work at 3v or less. Sure enough, that was it. I know have it working just fine and this is the only bulb I was not able to swap out with an LED.

Here is a picture of the old and new VR. I went with a Bosch new unit and I replaced it with everything still mounted in the car. Very easy job. I have done some in the past on other cars.

[MCreally?]

when you cracked open the gauge cluster did you replace any odometer components?

[monty23psk]

when you cracked open the gauge cluster did you replace any odometer components?

No. The gears were replaced around 8 years ago.

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[monty23psk]

Another update. I have some rust pitting on my trunk lid, so I grinded it out, and then treated it with an epoxy primer and then bought a can of factory color in a spray can from paintsratch.com. Then applied 3 coats of clear. Nothing professionally looking but it covers the white keeps it going until I paint my car. But with with leftover product, I decide to primer my tow hook and rear strut bar, which was unfinished. Here are a few pictures.

Primer:


Here is the bar painted with 3 coats of paint and 3 of clear:


Here is it installed. Sound system is a mess because I am changing the configuration:

[Schnitzer318is]

^Nice. I miss my 318is. :(

I'll be installing some of those old slash v1 amps here soon in my E53. I have a 500/5 already and am looking for a good 300/4 to go into it. Damn E53 w/DSP has so many speakers to drive...

[monty23psk]

A few more updates.

Here is the tow hook painted and cleared in body color, after the fast etch and primer. Also a picture of it installed. Matches rear strut bar nicely.




With extra paint, I painted the front IS lip spoiler that I have owned new for over 5 years. I also installed the Ryan G splitter that I bought at that time. I also installed new clips to hold the lip plus a tow hook cover.







Here is a picture of it installed. Exterior needs more work, parts and paint.


I also got my 2nd rim, 16x7.5 e28 m5 wheel. It looks like they were going to refinish it as the paint was stripped. 2 more to find and don't want to buy them new.

[monty23psk]

My OEM glovebox flashlight was getting worst and worst on light output. I found a DYI for replace the button batteries with a AAA version that home phone uses. This was done in Europe so sourcing US equivalent parts took a week to find but I got it. I opened it up and little by little solder in the new components and boy is it bright. The bulb is yellow but its has a bright white output around 5700K color.

Here is a picture of the insides:


Any one here going to the Vintage in NC? I registered on 1/1 and this will be my first time.

[monty23psk]

Getting back to the e30 m3 suspension installation. It's time for the rears. I have rebuilt the used calipers after having them powder coated in gloss black to match the front. Rebuilt with new ATE seals and cleaned up the piston with #0000 steel wool and some CRC brake clean. They were much easier than the fronts. I now have all the main parts to start on the rear. AKG subframe bushings, as well as AKG rear TA bushings. I have new AKG rear show months, Porterfield rs-4 brake pads and new Balo rotors. Will see how the diff is. I do have new seals and fluid for it. Waiting for some new jack stands to do this inside my garage, instead of in the driveway.

[monty23psk]

Finally got to install something I have head for a few years in my hoarding days. I had bought a driver side euro mirror that includes the outer wide angle strip for better visibility. Here is a picture of my original one on the left which was basically useless. The new one is on the right with the box above. I believe they can still be purchased for about $40. I think I paid $20 as it was like 5-6 years ago. There is no wide angle for the passenger side. I did also buy a perfect used wide angle mirror with the heating element. I wanted to use it but my car is not pre-wired for it, got to love the base m42 cars. I will be selling it, but need to figure out how much. If interested, let me know.

[bradnic]

Been looking for a couple of those! Where’d you find it?

NM found them on ECS. Let’s see if they really come in
Thanks for posting the pic :-)

[monty23psk]

Been looking for a couple of those! Where’d you find it?

The non heated, dealer. Heated is NLA and got it on here in 2010.

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[bradnic]

Gotcha.. that’s why I hadn’t picked it up.. the heated versions were NLA. think I first saw them on one of japandrew’s threads

[monty23psk]

Gotcha.. that’s why I hadn’t picked it up.. the heated versions were NLA. think I first saw them on one of japandrew’s threads

I actually bought it from him. Not sure how many he sold. Its in pristine condition. I might keep it for my e28 m5 as it will have the wiring. Or maybe ask $200 for it to pay for other upgrades to e30 and recuperate what I paid. I havent driven it yet and hear you have to get use to it. If I love it, will just keep it.

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