New Owner: 1992 (E30) BMW 325i Cabriolet

[Republican]

Also, another update:

My head unit is some old Pioneer unit... It's cracked, and it's not staying latched (unlatches to put a CD in). So, after considering many, many options, I opted for the Jensen Heavy Duty Stereo JHD3630BT. This also allows me to have bluetooth, etc. I also ordered the microphone for it, so I'll let you know my thoughts when this comes in and I can get it installed.

Stereo: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_522JHD3...T.html?tp=5684

Microphone: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_522JMIC....html?tp=61359

[Das Delfin]

lol I just bought a new JVC for my other car with bluetooth audio and calls but I may just put it in the bmw. Love crutchfield!

These were what I was talking about earlier although you want to shop around. I got mine on amazon and it was like 150 for all four.

[Republican]

lol I just bought a new JVC for my other car with bluetooth audio and calls but I may just put it in the bmw. Love crutchfield!

These were what I was talking about earlier although you want to shop around. I got mine on amazon and it was like 150 for all four.

Went ahead and just got H&R Sports/Bilstein Sports. Figured it was more of a "proven" combo, and I probably won't kick myself for not getting top-tier. ;)

[Republican]

Some updates:

1. Installed the 9-piece control arm kit from FCP Euro.
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...30-e309piece-l

2. Installed the Bilstein sport shocks.
Link: https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...i-convertible/

3. Installed the H&R sport springs.
Link: https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...i-convertible/

4. Got some new Pirelli Tires, new brakes, new rotors.

So, besides the cost of the control arm kit, springs, and shocks, my mechanic charged $1,900, which was all labor plus the cost of tires and brakes. Just in case you're considering going down the same path.

First impression: Very nice. Car sits a bit lower, freeway driving is much smoother, and I can certainly feel that everything is a bit tighter. Very satisfied so far. I'll try and get the exact model of the tires for your reference within the next few days.

Also got some new emblems for the trunk and hood, as mine were quite faded and chipping away. Also purchased a new dome light fixture and bulbs. Got the fixture from BavAuto and the bulbs from eBay. I finally have a light for the night. I should probably check the manual, but what is the intended function for putting the switch to the right? Nothing happens, even when I open doors, etc.

I also heard my doors are supposed to chime when opened, but mine do not. Could it be that the same sensor for the chime is a sensor for the dome light, and it was disconnected by previous owner?

Next up: Fixing the oil leak, rough idle, A/C issues, etc.

[Republican]

Also, the car makes a funny noise on start-up. Goes away after I drive for a bit or if I sit idle for about 10 minutes.

See video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7Bt...ature=youtu.be

Any ideas what this is?

[phenryiv1]

Any pictures? Or maybe I am missing them.

[Republican]

Any pictures? Or maybe I am missing them.

Pictures of?

[phenryiv1]

Pictures of?

The car!

[dnguyen1963]

Also, the car makes a funny noise on start-up. Goes away after I drive for a bit or if I sit idle for about 10 minutes.

See video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7Bt...ature=youtu.be

Any ideas what this is?

How old are your belts? The sound seems to come from the belts rubbing something.

[Republican]

How old are your belts? The sound seems to come from the belts rubbing something.

Timing belt is just a few thousand miles old. Should I get all other belts replaced?

[Republican]

The car!

See original post. Some links to pictures there.

[dnguyen1963]

Timing belt is just a few thousand miles old. Should I get all other belts replaced?

The sound comes from the other belts, not timing belt. Yes, you should replace them.

[Republican]

The sound comes from the other belts, not timing belt. Yes, you should replace them.

Great, thanks. I'll have my mechanic replace them next time he works on it.

[M_3_X]

The sound comes from the other belts, not timing belt. Yes, you should replace them.

Agree. Not sure why your mechanic didn't do it at the same time with the timing belt job. It's best practice.
I would hope he replaced the water pump?

[JIM1inWisconsin]

Not sure where you are with your idle problems but could be the chip. Had idle problems with two of my E30's which were alleviated when upgraded chip was installed.