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e30 Hot Hatch Project

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    e30 Hot Hatch Project

    Alright, so I figured I'd document the build of my 1986 325e that I picked up back in January. Quick backstory; I grew up loving VW's and the 80's 2 door hot hatch. GTI's have always been my favorite cars, until I bought a BMW e30 a few years back. Ever since then I fell in love with RWD, and have owned 7 e30's in the last 2 years. Here's some photos of the e30's I've owned:

    Turbo m20 drift car



    325i vert bought non running and drove for a bit



    Lifted 325e project (still own) bought non running and destroyed. making it fun now



    my first e30. a four door 325i with red interior. I miss it.



    So I decided to combine both of my passions into one real car. a BMW e30 2 door hot hatch. I set out to make my dream car; the perfect e30. So I picked up a shell that ran and drove for $1000 that was relatively clean.





    Then I picked up a CLEAN 1980 rabbit. Yes, I know it's a westy and it had a broken rear subframe and was rusted in the rear bad. But it was perfect for the project, so I set out to cut the hatch portion and c pillars.










    I then parted out the rest of the rabbit and gave everything on it a new home. Then the e30 was rolled into the shop and the rear end was stripped of everything. The hatch was mocked up and then the rear was cut down to shorten it up and give it the hot hatch look.










    Afterwards, an s54 was purchased out of a 2004 m3 with 91k on it, and the car was put on a lift to pull the motor for the swap, the suspension for the 5 lug swap, and the way is being prepped to be shaved.







    And that's where she is RIGHT NOW on 4/30/2017


    I also picked up some Style 19's from the junkyard for the LOWS, and got those completely refinished. I also scored a BBS steering wheel for the deal of the lifetime, and I'll also be getting a custom zebra wood shift knob.




















    Also been slowly acquiring parts for the car. Heres a small list of things I've gotten so far:

    Modena Peanut Butter Brown e36m3 vaders
    Plastic front bumper with valance and lip
    m3 rear bumper
    new grills
    new orange fog lights
    Velocity stacks
    chrome equal length headers
    black leather door cards
    black carpet
















    I still need to figure out side skirts. shes getting BC coil overs from a e36m3.

    Happy to answer any questions and take any feedback! This car will be Estoril blue with the white wheels, Shaved bay painted blue too and the car will be basically fully restored. Only stuff I really haven't figured out yet is making the rear seats work and fold down to make the hatch functional, and how I'm going to mount rear speakers and a trunk cover too. basically just interior stuff.
    Last edited by sniches; 04-30-2017, 11:34 AM.

    #2
    Pics are working now, sorry!

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      #3
      Wow, I'd say that is the best/most interesting/oddest first post ever.

      Welcome & in for the transition.

      [IMG]https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z.com-vbulletin/550x225/80-parkerbsig_5096690e71d912ec1addc4a84e99c374685fc03 8.jpg[/IMG

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        #4
        Heres another angle of the hatch mocked up on the stock e30 before she lost her suspension and motor

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          #5
          Nice! I like the idea. Will the hatch function?

          Actually after looking at it, it will!!! Awesome! Cant wait to see the finished pics

          Comment


            #6
            Interesting... I want to see how this one turns out!
            Estoguy
            1986 BMW 325, Alpenweiss ~ "Elsa"

            Need a photographer, come visit my site: http://estoguy.wix.com/unique-perspectives

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              #7
              Originally posted by wholepailofwater
              Q
              :devil:


              WTB: Dove Grey e36 Front Door Panels (2 door)

              Comment


                #8
                Subbed. I'm very curious as to how this is going to turn out. To be honest, I'm a little doubtful that the combination of VW and BMW styling will look right, but we'll see.

                Also, I'm hoping you're keeping structural integrity in mind as you do this, but if you're keeping the original BMW C pillars, I think it should be okay.

                Is the VW roof the same width as the BMW? Can you get us some side profile shots of the mock-up?

                Comment


                  #9
                  Humph.


                  Subd
                  ACS S3 Build / Dinan 5 E34

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Has a bit of e30 meets Lancia Delta feel.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      alright... you got me, I'm in to watch! completely awesome mate

                      87 325es - M50 Boosted - Link to BUILD THREAD
                      07 328xi wagon 6mt - daily

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                        #12
                        Whoa. This is going to turn out pretty nutty. Good luck on the project!

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                          #13
                          This is pretty interesting. It could be a lot of fun, curious to see how well they will mate. Did you draw it out?
                          Euro Delivery Thread///E30 Project Klaus///COTM August 2021

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                            #14
                            Neat, are you swapping the e30 taillights?
                            ~ Puch Cafe. ~ Do business? feedback ~ Check out my leather company ~

                            Instagram: @BWeissLeather

                            Current cars:
                            ~ '87 325 M30B35 swap
                            ~ '87 535
                            ~ 01 540 Msport 6spd
                            ~ '06 X5 4.8is

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                              #15

                              Sub'd, this is gonna be good.

                              Originally posted by 2mAn
                              The BMW V6 is the best

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