My new to me 325is...

[makaio]

I'm sure this might be OT, but I thought I would share my new joy with you all.

I just got back a few hours ago from picking up a 1987 325is, with 207,000 miles on it. The paints original, but showing it's age with peeling clear coat in areas. It has probably a dozen small dings everywhere from the hood to the rear bumper. But I don't care, because this is going to be my new track car.

I came to the conclusion that I don't like the idea of parting with one of my 911's due to a track day event mishap. So I went with the BMW, and I'm just going to take care of the general maintenance and safety things first, then just drive the crud out of it on the track this next year.

Here's a couple pics:

a side shot


And next to one of it's older sisters:

[jase007]

Matt:

Good purchase. I have had my iX as a daily driver for almost 200,xxx miles and 12 years ... great cars.



My P-cars are for weekends and on the track. You'll love the ease of working on the E30.

Jason

[wludavid]

I just love the phrase, "one of my 911's"

My e30 is my toy and hopefully track car next season. Right now it's my daily driver as my other car has been loaned to my sister. It's been expensive enough without adding a Porsche to the stable.

[makaio]

David, your car is a cool color. Is that a factory color?

[wludavid]

Yah - burgundrot, with a maaco overspray.

[phaques]

Many similar circumstances and thoughts here.... bought this 88 325is for the track, and since the pic below have lowered and stiffened the car, and done some alignment work. Lots of catch up maintenance work. Great car to work on, and easier to get to stuff than my 911SC. Like the pics of your new car....but what's up with that garage? No junk in there, no tools even... just a nice looking scissor lift and...not one single other thing?!? Good luck.

[makaio]

Well the garage is filling up rapidly! I just finished construction on it about 3 weeks ago. When the pictures were taken I was just starting to move in.

It's 24' X 36 '. The lift is a 48" eagle lift that just got here about two weeks ago. I'll try and take some more pics tomorrow when it's day light, to post.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

NIce Car! Be sure to change the timing belt and water pump....

[phaques]

Oh yeah, I did that, plus a large laundry list of catch-up maintenance, the parts for which all (almost) came from Pelican...

Flushed and replaced brake fluid, coolant, trans., rear diff.
changed the water pump and replaced thermostat with a cooler running unit
replaced v-belts
replaced air filter, spark plugs, rotor, plug wires, dist cap, brake lines, rotors, pads, shocks, springs, control arms, tie rods, parking brake shoes, horns ( a safety item, of course....), all coolant hoses, brake master cylinder, camber plates, rear shock mounts,....

All in one weekend!!! ha- ha..

Next up: wheel bearings, motor and tranny mounts, stereo, harnesses and roll bar, headers, duckwork for brake cooling, and one or two other things.....

[makaio]

Originally posted by Jared at Pelican Parts
Be sure to change the timing belt and water pump....

They just arrived yesterday from Pelican Parts! I'm getting started tomorrow night.

[phaques]

Matt -
If you haven't done this before, read, read, read the procedure in the Bentley manual a couple of times, and check your timing by turning the crank by hand - do not start the car before checking.

JARED - you've got to finish the most important of all tech articles!! Do you give me permission to send the version that you showed me to people, including my own brilliant edits?
(lots of nice additions to your tech articles section though, by the way...)

[makaio]

phaques,

I don't even own the Bentley manual yet. If it's OK with Jared, I would really like to read his write up on it to help me.

If changing the timing belt on these cars is the same difficulty or easier than installing chain tensioners in a 911, I think I'll do OK.

[jase007]

If changing the timing belt on these cars is the same difficulty or easier than installing [pressure fed] chain tensioners in a 911, I think I'll do OK.

Matt: I own both and have done both. The timing belt involves more BIG parts on the E30 than the PFC Tens. install on the 911.

With both, you have to be worried with preventing maneuvers that "jump time". On the scale of a profecient DIYer I'd say they are equal with the edge going to the E30 being a little more difficult.

You should have no problems. Add in a front cam seal and a water pump and gasket and you are all set on the front of that E30 "M20B25" motor for 40K +/- miles.

Cheers,

Jase

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Originally posted by phaques


JARED - you've got to finish the most important of all tech articles!! Do you give me permission to send the version that you showed me to people, including my own brilliant edits?
(lots of nice additions to your tech articles section though, by the way...)

You DARE question me?? KNEEEEEL BEFORE ZOD! oh wait.. nevermind. I really do need to finisht this. I dont mind if you send it out.. Let me see it too. Maybe I'll just use that...

[jim72911t]

Matt,
Welcome to the E30 club! You'll find that the 325is can be a blast on the track; not much power, but excellent, neutral handling and very forgiving.

You'll go through brake pads, but overall, my car has been stone reliable and has provided lots of cheap, fun track time. It'll go into the garage this winter for a timing belt, control arms, and a few other bits to prepare it for Butonwillow in March.

You've seen my car at the swap meets, but here's a link to a couple of pictures and some info you might find useful.

Tire fitment issues with 225's?

See Ya at T-Hill!

Jim