Is this car worth restoring?

MadameButterfly · 07:21 PM

Well I'm brand new here so I guess I'll just jump in with my question:
My guy and I just picked up an '83 BMW - e series that somebody used to love. Other than a few minor repairs it seems to be mechanically sound.

Visually, it's not a pretty sight: paint oxidized/peeling; upholstery torn; and that stuff that seals the trunk, etc. probably all needs replacing.

It's also a stick, but my first car was a really fun little '53 Studebaker, so that's no a problem.

Other pluses - it was practically free and my husband is a total motorhead.
Any input?

MadameB

MadameButterfly · 07-16-2009, 07:59 AM

Seriously. Is this car worth putting your heart into? Could it be a daily driver? Track car? 24 hour of Lemons?

shamulater · 07-16-2009, 09:48 AM

I've brought a few basket cases back to life. The real question is how much time and energy do you want to devote to a car that may not be worth near as much as you end up putting into it. In most cases, it has to be a labor of love especially if the car has no real collector value. Not knowing which model it is or the true shape of the car makes it hard to give a very valid opinion...post some pic's...your sure to get some reply's if people see what your hoping to restore.

MadameButterfly · 07-16-2009, 05:37 PM

Thanks shamulater. I'll get my husband to post some pics.

Basicly, I need to replace my current transportation and we thot this might be at least a stop gap. If I'm going to drive it for more than a couple of months I would want to paint it. But we're not looking for a money pit, especially in this economy.

My husband, on the other hand, sees a great deal of potential here for a track car. He already has a '74 Porsche 914 that he's autocrossed and tracked extensively. This would just be a new adventure for him.

MadameButterfly · 07-16-2009, 11:23 PM

Here's a couple of pictures. Hope these help. This is an 1983 320i.

cocacola bob · 07-17-2009, 11:42 AM

Yes it's worth it That car looks mint and a beautiful example of an e21 3 series, hard to find these in good shape and definitely fun to drive.

Randy G. · 07-17-2009, 03:07 PM

Looks nice to me. If you bought it on the cheap you can spend a few dollars getting it roadworthy and still keep it an economical project. These are easy to work on and parts are not too difficult to find. Heck, maybe your husband can find another similar model for next to nothing and use the parts.

MadameButterfly · 07-17-2009, 03:28 PM

We bought it for my nephew for $200 about a year and a half ago. It ran great until the water pump went out. Since he doesn't have enough grease monkey in him to fix it, it just sat for a year. So last week we decided to retrieve it - 9 hour round trip - and put it to use.

I'm glad to hear it's worth the trouble. Thanks for the input. MadameB

MadameButterfly · 07-21-2009, 08:52 AM

Progress Report:

My husband replaced the water pump this weekend and it runs fine - still needs some fine tuning.

After we get the title transferred we're going for it. I'll be posting progress.

MadameButterfly · 07-26-2009, 06:09 PM

The title is in the works and we passed smog.

Today's chores are change the oil, oil and fuel filters and check the wear on the rear brakes. I'm the official brake pumper.

We also found an '81 model with a rusty body but better seats, door panels and seals, lens covers, bumpers and who knows what else. It's been sitting for 15 years - literally - and we're waiting to hear if the owner is willing to part with it.

MadameButterfly · 07-26-2009, 10:00 PM

Today's chores are done and the brakes only needed adjusting. Also adjusted accelerator pedal limit stop and found a lot more energy in there.

One scary find.

One of the water hoses was so toasted, it snapped when Trekkor bent it. So that also has been replaced.

trekkor · 07-27-2009, 12:00 AM

I still need to adjust the e-brake handle.

We're looking at the paint job next month!

KT

carlosR · 07-28-2009, 06:13 AM

One of our friends has one, I drove it and loved it. Good luck with the project.

MadameButterfly · 07-28-2009, 11:23 PM

Car is insured and I'm officially behind the wheel - showing everyone my "new" car.

Initially, the engine had a little flutter, but after Trekkor's adjustments it's much smoother. The shifting is very smooth with no unnerving grinding or clunks. And I'm hoping the fact that the fuel indicator isn't plunging toward empty is a good sign and not just a stuck gauge.

A few little quirks - right turn signal works perfectly but I have to hold the lever down to indicate left turns. Overall it is a fun little car.

MadameB

MadameButterfly · 08-03-2009, 08:51 AM

Getting ready for painting.

A friend suggested using a razor to skim off clear coat where it's oxidized and peeling. Have to be careful not to gouge the undercoat, but it's real easy to do and time saving.

trekkor · 08-03-2009, 09:02 AM

Most of the hood is sanded with 220 grit.
It'll be nice to have it looking new.

KT

MadameButterfly · 08-09-2009, 08:32 AM

MadameButterfly · 08-09-2009, 08:37 AM

Trekkor made a lot of progress over the last couple of days. He expects to have it in the paint shop by Wednesday.

Our anniversary is next month and Trek says this is his present to me.

shamulater · 08-09-2009, 09:46 AM

Looks like it's turning out to be a great project car...keep the pictures coming...always nice to see the progress.

MadameButterfly · 08-09-2009, 06:59 PM

We'll be going with the original color, a metalic blue/gray

We still have our eye on the '81 with the better interior and a treasure trove of parts. That would really cut our costs significantly.

The owner had already promised it to someone else but it looks like the guy may be a "no show."