[manolooo]

Classic!! That looks incredible I need a project car in my life.....

[richb811]

Originally Posted by Mr. ///M3 RD

Great job

PS. I can appreciate what effort and work went into this my first ever e28 1987 535is is still with us (at the time of purchase in 1987 was one step below the then ///M5) and we are maintaining her as much as we can. She's got new front fenders, new bumpers and a complete original paint job since some one in Toronto keyed the car in 2000 all around including the hood and trunk ... she will always be with us

I am a sucker for a well kept E28 Mr.///M3 She looks fantastic!

Originally Posted by MrPig

That's actually a decent price for what looks to be an amazing piece. Does he have a site?

The engine is probably the only part of the car the PO took decent care of. When I got her last year I had to patch 5 holes in the rockers and another hole in the passenger A-pillar. The floors were previously patched (thank god, that would've been a nightmare). The passenger fender was gone and the paint/clear coat was peeling. I also blew 2 brake hardlines last year. I got most of the kinks out of her right now and am slowly getting her back into shape.

Thankfully my gf is supportive enough to not get in my way (also she doesn't know the overall price tag). She knows I want to be burried in this car

He doesn't have a website as far as I know, and he deals mainly on ebay. I'll dig up the details and send them over to you. Like any well done piece for an E30, it takes a little time to get, and he is a bit slow responding to emails but the finished product is truly worth it. Its a shame you are all the way up in Canada as I'd have you come feel it for yourself in person.

Its amazing where you find rust on these cars. The only spots we found some initial rust were the Licence Plate Lamps, The rear Diving board mounting holes, and the Battery vent in the trunk. We cut it all out and refinished to ensure no further spread. I also switched a whole front drivers side fender which was had the beginning of what could be considered a problem, as I didn't want to risk it spreading under the new paint job.

Originally Posted by conrad325i

Very nice

Originally Posted by GMP Performance

Perfect! Don't change a thing.

That interior is amazing. I love the details.

Thanks

[The_Bear_Yid]

Lovely. Love seeing older cars well done with a newer more powerful engine.

[MrPig]

Originally Posted by Rich@GTBPerformance

Its amazing where you find rust on these cars. The only spots we found some initial rust were the Licence Plate Lamps, The rear Diving board mounting holes, and the Battery vent in the trunk. We cut it all out and refinished to ensure no further spread. I also switched a whole front drivers side fender which was had the beginning of what could be considered a problem, as I didn't want to risk it spreading under the new paint job.

Appreciate it.

I know your pain regarding the license plate lights rust. I'm noticing it under one of mine and it annoys me to no end since I just had her resprayed last year. I need to figure out a way to prevent it from spreading without it running up the cost

[PUG-N-BEEM GUY]

WOW what a gorgeous machine! I love the bbs wheels! Is the interior leather and alcantera? The execution of restoration is, well it looks as though it was just bought new! what other BMW's or non BMW's do u own?

[W///]

What a beautiful restoration. I've got an E30 vert myself: AW on beige, 5MT. It hasn't been driven in nearly 2 almost 3 years, just collecting dust in the garage. This just motivated me to start working on it, just haven't had the time or cashflow since I've been concentrating on the V8 M3 and the DD (97 4Runner).

My plans are to get the M20 running properly (I can see an S50 in there eventually), redo the entire suspension and get a drop while I'm in there, basketweaves, M3 steering wheel. Would also love to redo the interior and dye it Imola red.

I'm iffy about my diving boards. I know why people hate it so much, but I've almost gotten used to it. A few more things on the M3 (TP's, stage 2 tune, FL taillights, diffuser) and fix AC on 4Runner, then I'm definitely going to have to start the E30 project. I've debated selling her MANY times, but it's threads like this that makes me glad I haven't.

Thanks for sharing!

[richb811]

Originally Posted by The_Bear_Yid

Lovely. Love seeing older cars well done with a newer more powerful engine.

Its an absolute hoot to drive with the S52. I am thinking my next project will be an E30 M3 with an E36 S50 Euro Motor

Originally Posted by MrPig

Appreciate it.

I know your pain regarding the license plate lights rust. I'm noticing it under one of mine and it annoys me to no end since I just had her resprayed last year. I need to figure out a way to prevent it from spreading without it running up the cost

Seal it in a humidity and temperature controlled bubble... in California.

Anywhere that has even a hint of salt on the roads, you have to be uber diligent and catch the little bastards before it becomes full blown rust.

Originally Posted by phillyboy328

WOW what a gorgeous machine! I love the bbs wheels! Is the interior leather and alcantera? The execution of restoration is, well it looks as though it was just bought new! what other BMW's or non BMW's do u own?

Yes sir, its a Nappa leather with Suede done by Justin over at Euro Interiors in CT. He mainly does Ferrari and Aston Martins, but we were able to steal this from him

Previously I had a 2010 E90 335i Sedan, and right now I have Kylie and a 2001 540i Touring in Topaz Blue/Titan Grey. My wife has a 2008 GTI also. I'm looking to switch the Wagon over to an E61 535i xDrive eventually, and maybe get my hands on an E60 M5 for a fun car... although my wife has different plans for that money. Something about a house?

[richb811]

Originally Posted by W///

What a beautiful restoration. I've got an E30 vert myself: AW on beige, 5MT. It hasn't been driven in nearly 2 almost 3 years, just collecting dust in the garage. This just motivated me to start working on it, just haven't had the time or cashflow since I've been concentrating on the V8 M3 and the DD (97 4Runner).

My plans are to get the M20 running properly (I can see an S50 in there eventually), redo the entire suspension and get a drop while I'm in there, basketweaves, M3 steering wheel. Would also love to redo the interior and dye it Imola red.

I'm iffy about my diving boards. I know why people hate it so much, but I've almost gotten used to it. A few more things on the M3 (TP's, stage 2 tune, FL taillights, diffuser) and fix AC on 4Runner, then I'm definitely going to have to start the E30 project. I've debated selling her MANY times, but it's threads like this that makes me glad I haven't.

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for coming and offering your support! I'm glad I can help reignite the spark of a fellow E30 lover

She is definitely a cash sink for sure. Not as bad as a boat, from what I've heard though!

Personally, the diving boards are not for me but they can look great on the right car for sure. My friend Andrew has an 88 E30 which has the crossover style bumpers (Diving boards, but with the late model valance). He did a black powdercoat on them and drilled the pistons so the bumpers retracted and it is a pretty damn awesome look (See below)



One thing I would suggest that makes an absolutely brilliant difference to the handling of any E30 : The E36 3 Series Steering rack. Changes the ratio and makes the car that much more precise, the feel that much better. Its a relatively cheap modification and will make you fall in love with the car all over again.

[westphone]

I quite love this car E30 325i, direct feeling.

[sunmans]

Wow! What a beautiful machine! Impressive!!

[W///]

Originally Posted by Rich@GTBPerformance

Thanks for coming and offering your support! I'm glad I can help reignite the spark of a fellow E30 lover

She is definitely a cash sink for sure. Not as bad as a boat, from what I've heard though!

Personally, the diving boards are not for me but they can look great on the right car for sure. My friend Andrew has an 88 E30 which has the crossover style bumpers (Diving boards, but with the late model valance). He did a black powdercoat on them and drilled the pistons so the bumpers retracted and it is a pretty damn awesome look (See below)



One thing I would suggest that makes an absolutely brilliant difference to the handling of any E30 : The E36 3 Series Steering rack. Changes the ratio and makes the car that much more precise, the feel that much better. Its a relatively cheap modification and will make you fall in love with the car all over again.

Have to say, that's probably one of the best DB tucks I've seen yet. Looks great. Yea we'll see what happens, at this point, I'd be happy just to have her back on the road. I've heard of the E36 steering rack swap too. At this point, the car is just for cruising, so I don't mind so much that it handles like a boat haha. All in due time I guess. Just want to finish the M3 first!

Any information on what suspension setup you are on? I plan on just doing a simple H&R vert specific springs and KONI's for a mild drop.

Here's mine btw (unfortunately not the M3!). That was the last time I really had a chance to drive her, and that was to Tail of the Dragon. Probably back in Fall 2010.


Obviously nothing like your car Rich, but still has earned it's place collecting dust in my garage

[The_Bear_Yid]

Originally Posted by Rich@GTBPerformance

Its an absolute hoot to drive with the S52. I am thinking my next project will be an E30 M3 with an E36 S50 Euro Motor

Wow, can't wait for that.

[BMWags]

Originally Posted by Rich@GTBPerformance

Sweet!

You'll like this too : She has heat and working, cold ass air conditioning too

Awesome man. My fav car was my E30 with a tuned M50 and mtech 2 kit. But I never had A/C! Bonus!

[richb811]

Originally Posted by W///

Have to say, that's probably one of the best DB tucks I've seen yet. Looks great. Yea we'll see what happens, at this point, I'd be happy just to have her back on the road. I've heard of the E36 steering rack swap too. At this point, the car is just for cruising, so I don't mind so much that it handles like a boat haha. All in due time I guess. Just want to finish the M3 first!

Any information on what suspension setup you are on? I plan on just doing a simple H&R vert specific springs and KONI's for a mild drop.

Here's mine btw (unfortunately not the M3!). That was the last time I really had a chance to drive her, and that was to Tail of the Dragon. Probably back in Fall 2010.


Obviously nothing like your car Rich, but still has earned it's place collecting dust in my garage

She's still a looker! Its 72 degrees here in Jersey today and that is perfect Vert weather! I'd love to get down to the Dragon, but running this place sucks up my time.

I'm running H&R Sports, Bilstein Sports, Ireland Engineering Adjustable Swaybars (25mm Front, 22mm Rear), E90 Drop Hats, Front Strut Bar. Nothing too crazy but low enough where I need a Race Skid plate to keep from hitting the oilpan.

Originally Posted by BMWags

Awesome man. My fav car was my E30 with a tuned M50 and mtech 2 kit. But I never had A/C! Bonus!

AC FTW!

[m5 guy]

So sick! My Dad has had his 1985 e30 325e since 1986. Going to have to show him this build. Great job!

[richb811]

Originally Posted by m3 guy

So sick! My Dad has had his 1986 e30 325e since 1985. Going to have to show him this build. Great job!

Cheers! Long live the mighty 325e!

[petapotamus]

An excellent example of a true drivers car. Let the purists have their concours.. Ill take a car you can drive over a trailer queen any day.

[richb811]

Originally Posted by petapotamus

An excellent example of a true drivers car. Let the purists have their concours.. Ill take a car you can drive over a trailer queen any day.

As Guten Parts says

[Ridonculous]

Awsome build man! You just inspired me to keep showing my e30 some love.

If you dont mind me asking, what's the ballpark figure for the S52 swap, parts and labor?

My M20 has 250k+ miles on it and a S52 swap is probably a better investment than rebuilding the M20.

[richb811]

Originally Posted by Ridonculous

Awsome build man! You just inspired me to keep showing my e30 some love.

If you dont mind me asking, what's the ballpark figure for the S52 swap, parts and labor?

My M20 has 250k+ miles on it and a S52 swap is probably a better investment than rebuilding the M20.

Was able to get the Motor + Accessories for around $2000 from a wrecked Estoril Blue E36. Transmission I can't recall how much I paid for it, but it is a Getrag 260 from the M20. Swap fee at GPS was about $2500. There are also a lot of additional bits we needed, such as AKG engine mounts, an E34 oil pan just to name a few for the swap to be successful. I'd say probably north of $6000 for all the engine goodies including swap fee when all said and done.. and that's without looking at my spreadsheet.

[W///]

Originally Posted by Rich@GTBPerformance

Was able to get the Motor + Accessories for around $2000 from a wrecked Estoril Blue E36. Transmission I can't recall how much I paid for it, but it is a Getrag 260 from the M20. Swap fee at GPS was about $2500. There are also a lot of additional bits we needed, such as AKG engine mounts, an E34 oil pan just to name a few for the swap to be successful. I'd say probably north of $6000 for all the engine goodies including swap fee when all said and done.. and that's without looking at my spreadsheet.

Haha you see, that's why my E30 will have the M20 for a while (not a big fan of that engine to be honest). Shelling out $6k on a car I already overpaid for, while the M3 is begging for MORE mods is not an option at the moment. Not to mention $6k and I'd still be rolling on bottlecaps

Just out of curiosity, would that total price go down significantly if it was an S50 instead?

[EdM5]

She's perfect