October 13, 2010 01:27AM
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Registered: 13 years ago
Posts: 34 : Stuttgart, Germany (desperately missing CA) |
Hey all! Well, I've returned (who can't after getting hooked on these cars?). I decided to do a '91 318is for my 4th E30. If anyone remembers me from back in the day, the last one I had was basically perfect and was purchased from the original owner. Well, this one needed a bit of a friend and some rescuing...
Here are the particulars: '91 318is purchased with 184k miles on the clock. Diamond schwartz with tan interior. I've documented most all of what I've done on E30tech and M42 Club, so I don't think I need to reinvent the wheel, but if anyone has any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Here is the LONG list of what has been done since I got it about a year ago. I'll break it down by the PO and then me: PO: - control arms and offset bushings up front - rear subframe and trailing arm bushings (thank goodness as that is the one job I've not done on the E30 and was dreading doing it) - H&R sport springs with Bilstein sport shocks - removed sound deadening and AC compressor (he thought he was going to turn it into a track car... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...) - all the timing stuff done (critical for the M42) Me: Drivetrain: - new (rebuilt) drive shaft - rebuilt half shafts - rear wheel bearings (the correct tools are worth every penny) - small case 4.10 lsd (a MUST have) - replaced a blown rear shock Interior: - removed the airbag wheel and replaced with an M Tech 1 wheel that I recovered (come out looking OEM brand new for $70) - retrofitted a 13 button On Board Computer with the correct coding plug - retrofitted OEM cruise control (can't live without it) - power sunroof conversion (contrary to popular belief, there really is no weight difference) - replaced the cracked dash Functional: - smiley headlight conversion with units I got from a yard here in Germany wired correctly to have fogs, city lights, etc all at the same and correct time - rear fog light setup complete with correct switch and dash illumination - grilles to go with the lights - fairly rough but salvageable MIM 1900 wheels (going to refinish both these and the OEM basketweaves - COMPLETE AC overhaul and conversion to R134a including individual flushing of all components, all new O Rings, brand new compressor, expansion valve, and receiver dryer. Next will be to put in a parallel flow condenser as the system doesn't quite keep up like in my M20 after it was converted especially at idle. - added a second light on the trunk lid - full premium speaker conversion - proper installation of a Kenwood KDC-993 Excellon head unit (iPod control, bluetooth, XM/Sirius, etc...) Still to come: - convert the interior to black- I've already got the seats, but I'm waiting to get some heated elements to recover with the crazy European pattern I've got until I get those - finish retrofit of all things in the cold weather package: heated washer nozzles (got them, just need to install), heated mirrors, heated seats (have all the OEM parts except the elements) - retrofit headlight washer system - FINALLY rebuild the calipers and put in the SS lines with proper fluid - add a slew of sound deadening (this is not a track only car, and I want it quiet and the 30 lbs isn't going to hurt my feelings) - rebuild the motor to perfect at some point - electric fan conversion - coil on plug conversion - exhaust - paint and body - simple add on sub for a touch more bass in the stereo Enough babbling. Here are some of the highlights in pictures: Day after purchase |
October 13, 2010 01:30AM
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Registered: 13 years ago
Posts: 34 : Stuttgart, Germany (desperately missing CA) |