ClassE Posted October 22, 2013 Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 Just picked up a 1989 325IS, almost completely stock. Car is in excellent shape, with the exception of some minor body damage from a low-speed accident by the PO. Passenger front fender, door, and lower bumper valence were rippled. So let's start the body related questions:-Are all E30 doors created equal? Any changes in doors between early/late model cars?-I'm assuming the lower valence under the bumper is specific to late model (painted bumper) E30's? Any different valences within the late model cars?-Any differences in fenders over the model range I should know about?First plan once it's back from paint is general maintenance (Tbelt, thermostat, oil/coolant change, fuel filter and brake bleed?). Any other "big hitters" to check off the list on this car?Any info and help would be appreciated, I come from a VW background so I have a lot of learning ahead of me. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoungCR Posted October 22, 2013 Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 Welcome! I couldn't find a specific step by step guide for "baselining" a E30 but the links below should give you and idea of all the things to replace. http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=81144 E28 specific baseline procedure, all steps can be adapted to e30 chassis. http://e30world.com/Maintenance/BMW-E30-common-problems Listing of common E30 problems, more or less the same as the list above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B C Posted October 22, 2013 Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 Just picked up a 1989 325IS, almost completely stock. Car is in excellent shape, with the exception of some minor body damage from a low-speed accident by the PO. Passenger front fender, door, and lower bumper valence were rippled. So let's start the body related questions:-Are all E30 doors created equal? Any changes in doors between early/late model cars?Not that I am aware of, just the difference in 2dr/4dr cars of course.-I'm assuming the lower valence under the bumper is specific to late model (painted bumper) E30's? Any different valences within the late model cars?There are the M-Tech valances and bumpers but those are rare. So the only real change on late model valances are the pieces you snap into it such as fog light blanks, oil cooler grille, is lip etc. it is all interchangable though. -Any differences in fenders over the model range I should know about? 1984 318i is an oddball in many ways. I wouldnt be surprised if they were different on the 84 318, the rest should all matchFirst plan once it's back from paint is general maintenance (Tbelt, thermostat, oil/coolant change, fuel filter and brake bleed?). Any other "big hitters" to check off the list on this car? Valve adjustment, engine and trans mounts, o2 sensor, drivetrain stuff such as the flex disk and center support bearing if they are worntrans and diff fluid, search thoroughly for vac. leaks.Any info and help would be appreciated, I come from a VW background so I have a lot of learning ahead of me. Thanks!I did too. I will never go back O__O Welcome to the wonderful world of RWD. If this is your first RWD experience then I strongly suggest finding a safe place to learn some basic car control in the rain/snow especially since you have a clutch-type LSD. Specifically, learn how the car behaves when you are cornering steady-state then lift the throttle, how little steering and throttle input are actually required to get the car sideways and out of shape, and train yourself to not lift completely off the throttle and make the oversteer worse. Once you get the hang of how much to countersteer and ease off the throttle you can start powering out of slides in full control and have a lot of fun while also being a safer driver in poor weather. If you are not new to RWD and are the drift king then disregard this. I just remember getting my car out of shape on my first drive with it and I was not well prepared to properly control it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need4speed1299 Posted October 22, 2013 Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 For maintenance, check the vacuum line that runs from the throttle body to the valve cover. It runs underneath the intake. Make sure you have the correct spark plugs, no double platinums, etc. When you do the timing belt, make sure you get the right tensioner. I use blue loctite and torque to spec to make sure it doesn't go anywhere. When bleeding your brakes, be sure not to mix dot 3 and dot 4. When you do the coolant change, do the coolant temp sensor too for what it costs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boris3 Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 Good car choice! Pick up a Bentley manual. In addition to folks here, E30 Forums are your friend-- more DIYs and resources than you could ask for: R3VLimited, E30tech, Bimmerforums, e30zone.net, e30performance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClassE Posted October 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 Thanks for the suggestions so far, I'll be sure to add everything to my "to do" list. Ordered my first batch of maintence parts last night, got everything to do the timing belt swap and water pump on the way, should make for a good weeks worth of night projects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClassE Posted October 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 What can you guys tell me about the stock IS trunk spoilers? The original one on mine is cracked and nasty, looking to replace it. The original one feels like it's made from a soft rubber, is it coated/painted/plain rubber? Do you take it to a body shop to have them paint it (they'll use like 4 gallons if flex?)?I had assumed it was comparable to a piece of trim, when it's faded and cracked you just replace it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian. Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 it's made out of a rubber/foam stuff. Just order a new one, unbolt old, bolt on new, for the most part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyhundley Posted October 24, 2013 Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 Welcome to the forums and congrats on your car. My first e30 (owned 4 now) really taught how to drive. You will get well acquainted with the rev limiter and steering lock before you know it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClassE Posted October 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 Time to get dirty. The good:First things first.... Gotta hold something nice.And just picked up everything but front seats last weekend (I don't like the original grey): Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B C Posted October 24, 2013 Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 love it!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KaiserRolls Posted October 24, 2013 Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 awesome!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian. Posted October 24, 2013 Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 I'm liking where this is going. What color are you painting it? And where are you taking it? I'm half tempted to take my E28 somewhere to get it painted. Setting up my full car booth is a hassle... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earl Posted October 24, 2013 Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 This thing will be great=) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClassE Posted October 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 Same color, just fixing some minor body issues. PO had a minor low speed incident with a pole that I want sorted out. Paint appears to be great on this car, but I plan on a good clay bar/buff this weekend to see what I'm working with.I will only take my paint stuff to Kurt at Inline Autobody here in Oshkosh. He did some work on my white car quite a few years back, and does a killer job. I won't take my paint stuff anywhere else.Picking up battery and buffing compounds tonight, I think Saturday afternoon I'll be buffing everything out and getting it up in stands to start timing belt/waterpump/etc... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc43089 Posted October 24, 2013 Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 I use clay from griotsgarage.com it's great stuff, much better than meguiars etc. Top notch car care stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClassE Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 I've always used the Meguiars compounds and had no issues. I've gotta find someplace locally to pick up a mid-range cut, I think automotive supply carries it.Picked up a battery and checked a bunch of electrical stuff last night. Everything seems to work great so far, but I'll reserve my happiness until it's driving. Getting a battery was kind of a PITA though, made a bunch of calls:-Advance: "Doesn't carry one for that car"-Batteries Plus: $120-NAPA: $120-Oriellys: $120-Fleet Farm Appleton: "Doesn't carry one for that car"-Fleey Farm Oshkosh: $83Mans Mall it was!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc43089 Posted October 25, 2013 Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 I'm not saying the Meguiars is bad, just the griotsgarage stuff is really nice. If its not at fleet farm you don't need it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClassE Posted October 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Tomorrow night is gonna be fun! Starting the timing belt, tensioner, waterpump, and thermostat swap so I can drive this thing to paint next week!Pics to follow as we dig into it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClassE Posted October 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 29, 2013 Dirty, nasty, stock M20:Pulling stuff apart to get to timing belt and tensioner: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earl Posted October 29, 2013 Report Share Posted October 29, 2013 Whats the bmw color name on the strut tower? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClassE Posted October 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 29, 2013 Got the water pump replaced, and have everything ready to swap timing belt and tensioner..... That'll be tomorrow nights project.How we left it for the evening:Thanks to Brian for swinging over and lending a hand! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClassE Posted October 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 29, 2013 "lachssilber-metallic" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KaiserRolls Posted October 29, 2013 Report Share Posted October 29, 2013 did you ever find a fender? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClassE Posted October 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 29, 2013 Nope, still need one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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