M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS
FAQ / REFERENCE => M42 Buyer's Guide => Topic started by: BlueBMW on December 24, 2009, 01:21:42 PM
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My first BMW was (and still is) a 1995 530i. While I was doing some repairs on it I bought an 89 325i as a temporary car while the E34 was down. While I enjoyed the 325i alot, it was automatic and had a lot of rust and other issues. I sold it and resumed driving the five series. I work as a technician at the local dealership and early 2008 they offered employees a killer lease deal on the last
E85 Z4s. So for the last two years I've been driving an 08 Z4. (For a cool $250 / mo) My folks have been driving the 530i (up to 270K now) My lease ends in a month and my parents are willing but not excited about giving back the five series. And, a co-worker was in need of cash so decided to sell his car. The end result.... I'm the new owner of a 1991 BMW 318is. I've never thought much of the 4 cylinder 3 series, but after only having this car a few days, I've fallen back in love the E30s! I was reluctant at first about getting a 4 cylinder, but now I see why so many people love them. I am totally amazed at how much fun that little 4 cylinder is especially with a stick shift (although I keep reaching for the sixth gear that isn't there)
I paid $2200 for the car, the odometer reads 64000, but it was replaced (and is working!) I'd guess the car has closer to 200,000. The last owner did all sorts of repairs to it including installing a LSD, new dashboard, a new heater core, power antenna, timing chain tensioner, and a mish mash of other mechanical repairs. I cant find a spot of rust on the car and the only damage I see is the r/f fender is a pushed back a bit from some sort of impact. Only things the car needs that I can tell are... a steering rack with tie rods, shocks, and some exhaust work. A previous owner cut the cat off and put a fart can in the back. So the first order of business is to reinstall a cat and replace the fart can with something a little more subtle (and not as deafening inside) Even though there are no emission laws (yet) in Tennessee, I just don't like the idea of polluting that much. Oh and the wheels have gotta go. The guy gave me the original basket weaves so I may use them, not sure yet.
Bottom line, I'm absolutely thrilled to be back driving an E30 again!
(http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac253/bmcdanold/318is.jpg)
(http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac253/bmcdanold/Car%20stuff/1224091433.jpg)
(http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac253/bmcdanold/Car%20stuff/1224091433a.jpg)
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Beauty! Good luck.
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Nice car...welcome to the club! All the P/S racks fail at high mileage. Swap an e36 rack if you're thinking of repairing the e30 one. It feels more 'right' than the slower stock rack.
Now I'm off to wrap some presents...
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I've already found an E36 rack to use. I just get nervous when things involve cutting new holes :) Also, I hate taking steering knuckles apart the splines never seem to behave going back together.
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Welcome BlueBMW - You picked up a real prize winner Slick Top Very Nice. If you replaced one Knuckle you have replaced them all just dive in. Check out the ''Sticky'' thread The Mess Under the Intake. GL
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Nice ride...
If you are looking to replace some of the exhaust system here are some aftermarket Mufflers that should work:
Dynomax 17731
Just for reference:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WLK-17731/
I think this can be also found at some local autoparts stores...
The closest MagnaFlow would be:
MagnaFlow 13235
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MPE-13235/
And for a CAT you could probably go with this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120462867321&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT
Probably these would be the cheapest route since OEM parts are crazy high...
BTW....Cleanup that engine bay....:D
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actually, the magnaflow 11265 is a closer match to stock as far as size is concerned. $30 more also, but i am very satisfied with mine. i can feel the difference over the cheap replacement that was on the car before. of course that may be due to the fact the old one was toast.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MPE-11265/
nice looking car- great color combo
robert w.
Nice ride...
If you are looking to replace some of the exhaust system here are some aftermarket Mufflers that should work:
The closest MagnaFlow would be:
MagnaFlow 13235
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MPE-13235/
Probably these would be the cheapest route since OEM parts are crazy high...
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Thank you all for the good ideas for the exhaust! I have a little time before my lease is up so I need to do as suggested and just dive in and start fixing things. Oh and yes the engine bay is pretty dirty... as is the whole car. A full cleanup is coming soon.