Messages

1

For Sale / E30 right front fender in GA - black- $25

« on: June 29, 2010, 03:10:16 PM »

Have an extra black right front fender for an E30 BMW. Is in nice shape with a couple of small dings on side, a small crease in the wheel opening lip (not visible from outside) and some paint rubbing at the bumper contact area. All screw holes are intact and not torn. Very decent fender. As usual, can't seem to upload photos, but can send.

Located in Atlanta.  Pickup only.  I just want this out of my garage and want it to go to someone who needs it.

b_price@earthlink.net

2

Suspension / Handling problem with control arm install

« on: June 18, 2009, 06:53:27 AM »

Resolved!

Took car to good alignment shop and had toe reset.  It appears the previous owner changed out steering links and may have had car aligned without replacing the worn out lower control arms.  Putting the new ones on changed the alignment.  Now the car steers like a BMW.  Still a bit tippy on its stock springs and Bilstein OEM replacement shocks, but those will go away eventually.

3

Suspension / Handling problem with control arm install

« on: June 15, 2009, 12:17:05 PM »

Thanks. I didn't compare old and new parts but will do so.  Having raced Formula Fords in years past, I didn't think about toe out condition.  The ball joints were very worn (just acquired car) and the bushings were badly deteriorated.  I can see that there may have been a change just based on new parts.  Will report.

4

Suspension / Handling problem with control arm install

« on: June 15, 2009, 09:01:28 AM »

I installed new lower control arms and bushings on my 91 318is over the weekend, using OEM parts.  Although a bit of work, everything went together OK.  However.....

When I went out for a test drive, I expected the suspension to be tighter and more direct.  What I experienced was that the steering seemed to be very tight and did not return easily.  The ball joints and bushings were very worn and the new ones eliminated rattles, etc., but the steering issue is a concern.  Would the new control arms be tight for a while?  I'm planning to have the car realigned on the assumption that this has changed as well.

Any hints or reality checks?

Thanks.

5

Off-topic discussion / 318is qualifies for Cash for Clunkers

« on: June 11, 2009, 02:52:51 PM »

This program is not aimed at those of us who maintain and take some pride in our cars.  Basically it's a giveaway program for people with a rusted out Chevy or Buick or nearly wrecked pickup that is worth at most $500.  Most of these folks probably paid no more than $1500 for it.  Essentially they get at least a $3500 rebate for any new vehicle that gets only a couple of mpg improvement.  Wonder what the cost-benefit ratio is for that.

6

Exterior / Minor paint discovery - Brilliantrot

« on: June 08, 2009, 06:37:51 PM »

(1)  Sorry about the spelling error.  Better brush up on my German 8 )

(2)  DesktopDave: I also broke a few tabs removing my trim.  If it needs more securing, I may use small sheet metal screws or pop rivets with heads painted black.  Of course, mine is not a "restoration".

7

Exterior / Minor paint discovery - Brilliantrot

« on: June 06, 2009, 10:38:14 PM »

Actually used my Rustoleum Sunrise Red as a temporary color coat for a small repaired spot on body.  As it turns out, it is a VERY close match to Brilliantrot.  It'll do until I do a full repaint.

8

Interior / Reupholster sport seat?

« on: May 27, 2009, 07:09:25 PM »

I just picked up a pair of tan vinyl seats from a list member. Passenger is perfect.  Driver has minor split on left bolster.  I have a good bolster from my current passenger seat.  Can somebody give me some specifics on how to swap covers?  It appears that there are pointed metal tabs  that pierce the fabric and then are folded over.  Is this the only attachment?

Thanks for any help.

9

General Topics / 318is parts car on Craigs List - Atlanta

« on: May 27, 2009, 03:45:35 PM »

If I had some available storage, I'd be tempted.  Just thought somebody on the board might be interested.

1991 bmw 318is red/w black int. major front damage not driveable drive tran undamage with 168k 5speed trans $400 o.b.o
678 508 3516


http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/1191110856.html

10

Electrical / Windshield washer wiring

« on: May 20, 2009, 06:07:18 PM »

My newly purchased 91 318is came with no windshield washer.  I just located a tank and pump (along with a spare washer control module).  The wiring is still in the car, but the plugs are damaged.  I need to know which two wires go to the pump and which pair go to what I assume is a level indicator.  Don't have a good wiring diagram yet.

Thanks for any help.

11

Get Togethers / vineyard meet, may 22nd-24th, NC

« on: May 20, 2009, 04:08:25 PM »

Will be there without BMW.  Newly acquired 91 318is is not yet proven roadworthy.  Coming up with wife and another couple to drool on others' cars and bikes, specifically to look at E30s and 3.0CS's.  Looks like a very interesting event.  Other couple are BMW devotees with a Z3 M roadster and an 840 coupe.

12

Exterior / Minor paint discovery - Brilliantrot

« on: May 19, 2009, 07:33:25 AM »

And a connoisseur of fine motorcycles and Italian cars, as well, I see!  I also have:

BMW F650GS
Suzuki SV650
Yamaha XT225
Kawasaki W650 (in progress)

13

Exterior / Minor paint discovery - Brilliantrot

« on: May 18, 2009, 08:43:16 PM »

I used what I usually keep on hand, JB Weld.  It is stronger than the plastic material.  I filled and covered the crack from behind and then used a small amount of Bondo to smooth the outside.  I initially considered the piece a throwaway, but it's very decent now.

14

Exterior / Minor paint discovery - Brilliantrot

« on: May 17, 2009, 06:30:34 PM »

Just bought a brilliantrot 91 318is.  You've been helpful with my other posts.  My car took the usual left front impact which split the front bumper cover along the top groove for the trim.  While I search for a new one and other bits, I've been epoxying and filling the damaged one (torn in center and on left side).  Will keep as a spare or pass to a track or race owner.  

Was in a well-stocked hardware store today and noticed that Rustoleum has several shades of bright red.  Took a chance on a spray can of "Sunrise Red".  It's raining here in Atlanta and can't do a bright sun comparison, but the initial trial on a portion of the bumper indicates a close match.  Since plastic doesn't finish like metal, this may be a reasonable match for fading or repaired bumpers.  Just thought I'd pass it along.

15

General Topics / Committed to 91 318is; need thoughts

« on: May 12, 2009, 02:20:43 PM »

Thanks.  Found one and ordered.  

Also, thanks to the Board members.  Your suggestions have been valuable.  

My wife and I are going with another "non-vintage" BMW couple to Vintage at the Vinyards.  I'll either get inspired or totally demoralized.  Only kidding!  I bought a low end 318 to get some education and, of course, to have a new toy.