Messages

1

General Topics / my 318 is killing me right now $$$

« on: February 09, 2013, 05:02:27 PM »

I too have fallen into the multiple e30 syndrome, however if i had to cut down from the 20 or so cars in my barn to just a few, I might combine the e30 with the old beater pickup with 4wd for the snow days and for the general usefullness of a truck and the ability to tow your own e30 home if bad things happen. You may have X grand into it, but you are having more fun, have a distinct style, know what is and isn't fixed and reliable.  And remember, cars that you buy for 3-5 grand will often need thounsands in repairs too. you are not getting a 100k mile  warranty for 5grand.

2

General Topics / radiator fittment

« on: February 09, 2013, 09:00:28 AM »

sorry to be so noobish, i did a quick search and cant find the definative answer and i am off to the pic a part after i eat some pumpkin waffles, plus i had too many great lakes imperial stouts last night and am fuzzy...

need a rad. all m42 rads are the same? correct?
What about m44 e36 into an e30 m42?
 thanks in advance!

3

For Sale / just fyi

« on: October 30, 2012, 10:02:07 AM »

I talked to paul (new owner)  last week. he has already put 2,000 miles on it in the last month or so...! glad i didn't part it out.

4

For Sale / 91 318is for sale in Pa. $900+ obo

« on: September 27, 2012, 05:45:41 PM »

it is like the bermuda triangle out my way. the e30's appear on craigslist and then mysteriously disappear and somehow end up in my barn....

dave, just let me know on the struts, i have his contact info. thanks. oh, and i sent you longer pm, but my comp was acting funny... did you get it?

ben

5

For Sale / sold

« on: September 27, 2012, 04:58:14 PM »

sold! welcome Paul to the club. He already has it cleaned up and almost ready to go. I know he could use some cheap stock struts to get him on the road (i sold it with one seized) so maybe a nice m42clubber could hook up a new, young owner.

6

For Sale / 91 318is for sale in Pa. $900+ obo

« on: August 21, 2012, 08:37:59 PM »

wow, really? nobody looking for a $1000 plastic bumpered coupe 5speed that actually runs pretty well? maybe I was too honest about the negatives. I have seen coupe rollers sell for $500 and this car could be on the road looking decent in a weekend!
anyway, shameless self serving bump (from here on out to be known as sssb)

7

M42 Buyer's Guide / How much to offer, 1-owner e30 318is w 44k km??

« on: August 12, 2012, 09:21:52 PM »

wow, could be the nicest original in the country....
however, i would go buy the second nicest in the country for less than half of that and pick up an extra wrx as a winter "beater!"
to answer your question though - i think about half of the asking price would be a place to start. you are getting a new-quality car, and even 15k doesnt buy much on a new dealer lot...
 I could just imagine the car you could build for 15k...how about an e30 with one of those new turbo 4s in the 328?

8

For Sale / 91 318is for sale in Pa. $900+ obo

« on: August 10, 2012, 11:09:39 PM »

dean pm sent

9

For Sale / 91 318is for sale in Pa. $900+ obo

« on: August 09, 2012, 09:00:14 AM »

parting out... i really hate to see a car that doesnt NEED  to be parted out end its life. I could probably get the money i need, maybe more, if i did.
Are you somewhere near enough to get the motor?
I think someday we will regret junking these m42s and even e30s in general. Ask my friend's dad who junked a 63 split window corvette in the 70s due to floor board rust and a bad diff.....
I will keep you in mind.
anyone else interested in parts?

10

For Sale / 91 318is for sale in Pa. $900+ obo

« on: August 06, 2012, 08:57:14 AM »

probably. we all need several. I currently have 6, so i need fewer.
amazing ID on the seat, I think you are right. It is just in there to move it around the yard.
I will not be offended by offers (doesn't mean that I will take them, but I wont be offended.)
I would also consider trades for... m42 or m20 turbo parts, juicy upgrade parts, older full size ext cab pickup, food, beer, women etc. anything interesting....

11

For Sale / 91 318is for sale in Pa. $900+ obo

« on: August 06, 2012, 12:58:31 AM »

running, driving, stopping 1991 318is for sale in Westmoreland co. Pa (60 miles east of Pittsburgh)
diamond black
180k
good project or track car, or could be a dd with a little effort.
I know very little about the car. I bought it for the interior and potential modification plans, but am moving on. I have only driven the car about 50 miles.

The good:
runs, drives, stops.
rust seems minimal (especially for the salt belt) imho no metal will need to replaced. battery well previously boxed in.
pretty smooth idle
timing gears sound quiet - i have not looked.
factory black weaves with polished lips. even if repainted silver the polished lips are nice.
it is 900$

The bad:
old putty from 1996 accident cracking - see interior view of old spot welds
front pass strut is stuck extended (how, i do not know...)
narrow hit in rear has put a kink in trunk - see pic
interior is out - I will include a full tan sport interior (except carpet) in boxes (not installed) for an additional $200
dont know much about the history or maintenance.

yes you could drive this. fluids were all checked. the stuck strut makes it funky, but not as bad as you would think...

please dont make me send this out to the CL hoards... it is such a hassle....

12

For Sale / better than new!

« on: July 28, 2012, 10:38:00 AM »

that car is amazing. like new - but with better handling and some seriously delicious leather (and no cosmoline!).
we rust belters drool over southern stored-indoors rust-free cars.
i assume major service is up to date - timing, vac hoses etc?
if i owned it, i would have to have it up for sale for a very very long time before i took one penny less than 5k. that is an instant show car.
wheels are not my style, but that is personal preference. (still have the stock weaves?)
autotrader has the average e30 in the entire us selling at over 6k (granted some are majorly modded 10k plus cars, but still.
i think this is a serious bargin at 5k. you could fly in, have a vacation and drive home.
glws- the buyer seems like the lucky one.

13

Engine + Driveline / lsd swap?

« on: July 22, 2012, 09:35:21 AM »

thanks dave. as always, good insight.

the point is moot. it rained yesterday, so i couldn't finish painting the soffit, so i went ahead and did it. 2 diffs out and 2 diffs in in one day with no lift (yet.) Needless to say, i am a little sore today.

note - imho the smoothest method to install is to attach the ujoint drive shaft first, then the upper center bolts, then the lower center bolts, then the rear hanger, then the axles. i tried doing the lower center bolts first and could never get the uppers to line up. hopefully this will save someone some time, swear words, and bloody knuckles.

i am saving a 30k 2.93 lsd to make a hyper miler out of when gas hits $6 a gallon.

14

Engine + Driveline / lsd swap?

« on: July 20, 2012, 10:50:49 PM »

hmmm, that is a thought. but this one is basically free except for labor. Is the going rate for a lsd about $150-250?

You cant really get much taller on the ratio than a 3.73 on a stock m42 and still get out of your own way can you?

15

Engine + Driveline / lsd swap?

« on: July 20, 2012, 07:33:45 PM »

is it worth it to swap a 180k 4.10 lsd that sounds and feels good into my good condition original 91 to replace the known good 130k open 4.10? i would have to do a double swap since the "donor" car in fair to poor (but running) condition is going up for sale... thoughts?

current plans for the keeper is stock+suspension+chip summer driver.