My Lazur Blue 318iS

[peteM3power]

Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd introduce myself and my E30 M42. I bought it back in August of 2004 after searching long and hard for around two years. It is one of the rarer E30 colours (lazurblau metallic) and has been a fantastic car to drive and own.

Since buying it, I have done some extensive modifications including a cat back 2.25" exhaust, MarkD chip, Z4 3.0L SSK, an M-Tech II steering wheel, a full Boston Acoustics stereo w/ an Alpine H/U, Bilstein Sport Shocks w/ H&R Sport Springs, Suspension Techniques F/R Swaybars, Treehouse Racing CAB's, all new links, other bushings, front strut hats, rear shock reinforcements, etc. as well as Brembo OEM rear/ ATE Slotted Front Discs, custom high tensile steel front strut brace, etc. and the car is just fantastic to take on a mountain drive and is great in city streets as well having done so!

Here are some pics of it as it lies at the moment. I have possible plans for some IE stage III springs, some new wheels as well as a set of sport seats. I am still not 100% sure however and am definately open to suggestions.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l124/Peter_071/BMW11.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l124/Peter_071/BMW10.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l124/Peter_071/BMW09.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l124/Peter_071/BMW12.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l124/Peter_071/BMW07.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l124/Peter_071/BMW08.jpg

Love to hear your thoughts,

Cheers,

Pete

[FL318is]

Very sweet. I have never seen that color. What wheels are you thinking?
Great mods.

[silverblades181]

Very clean car. Haven't seen many of that color. I'm in the process of trying to find a replacement for my totaled 318is...I sure hope it doesn't take 2 years. Also, is that a red plate cover? I think a black one would pretty up the rear end more...just my 2 cents.

[asubimmer]

totally lovin that color!!!

[peteM3power]

Thinking along the lines of 15 inch weaves, Ronal LS, or a set of Simmons OM style (we get them quite easily here in Australia) along with a set of IE3's, I think it could be a nice change, not too over the top.

Also, yes, it is a red rear plate filler that you see in the pics. I was going to change it but just never thought it would make that big of a difference so left it alone. I may change it soon though because it has been a topic of discussion quite often when I've posted pics.

Cheers,

Pete

[zerofreez]

Wow, if i found a 318is like that with the mtech II package i would have to buy it, no matter what country it was in.

[Tonyb]

Just take the red filler off and call it a day! Looks perfect already!

[silverblades181]

If you like it, keep it. It's not because people comment on it that you have to remove it. I've found it's not very popular though. Your car, your choice.

[peteM3power]

Thanks for the many kind words guys. Yeah.. not too sure what to do with the rear plate filler. To be honest, I am neither here nor there. I would love some Euro 15" weaves and think they would make a nice subtle difference to the car but at this stage the plate filler has not really been a high priority for change.

I am thinking I may just finish it off with the 15" weaves, possibly some IE3's for a lower stance (although I do like the current ride, hmmm) and then some sport seats inside and then start saving for an E30 M3 maybe.

(I do plan on keeping this little M42 though!)

What do you guys think, do my ideas sound like they'd finish it off nicely or should I get some different wheels instead?

Thanks,

Pete

[asubimmer]

Euro weaves are hott, nice choice

[D. Clay]

Very nice looking car! Are those original Australian bumper cusions and sidemaker lights? In the US we add the cushions without the sidemarkers and in Europe they add the US type with them. Neat is sometimes equals different.

[peteM3power]

Yeah, it's all original for the Aussie market. I don't mind the side indicators at all. Some of the guys here go for clears or smoked lenses but I've decided to go for the more original look as a personal choice.

Cheers,

Pete

[silverblades181]

IE3 and 15" weaves be would perfect. Classy and sporty. The way bmw was designed.

[peteM3power]

Yeah... I have a set of Euro 15" weaves on their way as we speak... should arrive in the near future, I think they'll be a nice addition.

As for the IE3's, I really want to do the swap for the lower stance but not sure if I want to give the nice ride up that I have around town with the H&R Sports. Just unsure at the moment in regards to that... You guys think the ride will still be nice even around town with the IE3's? I've read that they are harsh but not too harsh, maybe I need to find someone here with IE3's and an E30 and go for a drive to see what it's like..

Pete

[john318isau]

If you are still looking for sports seats BM Auto in Perth were selling a set out of an E30 M3 for $800. You can phone them on (08) 9249 9600.

Any pictures of your custom strut brace?

[peteM3power]

Hey John, thanks for the heads up on the seats. I will give them a call... Also, as for the strut brace, I will try and get some soon (don't have any at the moment) but it's a Bell Motorsport made fixed brace made of high tensile steel just painted black. It looks plain but does a superb job and I immediately felt a difference after some mountain driving.

Cheers,

Pete

[Choking Hazard]

Beautiful. Excellent. All good.