Well I finally got the E30 M3 that i have always wanted.
It has been great so far. As soon as I got it I started in on the inspections.
I am replacing all the consumables and normal wear parts

I had a few questions.

1. Bushings for acc. brackets, should I go stock or after market? I replaced my belts and they still squeal slightly. The bushings are pretty much toast so i cant get the belts tight.

2. I want to replace Dstrib. cap and rotor, does anyone know of a good supplier? If I have to I will get them from the dealer but I expect them to be $$$.

3. Exhaust, Mine has more holes than swiss cheese. I have access to a few E30 325 Parts cars so i was thinking of welding up one off of those to replace mine until I can get a suitable replacement. Any thoughts on this?

4. Coolant level sender. Will one off of a 325 ETA fit my reservoir?

5. Thermostat. Any suggestions on what the best route to get my hands on one? I live in the desert, should I use a lower temp. It's one piece housing/thermo Isn't it? do they even make different temps?

6. ABS. the ABS light is on. The sensors are crusty, I am going to check them next chance I get. ABS relays are working. Does the ABS light have to be reset by the dealer?

7. O2Sensor. Is there a cheaper alternative to the stock thats near the quality? I am not afraid to splice wires.

8. Brakes work but under moderate braking the car shakes (not the steering wheel) Could this be related to the ABS system (see 6). New pads put on before I got the car but the rotors have "Grand Canyon" valleys in them. Should I replace or try resurfacing?

9. What is the clear plastic tank under the battery tray in the trunk for?
The one with the small tube running to it.

10. is the 1987 325Eta battery tray the same as the one in my car? (I have the black fiberglass tray very different from the one in my 325IS 1990)

Thats all for now, any other suggestions would be much appreciated.



Mishaps:

Was driving to dinner when my clutch pedal hit the floor and would not return on its own.

heres why: (please copy and paste)

img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-9/1217033/P1010246.jpg

The bracket holding the master clutch cylinder sheared off allowing the master clutch cylinder to bend to the left. The next time I pushed in the clutch it bent the actuator rod and snapped the eyelet. OUCH. Looks like its time to get the welder out and get that bracket back in place. Anyone know where to get a good clutch master cylinder? I have access to a parts car, maybe I will just use it's cylinder.

I was cleaning and inspecting the trunk when I decided to remove the the battery tray for cleaning.

I found this: (please copy and paste)

img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-9/1217033/P1010249.jpg

That rust spot is the back side of the tow cleat in the fender well. Someone had this car towed and ripped both back cleats nearly off. Water then took over and rusted the exposed metal badly. Well time for more welding!


Thanks in advance!
shift9999-

rust stemming from the cleats is common on the e30s in general. where did the car come from? was this at a dealer down that way? red interior? if so i think theres a post on here or s14.net about it. nothing bad, just some history on it, iirc.

Yes, it was from the Los Angeles area. It was re-painted a different silver from what I can see with red Interior. From what I could tell it had been in Texas and maybe Michigan. Everything else doesn't look to rusted apart from some spots around the filler neck hole and by the license plate light. I am in the process of cleaning up most of the rust I can get to. Thanks for the info I will check the forums.

eh search?

I am in the process of cleaning up most of the rust I can get to.

check behind the tail lights. if its the car that im thinking that it is it had rust around the sunroof panel also. but anyways, good luck on it all. im jealous, someday ill have my own.

Thanks. Here are some pictures. (Please copy and paste)

img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-9/1217033/DSC00067.jpg

img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-9/1217033/DSC00070.jpg

img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-9/1217033/DSC00072.jpg

If you recall this car I would really like to know what you know about it, good or bad.

Thanks

I get my parts from patrick at bmaparts.com.

Give him a call and he'll hook you up.

I have ordered parts from BMAparts as well. Thanks

I have ordered parts from BMAparts as well. Thanks

NP,

if you find parts online cheaper, Patrick will pricematch or beat it if you didn't know.

This place has cheap prices on a lot of common parts.
http://www.autohausaz.com/

yeah, this isnt the one i was thinking of rust wise. but it was under discussion on s14.net. i think the guy that owned the lot bought it for close to 10, wanted to turn it into a race car, changed his mind and then was trying to resell for 13? i could be wrong though.

yeah, this isnt the one i was thinking of rust wise. but it was under discussion on s14.net. i think the guy that owned the lot bought it for close to 10, wanted to turn it into a race car, changed his mind and then was trying to resell for 13? i could be wrong though.

you are correct.

He was selling it for 13.

I paid to much in my eyes as I look deeper into the car but I was under pressure to get one ASAP or I would lose my chance.
I have been wanting one for quite some time, my chance finally came when we downsized our car inventory. I needed a car to drive to work on Monday and this one was convenient and ran well. The owner fixed quite a few things for me before i picked it up, which was a plus to me. Now whats done is done and I have the car.

i think you can get most ofthese parts at turnermotorsport for a reasonableprice