I just got this '78 320i. I am SHOCKED at how well it runs and the condition of the car overall. I planned on working on so many "road ready" type issues after hearing the engine, but 2 belts later and she purrs like a kitten.

My main question is about the paint. I attached a picture, and after much thought have decided to paint the car it's original color. Trouble is I am having a bunch of trouble figuring out what color the blue is. I can't find any codes in the car. After a bunch of looking, and finding paintscratch.com I believe the color is "fjord" blue. If anyone can give me some more insight to the original color please do. Or just let me know if you think this is fjord blue.

Also, I believe all of the cars were painted with a single stage paint, should I do that again, or should I go with a two stage?

Next question is about the brakes. The brakes grip good, and I can lock all the tires up with now problem, but there is about 10" of travel on the brake pedal before I get any response at all. Any suggestions?

The wheels are the original 13" steel wheels. I found some 15" at tirerack or discount, but is there anything kind of in the middle, just something 13" or 14" but looks decent and is lighter, and on the cheap. Am I right that the e21 and e30 wheels are NOT interchangeable?

Thanks in advance for your help!

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk186/kingpenm3/IMG_0914.jpg

I think that the 14" "bottlecap" wheels from e30's fit on our e21's without modification. I used to have the e21 color chart on my computer but i can't find it anymore. I'm sure someone else has it and can post it for you.

You should have a decal on the right front of where the hood roller slides into place when you shut the hood. It should tell you the color. It may be in german.

E21's can fit E30 wheels no problem as far as hub bore and bolt pattern, but you'll want spacers to push the wheels out a bit. I test fit a 14" weave on my E21 this weekend and it fit fine, but looked like a rail car (wheels pulled in.)

Tim

You should have a decal on the right front of where the hood roller slides into place when you shut the hood. It should tell you the color. It may be in german.


I finally found a sticker on the right side that says "fjord". I'm certain that's the original color.

Anyone have any links on painting? I want to order the goods from paintscratch, but I'm not sure how much to order, and if I should stay with a single stage or not.

Thanks

try this its a wealth of information. http://www.autobody101.com/forums/

How To Paint a 323
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=874754

autobody101 is a great forum full of excellent info. search and read the treads before asking questions; they don't like folks that ask questions that have been answered many times.

Good luck

As for wheels, if you're after good looking 13"s BMW put the BBS basketweaves or the turbines on the E21 as well. Could probably find a used set for $50 or so. I think the basketweaves are pretty nice.

You may want to get your paint from a local auto body supply store. In addition to getting the paint, they can offer assistance in terms of suggestions on applying the paint. Plus shipping paint might be difficult depending on the whole shipping of volatile chemicals thing.

Obviously, the prep work is one of the most important parts of a paint job. Paint doesn't hide the flaws. A single stage is simple, but if you've done all the work in terms of prep and masking, the clear coat adds a lot of protection, and doesn't take any extra effort for the most part. Basically a bit of difference in cost tho.

i have basket weaves for sale, 13 inch black middle with machined lip, in really good shape, with good tires 70-85% on them ill sell you all four for 100 plus shipping, also have the turbines if you want them they have snow tires on with 90% tread ill take 50 for those

Looks like fjord blue to me. My '78 was that color.

For the brakes, adjust the rear brakes and bleed the system-that should cure the pedal throw problem.

The factory 13" steel wheels don't weigh very much so most aluminum wheels in larger dia. and width weigh the same or more.

14" e30 bottle cap wheels fit but need a 10mm spacer in the front to keep the wheel from rubbing the tie rod end and the rear fit better with the 10mm spacer also. I run them on my '78 with 205/60/14 tires.

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6831/78tuckedsc1.th.jpg (http://img228.imageshack.us/my.php?image=78tuckedsc1.jpg)

Check this out for more info.

http://www.kengineering.info/e30_wheel_upgrade.html

ken

Thanks for all of the help and suggestions. Unfortunately all of my upgrade/paint plans have gone to crap since the car went into limp mode. First it wouldn't pull over 3k rpm. Now it won't pull past half throttle. New fuel filter tonight, see where that gets me.

or check your timing. timing or vacuum line off can do this to you pretty well.