New 325i convertible 1986 - your thoughts wanted.

[Spc1953]

Hey newbie here!

I just bought an 86 325i convertible auto 125k.
It's been my dream for a long time and I've finally got one of my own. It's beautiful and in lovely condition but... I'm a tad worried about two rusty spots. I looked for ages for a red chromie with next to no rust that was what I wanted and decided to go for this one.

Whilst the rest of the car is solid, there was two bubbles of paint on the back passenger side quarter, but when i got it home I pressed it with my finger and two big flakes came off and it looks rusty underneath. The bumper on this passenger side is loose - tight the other side. It's my first e30 and I don't know much about cars, but I'm willing to try and do the best I can for this car. Its got partial history and receipts for recent work done (new roof, Cambelt done) So, I would like to know a) what you think this is - is it serious rust?

B) what do you think I should I do about it and what should it cost?

Here's pictures of the paint, it looks to have had a bad paint job done- see the pics near the roof. It's peeling to reveal more paint. It's faded and looks dull like someone has cut it badly. Again, thoughts?

- that yellow thing seems to be a piece of sponge in it!













This last one shows the quality of paint- peeling to reveal other paint below.




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FYI discovered that MOT advisories say rear brake pipes corroded but not excessively, front brake pipe flexy hose ferries corroded but are not failure at present. rack is wet with fluid but not dripping.


Question 2: the panel under the steering wheel is falling down into the brake pedal (see pics) again, what can I do about this?

Question 3: when I take it on a long drive it sometimes flashes "check" on the dash cluster, then disappears. Check what?

And question4: (sorry!) on the gearstick at night there is no light indicating RND, etc. Should there be or is this broken? (All other lights work on the instrument panel)

Love the car, it's totally magic. Runs better than my golf! So happy with it, but am worrying about those spots. Be good to see what experts think. Thanks!

[Brianmoooore]

Q2: Take it off and refit it into the plastic clip on the steering column and the three pronged metal clip, or more likely, you'll find that it's damaged at the bottom and no longer has the part that fits into the slots. In that case you need a replacement.
Q3: The 'check' on the cluster should be accompanied by a LED on the overhead panel, til indicating what's wrong. Note that it's normal for it to flash until the brake ppedal is pushed for the first time.
Q4: Pull up the gear selector brush panel, and you will see the bulb assembly arrached to the lever. The bulb may have failed, but more commonly it's the wire to the bulb that flexes when the lever is moved has broken internally. The wire should be replaced with new, not repaired.

If that's the worst of the wheel arch, then that looks very good indeed. Needs the bubbled paint totally removed along with every trace of rust, of course, then recoated with polyurethane and paint.
Can't make out where the other rust is exactly, but I don't like the look of it at all!

[DanThe]

Looks like the sponge is behind the sill trim/rub strip just above the sill on a cabby, pull the trim off and see whats been bodged

[Spc1953]

Hi yeah it's just that bit really. You can't see it from a distance but it's about an inch worth and then the bubble. I can't see anywhere else except on that panel. Would you replace the whole back part or get the rust spot fixed somehow?

[Spc1953]

Yeah Here's where it is. Here it is in context.

picture share

[aimlessrock]

That's not bad tbh. Removing the carpet will be the real acid test of the state of the shell. Pay attention around the back of the glovebox, also remove the back seat base... I found a couple of rot holes on mine.

[rh306]

Sorry had to post it

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