After looking for a clean 316 (had to be a 1.6 as i could only get insured on a 1.6) with a budget of around £1000 I managed to find my car. It was in Harrow for sale for £1500, went to look at it and eventually got it for £1100.
The car had 107k with part service history mostly BMW with stacks of paperwork. I was pleased to see it had a mint condition 'IS' interior with no rips, snags or stains whatsoever and an 'IS' spoiler.
There was some bodywork issues with the car and needed a fair bit doing to it mechanically.
A few days after I got the car it was time that it had a major service and a few other bits done including:
Spark plugs
Air filter
Oil filter
Oil change
Cambelt
Alternator belt
Power steering belt
60/40 lowering springs and new shocks
Brake pads
Brake pipes
New fluid
Steering rack
I ran it through the winter too and from work each day with no issues. I fitted some clear front and side indicators on and some German font plates. The plates have been removed now.
Switched out the black grills for silver, picture with my dads car and my 316.
I then had to get the rust seen too as the drivers side front wing was starting to rot at the bottom and passenger side rear arch had a big rust hole in and drivers side rear needed some grinding back as had a slight bubble.
Here are some pictures of the bodywork.
I also had new black bumper strips fitted as the old ones were scruffy and scratched.
Then it was time to switch the wheels out. I got some 15" BBS, they were refurbed, powder coated and had 4x new Dunlop 205/55/15 tyres fitted.
I know I should have BMW centre caps but I just like the look off the BBS ones more
Here are a few pictures of the car as it is at the moment over the last couple of weeks.
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The last picture was taken last week. I've got a few things that I want to get done soon including new fog lights as one is cracked and water keeps getting trapped behind it. I want to get a black headlining as my grey one is stained and tatty and would also like some new bonnet insulation foam as mine is ripped too bits.
I need the front valance painting and the lower front bumper, I am debating getting an 'IS' splitter/front spoiler for it in red as I think will go well with the car.
I have a M-tec 1 steering wheel in at the moment but have just got a 370mm M-tec 2 which I sent off for re-trimming yesterday. Debating what colour stitching to get
Long term plans include a new engine, nothing too big, I would also want to get battery and bottles relocated too the boot and the wires tidied up a bit when this is done and a engine bay de bracket and respray. I would also like to get some 16" genuine BBS RS if I can find some for the right money, but for now taking it slow and doing things properly and not rushing it.
I will try to keep this as up to date as I can.
