E30 320i Cabriolet Rolling Resto

[E30Schneider]

Hello all, a new member here, mines a chromie 1990 320i cabriolet in Royal Blau.

Bought about 9 years ago and been working on her ever since. She’s been SORN a few times but sailed through an MOT last year with only a few minors.

Had lots of bits done so far, some DIY such as comfort relay, fuel pipe leak also most of the suspension changed with OEM parts. Just had a clutch, diff oil and manifold gaskets.

Just had her back and exhaust heat shield decided to separate from the car and the glove box has decided to go all moody and won’t open, hoping to tackle that this weekend.

Any who there’s an intro to my beloved E30.

[boxclever1753]

Very, very similar looking to my 88 320i convertible:)

Welcome Schneider, sounds like you're working your way through the same stuff as me and everyone else! I'm doing wheel bearings at the moment, and changing all oils and fluids next week. The car keeps getting better though!

Good luck, more pictures needed

[E30Schneider]

Hi boxclever, yes looks very similar indeed, I checked out your YT video in yours.

Every small job is a small win.

I will get some more pics up soon, just discovered one of my silencer rubbers in in fact a cable tie! Happy days!

[boxclever1753]

Ha! I've been slowly replacing cable ties for correct fixings too, but i do like to leave the odd one on there somewhere - it makes me smile

[E30Schneider]

Cable ties certainly keep us on our toes but very handy.

Is that a Panamax sailing past you in the vid?

[boxclever1753]

Not quite! It was a pretty big one for us, 265m length by 39m beam I work at Portbury Docks in the west country. Are you in shipping too?

Rich.

[E30Schneider]

No not in shipping, just like anything big with engines

[martauto]

Welcome to the zone mate, we really do need to see more of this car mate

Mart.

[E30Schneider]

Thanks Martauto, here is another, I will post a few more, but planning to post some as I carry out some work on her.

I guess best to start a thread rather than carry on here?

[E30Schneider]

Gratuitous shot...

[martauto]

Thanks Martauto, here is another, I will post a few more, but planning to post some as I carry out some work on her.

I guess best to start a thread rather than carry on here?

A6FDCEE1-4AB0-4770-911E-7D19C49FDB38.jpeg

Beautiful house as well but not enough pics lol.

Mart.

[E30Schneider]

Here you go

[Tzantushka]

Very nice!

[E30Schneider]

Thanks! Love the colour combo on yours, looks superb

[E30Schneider]

Interior...

And engine bay...

[E30Schneider]

No advisory MOT, she sailed through! Happy Days!

[E30Schneider]

Still working on the car, albeit slowly, was MOT’d recently without too much fuss. Have sent the steering wheel off to Royal Steering Wheels to be refurbished, some “before” pics below:

[Jam911]

Royal do an excellent job.

[E30Schneider]

Steering wheel back from Royal Steering Wheels (https://royalsteeringwheels.com/) and back on the car, really pleased with the results:

[E30Schneider]

Also added a new M badge to freshen it up, still available from BMW P/N 32331155957:

[E30Schneider]

Got myself a Sunland Dash mat, dashboard carpet in black:

[E30Schneider]

Few images of it in situ, they need a while to settle apparently, hence the curled edges etc. - might need warmer weather mind...

[rix313]

Thats very pretty in the blue What is it like to drive? I'm going to see one with the intension of buying, I'd just never driven a 320 before.

[E30Schneider]

Thanks @rix313, the 320i is about 130hp, but for me it’s that straight 6 sound, I was smitten with my first 323i coupe many years ago, the cabs apparently are about 200kg heavier than the saloon and coupe, but still pull very well, lots of torque. I did have a 320i coupe back in the day and plenty of sideways fun, hope the viewing goes well, is it a coupe saloon or cab?

[E30Schneider]

Another small job completed, changed the BBS emblems as the old were worn:

After:

[rix313]

Where did you get them dude?

[E30Schneider]

Got them at Sytner Stevenage, "BMW insignia stamped with adhesive film 70mm" part number 36136758569, but Cotswold BMW on here should be able to help too.

[rix313]

Nice, I need a couple of sets. Thank you.

[E30Schneider]

Managed to get hold of a genuine boot liner, needs a good clean:

[E30Schneider]

Managed to get this cleaned and fitted,

[E30Schneider]

[BenHar]

Do the struts still hold the boot up?

Ben

[E30Schneider]

I put new struts about 2 years ago as the originals didn’t, without the liner, all good now though