Newbie with a restore project 325i

[OHP]

Hi Im new to the forum and Im just wondering what sort of problems I may encounter with this restore project and any advice you guys can offer.

I'll be working front to back starting with the engine which will come out for a rebuild.

bit of History:

1986 325i Buar cab

been sitting on an airfield car park for years covered

absolutely all documents included (shoebox full)

shes a runner I looked her over for a good few hours and found no scrap vehicle educing structural corrosion there's a little bit of dampness inside but the floor pan front/rear isn't rusty sils are good only piece of bad rust is on the fuel filler as photoed.

Ive put aside a budget of £3,000 for restoration work (will be done by yours truly)

I paid £400 for her as a non runner and the owner was more than happy with the price I offered.

I think 3k a good budget price for what I have in mind as long as I dont hit any unforseen Issues with the engine or transmission or am I being optimistic?

anyway thanks for the help in advanced and when the project gets underway i'll post up lots of pics of the restore in progress

the pics come up a little odd on my end is it ok your ends ?

[Reflex]

good buy

[RM2186]

Amazingly small amount of rust! Good luck with the restore

[daimlerman]

If that is as sound as it looks,well done!A full and complete engine re-build is in danger of consuming your entire budget,though..depends on what is required.If you decide to completly strip/re-build the engine,for not a lot more money you can easily up the capacity to 2.7 or 2.8 by swapping in a different crank and rods,Stonsie is doing this at the moment so a PM will get you more info.£3000 just about covered my recent touring refresh,see 'daimlerman's folly' in the photo section,this was a full chassis/suspension overhaul and fitting an M50 engine from an E34 525i,but I had problems with exhaust fitting and took the expensive option... I would guess that £1500/2000 for chassis/suspension is a good budget and £1500 as a minimum for engine work,so you are not too far out!Please keep us all posted with your progress,Baurs are unusual so we are interested.

[OHP]

If that is as sound as it looks,well done!A full and complete engine re-build is in danger of consuming your entire budget,though..depends on what is required.If you decide to completly strip/re-build the engine,for not a lot more money you can easily up the capacity to 2.7 or 2.8 by swapping in a different crank and rods,Stonsie is doing this at the moment so a PM will get you more info.£3000 just about covered my recent touring refresh,see 'daimlerman's folly' in the photo section,this was a full chassis/suspension overhaul and fitting an M50 engine from an E34 525i,but I had problems with exhaust fitting and took the expensive option... I would guess that £1500/2000 for chassis/suspension is a good budget and £1500 as a minimum for engine work,so you are not too far out!Please keep us all posted with your progress,Baurs are unusual so we are interested.

yeah the engine build will consist of basically complete degunking and seal/gasket replacement.

and whilst its apart I'll be checking for wear in the bores and bearings

I want to keep it as true to original as possible

[beemerbird]

Looks like a bargain with a bright future! Make sure you take lots of photos for all of us to see

[OHP]

thanks peeps.

when I commence the restore I'll take pics as I go along then every few months have an update

I'm really looking forward to this its gonna be good grease fest \m/

cant wait