My Mauritius Blue 1993 318i Convertible - NOW 325i + MOT

Post Wed Jul 27, 2011 5:13 pm

Z3I wrote:Looking really good!

Just a thought, wouldn't it be safer for all that nice new paint to pop the engine in before you fit those wings on?

Like the way the precious parts get the carpet treatment! They'll all be expecting a wall to wall carpeted garage when they are all back together.

Yeah the wings will come off again when the engine goes in....good tip!

Post Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:05 pm

Report:

After the rear axle treatment I finally got a 2.5L donk! Have started on this today by taking most bits off and ordering gaskets/belts etc.

Post Fri Sep 30, 2011 7:02 pm

Good progress liking it.

Post Fri Sep 30, 2011 11:20 pm

super awsome, keep us updated

Post Sat Oct 01, 2011 9:27 am

This is a beautiful looking cabby,
Keep the updates coming,

Post Wed Nov 30, 2011 11:36 pm

Report:

Engine is now in and is starting off the key after a few niggles!! New belts, oils etc.

Just need to put on the diff, prop, drive shafts and exhaust and she should be ready to roll! More pictures soon.

Ready to go in!

Finally in!

Post Fri Dec 02, 2011 4:37 pm

Excellent work. You're obviously very talented. Look forward to the updates on this!

Post Fri Dec 02, 2011 7:16 pm

Gert_8 wrote:Excellent work. You're obviously very talented. Look forward to the updates on this!

Not really, but thanks for the compliment! Just got stuck in really and had a go! Never done anything like this before but I've got loads of advise from this forum.

Post Fri Dec 02, 2011 8:17 pm

This is looking excellent, looks spot on in that engie bay hope i can get mine looking like that when the m20b25 goes in

Post Fri Dec 02, 2011 9:02 pm

No way dude. I wouldnt know where to start! Besides I don't have the tools so it would always be a botch job!

Post Fri Dec 02, 2011 9:16 pm

Gert_8 wrote:No way dude. I wouldnt know where to start! Besides I don't have the tools so it would always be a botch job!

ive never changed an engine myself but i plan on very soon

it not that hard, a case of unbolting and bolting back up.

Post Fri Dec 02, 2011 9:22 pm

Really? You'll have to let me know what was involved. That's really impressive.

Post Sat Dec 03, 2011 9:36 am

Yep as Alex said - it all just unbolts then bolts up again. As long as you take your time what can go wrong? (heard that before!)

Lots of people have done it and if you get stuck then the zone is where you can get all your e30 questions answered.

Post Sun Dec 04, 2011 7:11 pm

This looks like it came out of the factory great work!!!

Post Sun Dec 04, 2011 9:26 pm

blimey.....impressed with all the work you've done! Car looks really good - amazing the difference between before and after rear cab plastic screen - looks superb!

Interested to know what other cars you have (barring Corsa) and back ground as really impressed!

Cheers

Post Sun Dec 04, 2011 9:32 pm

what did you spray the cam cover and inlet with? Did you spray then sand fins?

Post Mon Dec 05, 2011 10:24 am

E30S wrote:blimey.....impressed with all the work you've done! Car looks really good - amazing the difference between before and after rear cab plastic screen - looks superb!

Interested to know what other cars you have (barring Corsa) and back ground as really impressed!

Cheers

Just the e30 and a run-around Vectra! Corsa is my mothers!!!

Post Mon Dec 05, 2011 10:25 am

E30S wrote:what did you spray the cam cover and inlet with? Did you spray then sand fins?

I started with VHT paint, then ran out so I finished with satin black. Make sure you sand the stripes first before you paint as it makes it easier to sand afterwards.

Post Mon Dec 05, 2011 7:24 pm

cheers.

Be interested to see what you think of the stock 325i lump - dont expect anything too quick! Guessing the sound will add to the cruise in the convetible though!

Post Mon Dec 05, 2011 7:36 pm

Nothing much to add other than I love what you're doing here!

Keep the pictures coming! Looking very tidy mate.

Post Mon Dec 05, 2011 8:14 pm

I've had a few 2.5's before and they are a great engine. I wanted to keep the cab stock so I decided to stay original and went with the m20. I was thinking m50/m52 but I think that'll be great in a tin-top! Maybe my next project!!!

Post Tue Dec 06, 2011 8:36 pm

Looking good, can't beat a 6 pot cabby

Post Fri Jan 13, 2012 8:52 pm

Report:

Final few bits now!! Just need a nice exhaust and to bleed the brakes etc Then I should be able to take it to the nice MOT man down the road. Fingers crossed!

Bought a few more shiny bits below:

And got this FREE at BMW while I was picking my parts up! A 2012 BMW diary! Quite nice of them really.

I'll take some pictures Sunday of the underneath with prop, diff etc if I remember.

Post Sat Feb 18, 2012 6:38 pm

Update - I drove my Cab for the first time since April 2011! Very pleased as everything seems to work with the engine, exhaust, no overheating, bangs, all lights work ETC. I've just ordered some Eibach pro springs for the cab and next month I'll be buying the bilstein shocks. Getting it ready for the summer and can't wait to get it MOTed.

Finally moved off the drive.

Just need to put the exterior trim back on.

I bought the original BMW wind deflector ages ago but never had chance to see how it went on. Does the vertical bit lock into anything as mine can be folded back quite easily?

Next stop - petrol station!

Post Sat Feb 18, 2012 7:24 pm

Very nice,hope your going to fit the centre caps for the BBS,s,.Are you ditching the 318i badge for the new engine one.How did you pay for the OEM wind deflector,if you don't mind me asking.

Post Sun Feb 19, 2012 12:33 pm

Yes centre caps will go on. I'm not sure about the badge just yet!!
I bought the wind deflector when I bought the car off a Zoner last year.

Post Thu Mar 08, 2012 10:38 pm

Now with 12 months MOT!!!!!

Just passed today. Failed on 3 silly things:

1) No screen wash coming through - My fault as I put it in the dishwasher and forgot to fill it!

2) Rear tyres were on the wrong way round (directional)! - Again my fault!

3) Leaking calliper - Again my fault - I didn't tighten one of the unions as much.

Will be taxed April 1st!! Can't wait!

Post Fri Mar 09, 2012 9:45 pm

Just in time for summer

Post Fri Mar 09, 2012 9:52 pm

Nice one Tom! How does the exhaust sound?

I have just realised it is an L plate, does it not need a CAT pipe?

Post Fri Mar 09, 2012 10:03 pm

ImysE30 wrote:Just in time for summer

If we get one

Post Fri Mar 09, 2012 10:07 pm

Duke137 wrote:Nice one Tom! How does the exhaust sound?

I have just realised it is an L plate, does it not need a CAT pipe?

Yes I thought this as well. The nice MOT man did the emissions test first thinking it had a cat then realised it didn't, so he did it without it and it passed. He said that they MOT it on the oldest mechanical part on the car - the engine is from a 1988 car so all good.

Post Fri Mar 09, 2012 10:16 pm

tom325sport wrote:
ImysE30 wrote:Just in time for summer
If we get one

Past few days have been okay, hopefuly more of the same or else it'll have to be hood down on a clear winter's day

Post Fri Mar 09, 2012 10:17 pm

That's true! Think I might get my tax early then!

Post Fri Mar 09, 2012 11:18 pm

Tom, same year, colour and spec as mine,

Your's is looking very good though and puts mine to shame a little, and as said very good effort mate, looks like you are doing a very thorough job, my plan was to drop a 325 in aswell, did you keep the 1.8 gbox? I know you can use the 320i gearbox with the 325 engine but can you with the 318? As far as I was aware you change the ecu (or chip) and engine and thats it, is that right?

Looks really good though, good deep shine, bbs's look immaculate, whats the leather like?

Well done!

Matt

Post Sun Mar 11, 2012 7:24 pm

Matt - No I put the 2.5 box on as it was attached to the engine. Not sure if you can use the 1.8 box though?

To change from a 1.8 to a 2.5 (On a convertible - Already got disk brake set-up)

You need to change the following -
Engine + Gearbox
Engine Loom (Read Brian Moore's write up first)
Diff
Rad
Prop
Exhaust
ECU
2.5 Coding Plug for Speedo

I think that's it - It looks a lot but you should have all this on your donor car.
Also - If your going to do this it is worth doing ALL the gaskets and belts!