1986 325es A few Important questions before I buy

SSJ_Chris · #1 (**permalink**) 10-27-2003, 08:15 PM

I am new to the E30 scene and I am planning on purchasing a 1986 325es and from what i have read, it is difficult to change the bumpers to the newer design E30 1988+ bumpers (plastic instead of aluminum).
So my question is, how difficult is it really? If someone could direct me to a link or site that shows how it was done that would be very helpful. Also if anyone has an estimate of the cost it would be great too.

My second question is, with the 86' 325es, is it possible to swap in a E36 M3 engine? How much would that cost or is there a better starting car than the 86' 325es, to make it easier.

I have a Mini Cooper S and i would like to do an E30 for fun and to make it different.

Chris

ComeOnNow · #2 (**permalink**) 10-27-2003, 08:58 PM

If you want plastic bumpers on your e30, buy a 89+ model.

I am most likely the ONLY person that has properly pulled off this very in depth conversion on the forums. It is NOT something you do... not if you want it done right. I suggest taking it to a shop to have the modifications to the bumpers, and the fabrication of brackets etc performed.

I kept track of my time I invested into the conversion. I came to about 20-22 hours of labor involved. so lets say.. 20hrs * $65/hr = $1300. Thats almost as much as that car is worth... and thats just labor! Parts are about $400 on top of that, and dont forget the materials used by the body shop, they wont forget to charge you

a 325eS is a shitty e30 to start with, bogus engine.. at least its got the sport package.

you can swap a S50 into any e30 chasis... but its not very cost effective. Look to spend about 3-4k for the engine, 1k for the tranny, 1-1.5k for misc needed parts, and $$$ for the labor.

This is my 87 325iS that I did the plastic bumper conversion on.

KNivES · #3 (**permalink**) 10-28-2003, 06:13 PM

That's pretty dope, what was the hardest part in fitting them on?

I've never looked at the mounting diffrences between the diffrent E30 style, so... Where did you find the information to do it on? the Net? Could you make a write up on it please!?.. :-)

What spoiler is that?

ComeOnNow · #4 (**permalink**) 10-28-2003, 11:02 PM

Thats my M-Technic II OEM rear wing.

There isn't much information on the net about the conversion, because next to no one has pulled it off properly.

I have

I have also made a writeup. It will be published in the tech articles section of my website soon. However.. the writeup is for people with experience in bodywork and fabrication, I absolutely highly discourage people that "think" they know what they are doing... because it wont turn out proper.

Villanuevas_BMW · #5 (**permalink**) 10-28-2003, 11:48 PM

ComeOnNow is right, no offense or anything but if you want to stay on the E30 scene stay away from the "E" models like the 325e or 325es. If Im not mistaken that is the environmental self tuning engine that went to shit. No power at all. I would personally rather have a 318i than a 325es. But if you are buying it just for the s50 swap go ahead. Take a look at the 1990 and above 318i or "is", sufficient power is still capable with that 4cyl.

ComeOnNow, that is one nice E30

KNivES · #6 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 12:35 AM

I mean I'm not expert but why would you start with a 4cyl engine that has low hp/tq if you could start with a 6cyl that has a decent amount of torque. Hay, with the right head and pistons you could get a 325i 2.7L out of your econo motor.

Is the potential of the 318 that much better then the 325?
I wouldn't think so.