peugoby
07-14-2017, 01:19 PM
Hi All,
Just about two months ago I picked up my second E30 & third BMW. This one is a 1988 SuperETA 325 Sedan in lachs (salmon) silver. I browse Craigslist (Vancouver BC, Seattle & Portland), as well as the r3v FaceBook group on a daily and have been doing so for quite some time.
This '88 came up for sale in Vancouver, BC and ticked a ton of the right boxes for what I was looking for with an E30. Downside is automatic.
Cheap
Crack free dash
Lachs silver - my last '88 was also lachs and I personally love it
Late model valences & square tail lights
Stock
Heated cloth anthracite seats that present nicely
Advertised as rust free (it nearly is)
Fairly low mileage - 155k Miles (250k KM)
Great paint and a straight body
Crank sunroof, manual windows, premium sound, power door locks
When I went to pick up the car, I left my office a few hours early from Seattle, and rode an Amtrak bus up to Vancouver. Sure enough, the P/O was there waiting for me with "Puurl" at the train/bus station. I did a quick visual walk around and it seemed all there and pretty nice for what they were asking for the car. There was a bit of dog hair from Bobby - The P/O's pet who apparently loved to chew on the seat belts and thankfully little else in the interior. The antenna wasn't budging and the front valence was a little more crunched than I had thought from the two terrible pictures she had posted on her ad. The muffler also had a massive chunk missing so it sounded awful & much too loud.
It was horrible rush hour traffic when I arrived, and since insurance is a bit different through the ICBC in Canada, we agreed maybe best to take a short drive to a more open area away from traffic before I took the wheel. Well, Puurl made it a whole 7 blocks in 15 minutes before the alternator took a massive dump on us. Note in the ad the first words written are: "super reliable vehicle". Not an ideal situation.
A bit jaded, I sprint back to the bus/train station and literally walk onto the very last Bolt bus leaving south for Seattle for the night. That was lucky! Here is where I left Purrl with the P/O before the tow truck arrived:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/TDvChRnjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/viQ4sBHjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/eWFosRKjpg1-1.jpg
I emailed back with the seller and told her I'm still interested. Yes, I am nuts. This time it's Saturday, I ride the train up, take a quick city bus ride and meet the P/O outside of the ICBC. We decided on splitting the cost of the alternator which she got ripped off on. I'm at the ICBC with her for way too long - the associates working there were completely imcompatent and overall a terrible experience. I tape up my ICBC temp registration and WA state 3 day trip permit and fire up Puurl for the first time on my own. I fill it with gas, as the gas gauge is doing a dance/essentially inop. The service indicator board is also out as is the odometer which she did not disclose to me. The front struts are dead. SO DEAD.
I get over the border easily and the car seems to be running pretty well. I had a drama free experience which was a blessing and I am so happy to be back behind the wheel of an E30! I love these cars.
The next day I decided to snap some pictures before doing anything at all to the car - not even washing it, just so that I'd always be able to remember how it looked when I got it. Here are some snaps from that set:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/fs4tHhxjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/MmJ7jMSjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/kEXFD3Ujpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/qD1HPwvjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/qR56Iqhjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/uAcuRWWjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/D5Okz6pjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/yZeKd5ojpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/r7dIT0ajpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/hUMll5Fjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/se3NcVyjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/Kt1i1IIjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/N5tigsrjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/8lQEu09jpg1-1.jpg
The first step was to do a complete paint correction. I implemented my Griots Garage 6" RA with the following process:
Washed with Meguiars Gold Class using the two bucket method
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/LETIlFIjpg1-1.jpg
Claybarred the entire car using Griots Garage paint cleaning clay
Rewashed the car
One pass in most areas withe Griots BOSS Correcting Cream - two or three passes on the trunk, roof & hood
Finished with Griots Best Of Show Wax.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/pj6uKpXjpg1-1.jpg
It turned out really nicely for 29 year old car paint. Following the clean paint I went on the hunt for parts.
Got a really nice set of 14" weaves off of Craigslist up in Lynnwood
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/kkDNUeY-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/IuTOtHhjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/DZewTTijpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/UtV9uBzjpg1-1.jpg
Got new caps for said weaves off of eBay
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/KhFsJU6jpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/mrCHT3ajpg1-1.jpg
Sourced a new set of seatbelts from an individual in Federal Way. He let me drive his swapped M50 '90 E30 sedan. That was interesting
Purchased a new used fog light for cheap from same guy
Had a friend who is a great body man (Dead91Silvia) pull the front valence out. It's not 100% but it looks so much better than it did.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/haEPBD9-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/dLzzmyW-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/VZVyTepjpg2-1.jpg
New Drivers Side lachs brake duct from @spiDmang
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/ZghmjtTjpg1-1.jpg
H&R OE Sport Springs + E90 Drop Hats from @spiDmang - Nicest guy ever!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/TDrNDf3jpg1-1.jpg
Sourced a lachs silver rear bumper from @Austin!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/aLaZ4VV-1.jpg
F&R Plastic Bumper shocks & mounts from @zcenterb in Vermont (Thanks again)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/UZBFDJcjpg1-1.jpg
Plastic front bumper from Roman at S3 Designs Garage - thanks man!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/goYoZzdjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/WGYjz57jpg1-1.jpg
Rear Euro plate filler from @Chrisbike
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/inIk7Ve-1.jpg
I went on ECS Tuning & ordered their full stage 2 front suspension refresh kit + new OEM front sway bar bushings. Their kit is comprised of E36 M3 FLCAB, new front lower control arms, lollipops, tie-rods, sway bar endlinks and front strut mounts.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/qmQAUWo-1.jpg
Next I leaned in on Blunttech who I've always had amazing customer experiences with. These guys are really top notch and if you haven't used them before I'd highly recommend. Great prices and prompt service. I ordered the moon - right down the rabbit hole for me.
[LIST]
Complete Timing Belt & Water Pump refresh kit & components
New drive belts
Complete tune up kit including the distributor cap & rotor, plugs, wires, fuel & air filter
Valve cover gasket
Cam seals, cam rocker plugs
Fan clutch, fan, thermostat & thermostat gasket
OE BMW Coolant
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/dhpW3gA-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/9MBMR7w-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/U7ST1pE-1.jpg
OE Ansa Exhaust to replace the blown out muffler - this is the second one that was sent from Worldpac who did a terrible job of doing no sort of packaging to ensure a safe delivery of the exhaust.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/AcrdfJv-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/K0j6xJCjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/lY39eM7jpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/Ih6kfWojpg1-1.jpg
F&R Bilstein HD's!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/vqs7r7ajpg1-1.jpg
E46 M3 Rear strut mounts
Stainless steel braided front brake lines
ATE 200 amber fluid
Rear plastic bumper side guide brackets
I'm hoping I'll at least have the Z3 rack & 3.73 in by the fall. Thanks for reading!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/K2Keq4i-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/FHmwcs4-1.jpg
- My sweet Sophia loves cars, especially old cars when she's able to find the horn buttons
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/CVv70Dqjpg1-1.jpg
Just about two months ago I picked up my second E30 & third BMW. This one is a 1988 SuperETA 325 Sedan in lachs (salmon) silver. I browse Craigslist (Vancouver BC, Seattle & Portland), as well as the r3v FaceBook group on a daily and have been doing so for quite some time.
This '88 came up for sale in Vancouver, BC and ticked a ton of the right boxes for what I was looking for with an E30. Downside is automatic.
Cheap
Crack free dash
Lachs silver - my last '88 was also lachs and I personally love it
Late model valences & square tail lights
Stock
Heated cloth anthracite seats that present nicely
Advertised as rust free (it nearly is)
Fairly low mileage - 155k Miles (250k KM)
Great paint and a straight body
Crank sunroof, manual windows, premium sound, power door locks
When I went to pick up the car, I left my office a few hours early from Seattle, and rode an Amtrak bus up to Vancouver. Sure enough, the P/O was there waiting for me with "Puurl" at the train/bus station. I did a quick visual walk around and it seemed all there and pretty nice for what they were asking for the car. There was a bit of dog hair from Bobby - The P/O's pet who apparently loved to chew on the seat belts and thankfully little else in the interior. The antenna wasn't budging and the front valence was a little more crunched than I had thought from the two terrible pictures she had posted on her ad. The muffler also had a massive chunk missing so it sounded awful & much too loud.
It was horrible rush hour traffic when I arrived, and since insurance is a bit different through the ICBC in Canada, we agreed maybe best to take a short drive to a more open area away from traffic before I took the wheel. Well, Puurl made it a whole 7 blocks in 15 minutes before the alternator took a massive dump on us. Note in the ad the first words written are: "super reliable vehicle". Not an ideal situation.
A bit jaded, I sprint back to the bus/train station and literally walk onto the very last Bolt bus leaving south for Seattle for the night. That was lucky! Here is where I left Purrl with the P/O before the tow truck arrived:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/TDvChRnjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/viQ4sBHjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/eWFosRKjpg1-1.jpg
I emailed back with the seller and told her I'm still interested. Yes, I am nuts. This time it's Saturday, I ride the train up, take a quick city bus ride and meet the P/O outside of the ICBC. We decided on splitting the cost of the alternator which she got ripped off on. I'm at the ICBC with her for way too long - the associates working there were completely imcompatent and overall a terrible experience. I tape up my ICBC temp registration and WA state 3 day trip permit and fire up Puurl for the first time on my own. I fill it with gas, as the gas gauge is doing a dance/essentially inop. The service indicator board is also out as is the odometer which she did not disclose to me. The front struts are dead. SO DEAD.
I get over the border easily and the car seems to be running pretty well. I had a drama free experience which was a blessing and I am so happy to be back behind the wheel of an E30! I love these cars.
The next day I decided to snap some pictures before doing anything at all to the car - not even washing it, just so that I'd always be able to remember how it looked when I got it. Here are some snaps from that set:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/fs4tHhxjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/MmJ7jMSjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/kEXFD3Ujpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/qD1HPwvjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/qR56Iqhjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/uAcuRWWjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/D5Okz6pjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/yZeKd5ojpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/r7dIT0ajpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/hUMll5Fjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/se3NcVyjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/Kt1i1IIjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/N5tigsrjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/8lQEu09jpg1-1.jpg
The first step was to do a complete paint correction. I implemented my Griots Garage 6" RA with the following process:
Washed with Meguiars Gold Class using the two bucket method
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/LETIlFIjpg1-1.jpg
Claybarred the entire car using Griots Garage paint cleaning clay
Rewashed the car
One pass in most areas withe Griots BOSS Correcting Cream - two or three passes on the trunk, roof & hood
Finished with Griots Best Of Show Wax.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/pj6uKpXjpg1-1.jpg
It turned out really nicely for 29 year old car paint. Following the clean paint I went on the hunt for parts.
Got a really nice set of 14" weaves off of Craigslist up in Lynnwood
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/kkDNUeY-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/IuTOtHhjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/DZewTTijpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/UtV9uBzjpg1-1.jpg
Got new caps for said weaves off of eBay
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/KhFsJU6jpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/mrCHT3ajpg1-1.jpg
Sourced a new set of seatbelts from an individual in Federal Way. He let me drive his swapped M50 '90 E30 sedan. That was interesting
Purchased a new used fog light for cheap from same guy
Had a friend who is a great body man (Dead91Silvia) pull the front valence out. It's not 100% but it looks so much better than it did.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/haEPBD9-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/dLzzmyW-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/VZVyTepjpg2-1.jpg
New Drivers Side lachs brake duct from @spiDmang
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/ZghmjtTjpg1-1.jpg
H&R OE Sport Springs + E90 Drop Hats from @spiDmang - Nicest guy ever!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/TDrNDf3jpg1-1.jpg
Sourced a lachs silver rear bumper from @Austin!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/aLaZ4VV-1.jpg
F&R Plastic Bumper shocks & mounts from @zcenterb in Vermont (Thanks again)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/UZBFDJcjpg1-1.jpg
Plastic front bumper from Roman at S3 Designs Garage - thanks man!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/goYoZzdjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/WGYjz57jpg1-1.jpg
Rear Euro plate filler from @Chrisbike
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/inIk7Ve-1.jpg
I went on ECS Tuning & ordered their full stage 2 front suspension refresh kit + new OEM front sway bar bushings. Their kit is comprised of E36 M3 FLCAB, new front lower control arms, lollipops, tie-rods, sway bar endlinks and front strut mounts.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/qmQAUWo-1.jpg
Next I leaned in on Blunttech who I've always had amazing customer experiences with. These guys are really top notch and if you haven't used them before I'd highly recommend. Great prices and prompt service. I ordered the moon - right down the rabbit hole for me.
[LIST]
Complete Timing Belt & Water Pump refresh kit & components
New drive belts
Complete tune up kit including the distributor cap & rotor, plugs, wires, fuel & air filter
Valve cover gasket
Cam seals, cam rocker plugs
Fan clutch, fan, thermostat & thermostat gasket
OE BMW Coolant
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/dhpW3gA-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/9MBMR7w-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/U7ST1pE-1.jpg
OE Ansa Exhaust to replace the blown out muffler - this is the second one that was sent from Worldpac who did a terrible job of doing no sort of packaging to ensure a safe delivery of the exhaust.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/AcrdfJv-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/K0j6xJCjpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/lY39eM7jpg1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/Ih6kfWojpg1-1.jpg
F&R Bilstein HD's!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/vqs7r7ajpg1-1.jpg
E46 M3 Rear strut mounts
Stainless steel braided front brake lines
ATE 200 amber fluid
Rear plastic bumper side guide brackets
I'm hoping I'll at least have the Z3 rack & 3.73 in by the fall. Thanks for reading!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/K2Keq4i-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/FHmwcs4-1.jpg
- My sweet Sophia loves cars, especially old cars when she's able to find the horn buttons
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2017/07/CVv70Dqjpg1-1.jpg