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The pursuit of Zen... My journey toward automotive perfection (e30 content))

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  • The pursuit of Zen... My journey toward automotive perfection (e30 content))

    Hello all, this is my car’s story, to be updated as things happen to it...

    I picked her up on July 2nd, with the following parts... She is a 1991 318iS.

    *Things that are starred I have done...

    Drivetrain

    Rebuilt 1.8L engine by Bavarian Auto Recycling (approx.5000 mi, on rebuild)
    Ported & Polished Head
    S14 Camshaft Grind
    High Flow Air filter
    Custom 2.5" Exhaust w/ Magnaflow Muffler (no cat)
    Engine Skid Plate
    Lightened Flywheel, w/ Recent clutch
    Z3 Short Shifter
    4.27 LSD Rear End *replaced with 4.10 open, the LSD is loud.

    Suspension
    Ground Control Coil-Overs w/ 500lb Eibach Spring
    Billy HD's
    OEM M3 FCABs
    E36 Power steering Rack
    Stainless Steel Brake Lines
    *Sparco strut bar
    Wheel Studs
    Rota RB 16x8+20 square 7mm spacer in front
    *10mm spacer in rear, but its not on in any pics...
    Nexen N3000 225/45/16

    Exterior
    Recent Body Paint & Trim
    Euro Smiley headlights with 5k H.I.D
    *Morimoto 3Five.1 ballasts with 5k morimoto H3C bulbs in fog lights
    Euro Shadowline Kidney Grills
    Kopi European Grills
    Euro Smoked Side Repeaters
    Euro Bumper Trim
    Euro License Plate Filler
    Racing Dynamics Rear Wing (original E30 trunk & is spoiler on wall)
    DTM Fiberglass Rear Apron
    *LED license plate lights

    Interior
    E36 M3 “Vader” Front Seats
    M Tech 1 steering wheel
    Alum. Pedal Set
    *Kustom stainless dead pedal
    Pioneer AM/FM/CD/MP3 Player
    Clarion SRR1320 speakers in rear deck
    *LED dome lights
    *German Audio Specialties 10" e30 sub box
    *Infinity Reference 1062 DVC sub
    *Planet Audio 1800.5 amp
    *Fat mat sound deadener

    Recent Maintenance
    All Fluid Replacement
    Front Wheel hubs
    Front Control Arms
    M3 Camber Adjustment
    Tie Rod Ends
    Guibo Coupling
    Ceramic Brake Pads

    Home fresh from my lovely drive back from Tacoma...





    ]




    Fresh after a wash...


    Went for a super rushed photoshoot later in the summer...










    ]

    With my other baby...


    Future plans include better wheels, bags, and s54...

    * a breath, you know, for the zen...

    The first things I did were adjust the projectors as the driver’s side was rest of world tilt, passenger was US tilt... It looked like \-----/ on a wall... I also tweaked the shields for a nice blue cutoff. I also made a new mounting point for the driver’s side as it flopped around with a broken adjuster...



    Next I welded up a cross for my rearview mirror... Jesus rides with me.


    During inspection I found a missing bolt in the guibo.


    New 5k HID fog light bulbs and ballasts.


    Aug 23rd I leatheriqued the seats, and took very few pics of that

    The Vader headrests came out really nice.

    Done backseat... It did get more matte as time went on.


    Babies together while the body filler dries on the back fender of the truck...


    September 8th I went to the Sunday drag races(test and tune) LOL It was really fun, I was the only thing euro there, and one of like 3 “imports.”



    Some time later in September the blower motor (HVAC fan) threw a fan blade, or so I thought. It lost the little connector pieces between the blades, allowing them to flex and make fantastic noises!

    IMG_1683m by Der E30, on Flickr
    On an M42, pulling the intake manifold is the only real way to get the fan in without messing it up. Fortunately, it was a straightforward process...

    IMG_1682m by Der E30, on Flickr

    As much fun as drag racing was, it probably led to this...

    IMG_4975m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_4981m by Der E30, on Flickr

    Wait??? WHAT??? WHY??? Well I’ll tell you...
    I was driving home from play practice one night, and it would make this weird harmonic noise at just about 2.8k revs in every gear... I thought what could be wrong that night in bed and the next day after school, (I ride with my sister in her car) I looked under it with a flashlight and see something weird, get up and go “huh.” I got back down to look again and the oil pan is sitting on the steering rack... Further investigation reveals that the subframe to motor mount plate welds are broken on the passenger side...

    Normal...

    IMG_4983m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Broken...

    IMG_4984m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Better pics of the damage...

    IMG_4985m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_4986m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Money shot...

    IMG_4991m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Twisted wire wheel for the paint...Yup, its broken!

    IMG_5006m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_5007m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_5010m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Oh yeah, when I tapped it with my trusty hammer to return it to the proper place, this happened. TAPPED, as in lightly... LOL

    IMG_5013m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Weldy weldy...

    IMG_5015m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Unbroken side got love as well.

    IMG_5017m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Still unbroken side...

    IMG_5018m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Back to the broken...

    IMG_5019m by Der E30, on Flickr

    Plated on the top, broken side first...

    IMG_1695m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_1697m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Unbroken side...

    IMG_1696m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Painted, red was what was on hand, and its fairly hidden down there anyway...

    IMG_1700m by Der E30, on Flickr

    Future plans include s54 swap, shaved bay, bags, better wheels, and another full respray.

    To be continued!
    Last edited by DER E30; 03-11-2014, 01:37 AM.
    -Christian.

    '91 318iS AW2/blk slow garage queen/build...
    '02 ///M3 carbonschwartz 6MT daily beast
    '37 Chevy pickup-garagequeen...

  • #2
    Alright, The update from the beginning of December till now! I tore it down for sound deadener, and swap the heater valve. Still no heat though! I received a German Audio Specialties 10inch sub box and Sparco strut bar for Christmas. I bought a 5 channel amp, painted the parcel shelf to go with it.

    PICS! In chronological order, I think, this is all the ok ones. : My internet is stupid and slow so fliker didn’t like it if I tried to upload 38 in one shot. :
    Pulled carpet, and began laying sound deadener.

    IMG_1811m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_1808m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_1807m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Bonus points if you know where this is!

    IMG_5290m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_5275m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Anybody local have another door seal they’d let go of for a good price?????? Mine is toast.

    IMG_5274m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_5272m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_5269m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_1850m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_1825m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Is this a premium package speaker? I have these in the front, they still sound nice and clear!

    IMG_1813m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Christmas morning! Thanks Mom and Dad!

    IMG_1836m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Sparco bar fit perfect after a few mins with a hammer to dent it for the intake mani.

    IMG_5296m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_5292m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_5294m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Ends of the amp.

    IMG_5362m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_5351m by Der E30, on Flickr
    For those that are curious what the box, amp, and infinity sub weigh together...
    IMG_1865m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_1866m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Box test fit.

    IMG_1846m by Der E30, on Flickr
    :

    IMG_5378m by Der E30, on Flickr
    My nasty, faded stock parcel shelf.

    IMG_5388m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_5386m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Test spot.

    IMG_5383m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Power for the amp is from under the parcel shelf.

    IMG_5376m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Finished install of the amp.

    IMG_5372m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_5370m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_5368m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_5366mm by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_5391m by Der E30, on Flickr
    But what about the parcel shelf????? Here you go. It was painted in “automobile primer” from a spray bomb. I sprayed it on heavy and used a clean scrub brush to rub it into the fibers more evenly and completely. I think it came out beautiful, it isn’t particularly crunchy or anything! A huge improvement I think...

    IMG_5400m by Der E30, on Flickr

    IMG_5399m by Der E30, on Flickr
    All back together!

    IMG_5392m by Der E30, on Flickr
    Did this last night, I’m trying to make my exhaust quieter...

    IMG_5394m by Der E30, on Flickr
    The road noise is much improved, when I’m not in the gas... The sub sounds GREAT! I love having sound below just vocals and having some lowws! I kept a huge amount of trunk space as well! WIN WIN!
    Last edited by DER E30; 01-14-2014, 09:20 PM.
    -Christian.

    '91 318iS AW2/blk slow garage queen/build...
    '02 ///M3 carbonschwartz 6MT daily beast
    '37 Chevy pickup-garagequeen...

    Comment


    • #3
      didn't know porn was allowed on SW...
      Love 318is's, especially yours!
      Only thing that bothers me is the difference in leather between the e36 m3 seats and the e30 backseat, but great condition non the less

      Comment


      • #4
        Thank you! Yeah, the stitching differences are slightly disturbing to me as well. I'd love to get a 36m back seat to match! It would have the awesome ///M stripes and match. Also the back seat is in worse condition, being older and living in the Cali heat for 20 years. Actually a set of ///M stripe shift/hand brake boots is on the list of parts I'd like to acquire for it
        -Christian.

        '91 318iS AW2/blk slow garage queen/build...
        '02 ///M3 carbonschwartz 6MT daily beast
        '37 Chevy pickup-garagequeen...

        Comment


        • #5
          Looks good.

          Love those farm fields up by Stanwood. Could drive on those roads for hours.

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by Jlyons617 View Post
            Looks good.

            Love those farm fields up by Stanwood. Could drive on those roads for hours.
            I do!!! I drive to Stanhood frequently it seems. I love those roads, and there are some good ones up in the back country nearby...
            -Christian.

            '91 318iS AW2/blk slow garage queen/build...
            '02 ///M3 carbonschwartz 6MT daily beast
            '37 Chevy pickup-garagequeen...

            Comment


            • #7
              Today was a beautiful day(first one in FOREVER!), so I washed her and snapped some pics! First time the white plastidipped wheels and 10 mm spacers on the rear have seen a lens. I wanted to wait until the sunset but had places to go and people to see...

              IMG_6088m by Der E30, on Flickr

              IMG_6081m by Der E30, on Flickr

              IMG_6079m by Der E30, on Flickr
              IMG_6072m by Der E30, on Flickr

              IMG_6066m by Der E30, on Flickr
              IMG_6102mm by Der E30, on Flickr
              IMG_6095mm by Der E30, on Flickr
              -Christian.

              '91 318iS AW2/blk slow garage queen/build...
              '02 ///M3 carbonschwartz 6MT daily beast
              '37 Chevy pickup-garagequeen...

              Comment


              • #8
                Cool car, clean work!

                Comment


                • #9
                  Thanks!

                  THis weekend I installed courtesy lamps in my doors, like an e90 or other modern BMW.
                  Enter e70 LED lights.

                  IMG_6103m by Der E30, on Flickr
                  Tools for surgery.
                  IMG_6114m by Der E30, on Flickr
                  Cut INSIDE the tape.1: I put them about 12.5 inches from the outside end of the door.

                  IMG_6126m by Der E30, on Flickr

                  I put in some more fatmat stuff.
                  IMG_6123m by Der E30, on Flickr
                  IMG_6125m by Der E30, on Flickr
                  All back together again. Wiring them in was the hardest part. They are triggered by the dome light wiring, so they come on and go out with the dome lights.

                  IMG_6134m by Der E30, on Flickr

                  IMG_6108m by Der E30, on Flickr

                  Glamor shots.

                  IMG_6136m by Der E30, on Flickr
                  IMG_6138m by Der E30, on Flickr
                  IMG_6139m by Der E30, on Flickr
                  -Christian.

                  '91 318iS AW2/blk slow garage queen/build...
                  '02 ///M3 carbonschwartz 6MT daily beast
                  '37 Chevy pickup-garagequeen...

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Hello my friends, it is Der E30 again. Today I have this update for you. I bought a headlight retrofit kit from Squared Motorwerks Thread about them here

                    I also bought a set of Morimoto mini H1 6.0 projectors and xb 35 5k bulbs from the retrofit source.

                    Getting started.

                    IMG_6189m by Der E30, on Flickr
                    Wow, there was a picture gap here. Already built!
                    IMG_6189m by Der E30, on Flickr

                    IMG_6204m by Der E30, on Flickr

                    IMG_6208m by Der E30, on Flickr

                    IMG_6209m by Der E30, on Flickr


                    IMG_6224m by Der E30, on Flickr

                    IMG_6225m by Der E30, on Flickr

                    IMG_6220m by Der E30, on Flickr

                    IMG_6223m by Der E30, on Flick
                    This is a bare stock projector (no housing) with a bid bulb of unknown origin of 6 or 8 k versus my new H1 6.0 and Squared adapter, fully installed in my euro smily housing with a clear lamin x film over the top and morimoto 5k bulb.

                    IMG_6195m by Der E30, on Flickr

                    IMG_6198m by Der E30, on Flickr

                    IMG_6199m by Der E30, on Flickr

                    IMG_6201m by Der E30, on Flickr

                    They went together very easily and seem well made. The light output is INSANE. I didn't think it would be that big of a difference as I already had a set of xenon lights in the stock projectors that the P.O. did. My xenon fogs are unneeded now, and I drove with them on religiously before the retrofit as the lows never impressed me... It is like driving with a daylight generator when I hit the brights as I have the bixenon function working, as well as the stock H1 center halogens running for a quad highbeam. My mom had an e46 with factory xenons and currently has a e90 with the active steering xenon lights. I've also driven an F20 5 series, this is all of that and more!1:




                    And as always.... Have a nice day.

                    IMG_6181mn by Der E30, on Flickr
                    -Christian.

                    '91 318iS AW2/blk slow garage queen/build...
                    '02 ///M3 carbonschwartz 6MT daily beast
                    '37 Chevy pickup-garagequeen...

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Wow, gratz on getting those headlights done. They look great and have a nice cutoff.

                      𝔣𝔬𝔩𝔩𝔬𝔴 𝔪𝔢
                      @𝔳𝔦𝔳𝔢_𝔪𝔢𝔪𝔬𝔯_𝔩𝔢𝔱𝔦

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Bumping a thread that isnt that old but is old enough to need bumping

                        Hows the bmw doing? any cool things happen?

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Uhhh, Nothing too exciting. Went to the E30 Picnic with it and had a great time seeing other 30s and such.

                          Went to a Porsche Club autoX in the summer with a guy I met on R3V, was the most fun I think I've ever had behind the wheel! Freaking blast carving up those cones!

                          Last week it pulled some retarded crap... It decided on the first day of Fall quarter to piss gas all over the ground, as in PISSING! The block had gas streaming down the side about 3 inches wide and made about a foot and a half wide puddle in the garage with a trail of drips leading to the car... SO I took my mom's car to school (and got a parking warning for wrong car registered to the pass.) The next day when I went to fix it, nothing. As in DRY! I changed the rubber lines on the fuel rail and tightened the hose clamps for kicks...
                          Seems ok now

                          I've been thinking of stripping the white plastidip off the wheels and either painting the centers gold or matching the alpine white along with polishing the "lips"

                          I'd love to get it bagged by spring BUT my buddy has a CBR954RR that I can get a pretty good deal on so I'll probably get a street bike before bagging it. Then I'd have a backup thing to drive if one breaks to boot! Business School and the truck are taking up most of my time and money and will continue to do so for a while so super exciting stuff won't happen 'till spring-ish most likely...

                          I have some rather boring parts in the mail and will update with pics of them plus the autoX pics and whatever other pics I find on my phone
                          -Christian.

                          '91 318iS AW2/blk slow garage queen/build...
                          '02 ///M3 carbonschwartz 6MT daily beast
                          '37 Chevy pickup-garagequeen...

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Ah cool cool

                            Sucks about the fuel leak/ or lack there of (pretty confusing)

                            ALSO good luck getting that bike.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Sup again! Got off my lazy behind to post some top quality iphone Picturds1:
                              I'll start at the e30 picnic! great time looking at the world's largest gathering of e30s!! Funny story about the difference between e30 owners and hot rodders. When I rolled up to the picnic, I thought "oh crap its 9:45! I'll be like the last person there!" I was probably the 12th car there! about a hundred more appeared about a half hour later! If I had gotten to a rod show at that time they would have practically given out the awards and would be packing up to leave! Needless to say, old people that hot rod get up too dang early!!


                              Went to a NW Porsche club AutoX with a guy from R3V

                              That "Miata" was really quick!
                              I'm the goof with the open hood! But it was one of two that opened right! Hinges by the windshield are silly!
                              Bummed a ride in this Carrara RS Super America!! Was the fastest cornering thing I've ever been in! Was a total roller coaster ride! Amazing car! On hoosier slicks it carved it up!

                              Because GT3RS, 'nuff said!!!

                              Changed to those SS fuel lines because of that leak... Seems ok now::

                              I was just here it feels like!:

                              Chilling at skool! THe other day she was all alone on the parking deck as I walked up all smiles because I have keys to a beautiful e30! Also note my parking behavior RIGHT next to the wall for max door ding protection!

                              Next week should have more AutoX pics as the last one of the season is Next Sat!:
                              -Christian.

                              '91 318iS AW2/blk slow garage queen/build...
                              '02 ///M3 carbonschwartz 6MT daily beast
                              '37 Chevy pickup-garagequeen...

                              Comment

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