ZUHALTE: BMW E23: I have to many projects what the hell am I doing?

[sawtooth4x4]

I bought this yesterday. I have been watching it on a classified for weeks. I finally decided to call on it because my 2006 Ford F350 blew the oil cooler again, and I needed another vehicle. Well, you know when you already own 2 VW buses a Land Rover Discovery and a F350. Why not add another project, right?

So I don't know how long I'll keep it. But I've always liked these old Big Body BMW's. I picked this one up for $1000 because the guy had to many cars and not enough money. That's how I know I'll score a car for the price I want.

So I test drove the car and the steering was horrible. I figured it was a worn out ball joint or suspension arm. There was no response until I turned the wheel about 1/4 of a turn. So I talked the dude down and drove it home thinking I'd have to spend some money on it.

Today I put it up on jack stands and had a buddy turn the steering wheel. There was a loud clunking coming from the driverside. So I walked over to that side and saw the steering box was moving all over. 5 minutes later I had it tightened down, and it drives great. steering is back 100%.

Pictures

Last night on the drive home. I had my wife take me up to get it. For once she really didn't care I was buying another car. She likes BMW's.

[sawtooth4x4]

I think it has some AC Shnizter knock off wheels. They are 17" wheels. I'm hoping to get some 16" BBS wheels for it. If I can work out a trade with someone.

Here are some more pictures:

[sawtooth4x4]

It also came with a pile of parts. I guess the trunk is huge. I didn't know there was that much crap in it until I unloaded it this morning.

[sawtooth4x4]

Plans are:

Lower it. Wish I could afford air suspension, but again, to many projects. So it'll be springs.

Fix up the interior.

Put a stereo in it.

Find some wheels.

[Tarmac180sx]

Clean E23 man this thing is going to be sweet. Low and wide would be super tuffff on this platform, I love them land yachts good luck with the build.

[sawtooth4x4]

I replaced a bunch of the interior from the parts I had in the trunk. Its looking better. I have the ultra rare rear sunshade in the back window. I still have a bit of work to go. But it'll be a lot nicer when I'm finished.



Still need to find a better HVAC control set. This one is better then what was in it. Threw an old deck I had lying around in it. The front speakers sound good. I have some factory tweeters that go in the doors to install still. I need to find some rear speaker pods or speakers.



Can't wait to fix this crap. So ugly.





Where the magic happens. A little privacy for the old lady and I.

[sawtooth4x4]

Doing some wood working this weekend. I love old cars with real wood.

[electricalbox]

That wood looks great!

[lower99]

Wood turnd out nice!

[sawtooth4x4]

So this weekend I tackled making my HVAC system work better.

CLIFFNOTES:

BLOWER MOTOR

Blower Motor Resistors

Vacuum pump

I fixed the noisy fan with some electrical cleaner, WD40 and PB Blaster. Now more noise, works great.

Before, during and after pictures:





Cleaned and reinstalled:

[sawtooth4x4]

Transistor fixing:

Old and Busted: