Aunt might give me her E30 325i...

[jcatral14]

I'm thinking of using it as a daily driver and for tracking/autox. Woot!! :thumbup:
I think it's an '88.
Problem is, it's auto and it's got a leaking steering rack.
Cousin also had a minor accident in it and I think the whole front end might need to be fixed (suspension, control arms etc.).
What do you all think? How much will a tranny conversion run me?
Finally, does anyone here know the name/phone no. of the shop in Allentown, PA?
Thanks :)

[BahnBaum]

I'm thinking of using it as a daily driver and for tracking/autox. Woot!! :thumbup:
I think it's an '88.
Problem is, it's auto and it's got a leaking steering rack.
Cousin also had a minor accident in it and I think the whole front end might need to be fixed (suspension, control arms etc.).
What do you all think? How much will a tranny conversion run me?
Finally, does anyone here know the name/phone no. of the shop in Allentown, PA?
Thanks :)

$1195 for the conversion kit from Zionsville...

http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/store/shop.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=6134&Product_Code=3.02.T5SCE

Alex

[The Roadstergal]

If you contact <a href=http://theeurodepot.com/>The Euro Depot</a> or <a href=http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/store/shop.mv?>Zionsville Autosport</a>; they both have 5-speed conversion kits for a little over a grand. You can try to dig up all the parts yourself, but if you're not very familar with the cars, you can run into pitfalls very easily (e.g., the 89+ trannies didn't have the pickup points for the speed and reference sensors like the 85-88; flywheels from the etas and is of different years can differ).

As far as the damage goes - insurance didn't fix it? How hard was the hit?



(Oops - Baum types faster...)

[jcatral14]

Thanks for the info.
I've talked to Motor Works West who are local and the guy I spoke to was very helpful. He actually referrred me to the shop in Allentown as he said they would charge me less for the conversion. He said in his shop I was looking at 1500 at least. And that's just labor :yikes: But thats the least of my problems. I think the wise thing to do is to get the car road worthy first before doing the tranny swap. I'll fix the steering leak, upgrade the suspension, change the timing belt, make sure the brakes are in good working order, etc. Roadstergal, as far as damage from the accident, not quite sure. I'll have to check it out. I don't think he got the insurance involved cause they prolly would've totalled it.

[KrisL]

It'd be cheaper to sell that car for $500 and buy a manual tranny E30.

[The Roadstergal]

If you want to learn how to take an E30 apart and put it back together, this will be a good experience - but if you're looking at taking it to a shop for the labor, don't bother; take Kris's advice.

[Pinecone]

If you want to learn how to take an E30 apart and put it back together, this will be a good experience - but if you're looking at taking it to a shop for the labor, don't bother; take Kris's advice.

:stupid:

[jcatral14]

If you want to learn how to take an E30 apart and put it back together, this will be a good experience - but if you're looking at taking it to a shop for the labor, don't bother; take Kris's advice.
I'd work on it if someone who knew wth they're doing was next to me. I spoke with the guy from Allentown and he said no more than 1500 including all parts and labor, Woot :thumbup:

[jcatral14]

W00t!!!
Have it already.
Special shout out to my Uncle :bigpimp: Thanks :thumbup:
Now the $$$ hurting begins :rofl:

[BahnBaum]

W00t!!!
Have it already.
Special shout out to my Uncle :bigpimp: Thanks :thumbup:
Now the $$$ hurting begins :rofl:

Very cool. :thumbup:

Alex

[Lanc3r]

Lets see the pics!

[jcatral14]

Pics-perhaps over the weekend. although not much to look at. for now...

Alex, too bad (for me)you're down in MD otherwise I'd be pestering you for help often :rofl:

I'm taking it to a local independent BMW repair shop (Motor Works West) and they'll look it over and I'll get a laundry list of stuff to get done and go from there. I'll post their findings as soon as I get it.

Thanks everyone :thumbup:

Oh, BTW it's an '89 325I coupe.

[jcatral14]

I'm thinking of using it as a daily driver and for tracking/autox. Woot!! :thumbup:
I think it's an '88.
Problem is, it's auto and it's got a leaking steering rack.
Cousin also had a minor accident in it and I think the whole front end might need to be fixed (suspension, control arms etc.).
What do you all think? How much will a tranny conversion run me?
Finally, does anyone here know the name/phone no. of the shop in Allentown, PA?
Thanks :)
Well, I'm crushed.
I learned this morning that the car has a bent frame as a result of the accident and Dave at Motor Works West recommended against pursuing this matter any further as I will be only opening up a can of worms :bawling: So my search for an E30 continues...

[detour54]

Ouch, good luck with your search.

A few things that might help you along the way:

<a href="http://www.e30tech.com/articles/general/e30buyersguide/">E30 Buyer's Guide</a>



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http://www.autotrader.com/
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