Fix My BMW

I started with the electrical. I installed the main original harness coming off of the motor, it connects the computer (w/ dinan chip) to the motor, fuel injectors, oxygen sensor, distributor, etc. – all on a long cable. It’s not the original one and I’ll continue with this. I also connected the incoming and outgoing water hoses to the firewall. Most likely continue with the cooling system then the transmission.

This one is ready to begin work since beginning of Apr., will post more…

Car was wrecked 1-2 mos. ago, will need further repair. Everything is fixable, but the black car has priority. :(

white ‘86 bmw 325i (E30), grey market variety and totally fun

I cleaned up my garage and made plenty of space; i need to do something with those extra front and rear seats, too much clutter.

I put black car on jackstands and moved the exhaust underneath for storage. Now there is space to work.

Next step is to install the drive shaft to the motor, then connect motor, then electrical, then smog test + reg.

Current status: Black 325es (bmw01) swapped with a 325i motor and a Dinan chip, motor needs to be connected; white 325i (bmw02), damaged in accident- will need a complete checkup on the front end, will “borrow” exhaust for black car, will need to check transmission for locating linkage damage, remove all front fenders, bumpers and replace.

Still need to get started on the black car. Yes, I have a car habit..!

The black car is now inside the garage. The motor, transmission and other miscellaneous parts will be attached. At least it’s off the street and now I’ve got more time to be able to purchase parts.

I finally got the motor in the black car installed in the engine bay this weekend. now i need to connect everything (electrical, accelerator, etc); then “borrow” a full exhaust system from the other car and get it smogged.

file under “how to go ‘eta’ (325es) to ‘i’ (325i) in one day”

After several weeks of having no door panels and no center console, I finally installed a stereo and finished that task. I put both door panels back, installed the center console + assorted plastic pieces, and vacuumed the carpet. I will need to replace the back portion of the center console by the e-brake with a new piece (US$50), since some distant previous owner had drilled four holes in it for an ancient style cellular phone. I will also need to replace the fog lenses and the front valence panel. Then maybe change the light elements in the instrument cluster so the tachometer can be seen at night. When do I have time to finish the clutch job for the black car? One thing at a time… This is next.

It may come Thursday, yeah.. I need this thing to be able to finish up & put the motor back in the car.