bmwe21.net forums

So I managed to make some time after work today and this happened -





I've got a fair bit of work to do to the new engine so I'd say I'm probably about 25% of the way, I've got

5 snapped exhaust studs to remove
Wiring harness to transfer over
Sump to swap over
Few pipes to change
New thermostat to swap over
Water pump to check and refit
Manual box to mate up
Complete manual conversion!!

Work to be done but a good start already!

its been a long time since i updated this!! a fair bit has changed but im useless getting pics!

engine in, converted to manual and driven about for a bit, swapped the blue interior for brown/black and got some recaros for the front with my dished steering wheel ......





then swapped back to the sport wheel as apparently its quite rare!




then dropped it down a bit ...




now the mrs has stolen it to daily while hers is off the road so i've got a new toy to play with for the moment......





next up is going to be paint but don't hold your breath!!

Nice works on the 320. That other thing, 2 tons of electrical problems?

what engine?

It's not been too bad electrically, one of the fuel tank senders is kaput but it's not really an issue as I just use the other tank! Hazard light switch has fallen apart but they are available reasonably priced so not the end of the world. This is my 4th and really all of them have had the same issues of front ball joints. I think the thing that really plagues them is the owners! All of mine have come from older gentlemen that although they have been lovers of the cars have not apriciated servicing and maintainence. All of the suspension has grease nipples that seem to be ignored!!

Jeroen- it's the 4.2, I was very specific in the spec that I wanted, it had to be a series 3 and solid and specifically the 4.2 as the injection system gives better economy over the 3.6 that comes with carbs. I also bypassed the v12 as I wanted something I can get in and drive without crying about fuel cost but on reflection i am not 100% sure if I shouldn't have just bitten the bullet! Because of my criteria I didn't really get a choice of colour!!! Also it's worth saying the arch trims have been removed, my personal taste found them to be hideous!!!

Clear, think maintenance wise you will like the 4.2 better as well. +1 on the chrome wheel arches! May be some disappointment hidden behind them though...

About time for an update on things!

E21 got some lower profile tyres on the front yesterday, now doesn't clear the drive at the mrs house, she hasn't driven it yet so I have yet to feel her wrath!

E28 took some of my time -







E38 728 brembos
Badass!
Tight fit!
Special adaptors made by me.


So, on to some e21 stuff!

I'll try cut it short, little while ago I made a shitty offer on an e21 up for sale, it got declined (I'm not suprised, I have a habit of making borderline offensive offers) turns out the guy that got it came to get some parts from me and he got it for less than I'd offered!!
Friendships were made and (after a lot inbetween) I got a message roughly saying 'e21 has a sticker on it, move or pay a fine. I gotta get it gone by the 1st September'
I had cash in my hand.
I told him to drop it over!

Some will recognise it as it's been on here before -







It's got a cage!



It's also hanging -



It's in bits, it did have this inside -





But sadly this -



Erugh!
Overheated, but why?

Someone's 'smart' idea -



Who even does that?!?!?

So what do I do with it?!?

Initial thoughts were break it down for parts. Easy money. Ample profit.

Everyone is telling me to build it up.

It's missing an exhaust system.
Decided to pull this out the scrap pile-



I'm unsure.

Thoughts?

Apart from the collapsing rear, is it good enough to fix rust-wise?

that's Murrans old car im 99% sure of it. He was into all that tramp drifting malarkey.

nas80 wrote:that's Murrans old car im 99% sure of it. He was into all that tramp drifting malarkey.

Nas you are spot on!

I remembered seeing the car years ago in build thread and trampdrift/ driftworks format and it was a mixture of this and robs (wizor) that gave me a liking for the e21. In a way I'm pretty chuffed to have it but at the same time it has gone downhill. A lot. Loads!

had a couple of mins so thought i'd have a poke round the new one. Its pretty hideous!



poor wiring left.



mounts from home made strut brace.



top quality cable repair!









rust, rust and more rust!!

at the moment i'm not sure i can be bothered with it, i don't really want to throw money at it and have other things to get on with. Not a clue where it will go from here!

Yikes, some involved restoration work required, plus whatever you haven't found yet! Looks like a breaker unless you can find someone to take it on

jeez! Is it worth all the work and ££?

Looks like this one's beyond repair. Oh yeah those oldies sure can rust badly and indeed, you're bound to find more.