318i 1982 Bruno Dubai
Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2016 1:05 pm
Wasn't expecting to own an E21 but here I am. I've always loved BMWs and owned a bunch of them and still have a few BMWs such as 2 E30 M3s and E46 320i wagon and another E30 320i sedan
So i imported this E21 from Japan about a month ago, and received it yesterday night. I knew what i was getting into, as most old cars from that part of the world and "in general" require some TLC.
Here some photos:
when it was in japan they sent me a bunch of crappy photos, 2 of them can be seen here:
My first impression was that those silly chrome wheel arches need to go as soon as i get my hands on her.
FIrst shot when she came into the workshop:
Some shots i took this morning:
I took off those chrome arches:
Before and after:
Some obvious remarks i gathered today while visually examining the car:
- It seems that car has been resprayed at some point with over spray marks all over.
- few rust spots, on the panels, and under the wheel arches.
- the interior is dirty, could use a thorough clean.
- There are no tears on the front seats, the rear back seat seems to be degraded from sun exposure.
- The battery was dead, so i suspect an electric leak somewhere.
- The cooling a/c switch was missing, but the A/C works
- The hazard switch is broken "e21 problems"
- cracked tires
- the car starts up and idles nicely. seems healthy so far.
- Broken interior roof light
- broken glove compartment handle, i havent seen a lock there, so let's hope i dont have to order one.
Here's what im going to do in short term:
- I'll replace all broken parts mentioned above
- replace all fluids, and make sure she runs fine
- fix that battery leak
- sort out the rusted panels.
- replace those tires and get her registered
- and i will clean her up and polish her to see if she will glow.
I'm sure i'll find more things to do while digging in there.
i'll try to keep on updating this thread.
So i imported this E21 from Japan about a month ago, and received it yesterday night. I knew what i was getting into, as most old cars from that part of the world and "in general" require some TLC.
Here some photos:
when it was in japan they sent me a bunch of crappy photos, 2 of them can be seen here:
My first impression was that those silly chrome wheel arches need to go as soon as i get my hands on her.
FIrst shot when she came into the workshop:
Some shots i took this morning:
I took off those chrome arches:
Before and after:
Some obvious remarks i gathered today while visually examining the car:
- It seems that car has been resprayed at some point with over spray marks all over.
- few rust spots, on the panels, and under the wheel arches.
- the interior is dirty, could use a thorough clean.
- There are no tears on the front seats, the rear back seat seems to be degraded from sun exposure.
- The battery was dead, so i suspect an electric leak somewhere.
- The cooling a/c switch was missing, but the A/C works
- The hazard switch is broken "e21 problems"
- cracked tires
- the car starts up and idles nicely. seems healthy so far.
- Broken interior roof light
- broken glove compartment handle, i havent seen a lock there, so let's hope i dont have to order one.
Here's what im going to do in short term:
- I'll replace all broken parts mentioned above
- replace all fluids, and make sure she runs fine
- fix that battery leak
- sort out the rusted panels.
- replace those tires and get her registered
- and i will clean her up and polish her to see if she will glow.
I'm sure i'll find more things to do while digging in there.
i'll try to keep on updating this thread.