<![CDATA[First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions:]]>Just picked up a 1989 325IS, almost completely stock. Car is in excellent shape, with the exception of some minor body damage from a low-speed accident by the PO. Passenger front fender, door, and lower bumper valence were rippled. So let's start the body related questions:

-Are all E30 doors created equal? Any changes in doors between early/late model cars?

-I'm assuming the lower valence under the bumper is specific to late model (painted bumper) E30's? Any different valences within the late model cars?

-Any differences in fenders over the model range I should know about?

First plan once it's back from paint is general maintenance (Tbelt, thermostat, oil/coolant change, fuel filter and brake bleed?). Any other "big hitters" to check off the list on this car?

Any info and help would be appreciated, I come from a VW background so I have a lot of learning ahead of me. Thanks!

]]>https://wibimmers.com/topic/2032/first-venture-into-the-world-of-bmw-s-lots-of-e30-questionsRSS for NodeWed, 16 Sep 2026 06:34:03 GMTTue, 22 Oct 2013 02:28:55 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Sun, 17 Nov 2013 20:35:47 GMT]]>Oh yeah.... I guess this isn't really the correct spot for this huh. I'll start a true "build" thread later today. ;)

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31350https://wibimmers.com/post/31350Sun, 17 Nov 2013 20:35:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Sun, 17 Nov 2013 20:16:25 GMT]]>Hey man. Transfer this over to the Members BMWS thread. Start a build thread on it in the right spot!

Looking good man! Wetsand my car! 😜

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31349https://wibimmers.com/post/31349Sun, 17 Nov 2013 20:16:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Sun, 17 Nov 2013 20:08:34 GMT]]>Most likely won't - gonna wait until the car is dropped and new wheels are on.... Then will make a decision.

I love to hate this part.... But it's gotta get done.

53EB1C12-77C0-408A-B3A1-4CFCC6F53C8C-921

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31348https://wibimmers.com/post/31348Sun, 17 Nov 2013 20:08:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Sun, 17 Nov 2013 17:39:21 GMT]]>He won't, I already asked him Earl. He likes the contrasting chrome. He's getting different wheels.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31342https://wibimmers.com/post/31342Sun, 17 Nov 2013 17:39:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Sat, 16 Nov 2013 23:03:28 GMT]]>Going to shadowline your window trim too?

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31303https://wibimmers.com/post/31303Sat, 16 Nov 2013 23:03:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Sat, 16 Nov 2013 22:55:21 GMT]]>Got some work done today - front lip is on, lower ducts are in, got some adhesive and junk off the passenger side. Hopefully start buffing tomorrow.

99E1BA6D-4110-4AE3-8A85-7C445DE2A5BE-821

Need to order smoked turns and side markers by Monday, possibly replacing the front bumper trim as well.... I like the "clean" look of no front plate (I would run a WI plate anyways - debating on a running a color matched euro plate). If I run a euro plate, the front trim I have is fine (has 2 holes from previous euro plate install). If I don't run any plate - I'm gonna replace them.

My trim has square knockouts for a front toe hook to pass through - get replacements squares from the dealer?!?

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31301https://wibimmers.com/post/31301Sat, 16 Nov 2013 22:55:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Sat, 16 Nov 2013 13:28:18 GMT]]>

ClassE said:

030B7464-4D77-4A23-937B-76DE73964F4F-361

Paint looks really good=) What I really like about this picture is the wrinkle black. I am a huge fan of wrinkle black in the bay=D

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31281https://wibimmers.com/post/31281Sat, 16 Nov 2013 13:28:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Sat, 16 Nov 2013 12:50:00 GMT]]>Looking good, should be a couple nice days still to get it out.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31278https://wibimmers.com/post/31278Sat, 16 Nov 2013 12:50:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Sat, 16 Nov 2013 10:03:39 GMT]]>Awesome!!!

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31271https://wibimmers.com/post/31271Sat, 16 Nov 2013 10:03:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Sat, 16 Nov 2013 09:38:39 GMT]]>Coming along nicely dude! :)

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31264https://wibimmers.com/post/31264Sat, 16 Nov 2013 09:38:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Sat, 16 Nov 2013 06:16:40 GMT]]>

ClassE said:

Well.... Need to finish replacing a bunch of stuff on the front end - and not happy with all of the body gaps.... But just happy to have it home!

78C9CC0F-8CD2-45DC-92F8-80C612CB4E29-708

Hot damn that looks nice

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31263https://wibimmers.com/post/31263Sat, 16 Nov 2013 06:16:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Sat, 16 Nov 2013 00:58:54 GMT]]>Well.... Need to finish replacing a bunch of stuff on the front end - and not happy with all of the body gaps.... But just happy to have it home!

78C9CC0F-8CD2-45DC-92F8-80C612CB4E29-708

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31257https://wibimmers.com/post/31257Sat, 16 Nov 2013 00:58:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Fri, 15 Nov 2013 14:16:36 GMT]]>

Earl said:

I get my thumb back today too=) Such a good day

What color did you paint it?

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31228https://wibimmers.com/post/31228Fri, 15 Nov 2013 14:16:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Fri, 15 Nov 2013 13:32:53 GMT]]>I get my thumb back today too=) Such a good day

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31225https://wibimmers.com/post/31225Fri, 15 Nov 2013 13:32:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Fri, 15 Nov 2013 12:28:48 GMT]]>I just want my car back.... Hoping today is the day.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31223https://wibimmers.com/post/31223Fri, 15 Nov 2013 12:28:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Thu, 14 Nov 2013 15:27:52 GMT]]>

Brian. said:

This. BWS is $$$ BUT, you still get quality ride, can pick your wheels off the ground an lay frame static if you so choose. And would still be great for a mild built car. BWS is on top of the game right now for coilovers IMO

:mellow:

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31197https://wibimmers.com/post/31197Thu, 14 Nov 2013 15:27:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Thu, 14 Nov 2013 15:18:48 GMT]]>Yeah - I've been eyeing up those as well. Price tag is alittle more, but you gotta pay-to-play. Options are very similar between the two, and I've got some friends with BC's that really like them.

I really like BC's air cup setup as well, I could definitely be interested in that in the future.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31196https://wibimmers.com/post/31196Thu, 14 Nov 2013 15:18:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Thu, 14 Nov 2013 14:16:36 GMT]]>

Earl said:

Broadway Static is what will get you the lowest=)

This. BWS is $$$ BUT, you still get quality ride, can pick your wheels off the ground an lay frame static if you so choose. And would still be great for a mild built car. BWS is on top of the game right now for coilovers IMO

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31192https://wibimmers.com/post/31192Thu, 14 Nov 2013 14:16:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Thu, 14 Nov 2013 13:53:06 GMT]]>Broadway Static is what will get you the lowest=)

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31189https://wibimmers.com/post/31189Thu, 14 Nov 2013 13:53:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Thu, 14 Nov 2013 13:27:05 GMT]]>Well..... Hoping that today is the day I get the E30 back. Gonna be watching my phone like a hawk!

Next step is ordering coils. I've had my eyes on the BC's, anyone have experience with other coils around the $1k range worth mentioning. I like that the BC's have camber plates and are dampening adjustable.....

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31187https://wibimmers.com/post/31187Thu, 14 Nov 2013 13:27:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Wed, 13 Nov 2013 13:59:54 GMT]]>Found some more info on this.... 1 guy made that mani (I believe it's a welded assembly using the M20 flange and V12 runners/plenum) but no info on if it worked and how it ran. Bummer.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31141https://wibimmers.com/post/31141Wed, 13 Nov 2013 13:59:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Wed, 13 Nov 2013 08:49:08 GMT]]>^What he said

Someone made that using one of the manifolds from a v12. I dont think it was a bolt on affair. Snap would/should know more about it

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31136https://wibimmers.com/post/31136Wed, 13 Nov 2013 08:49:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Wed, 13 Nov 2013 03:01:49 GMT]]>It's half of a v12 manifold.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31135https://wibimmers.com/post/31135Wed, 13 Nov 2013 03:01:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions: on Wed, 13 Nov 2013 01:54:52 GMT]]>That is blingin, seems like something that would be used with forced induction but I don't really know.  Really cleans up the top of the engine.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/31133https://wibimmers.com/post/31133Wed, 13 Nov 2013 01:54:52 GMT