First venture into the world of BMW's, lots of E30 questions:

[Boris3]

Good car choice! Pick up a Bentley manual. In addition to folks here, E30 Forums are your friend-- more DIYs and resources than you could ask for: R3VLimited, E30tech, Bimmerforums, e30zone.net, e30performance

[ClassE]

Thanks for the suggestions so far, I'll be sure to add everything to my "to do" list. Ordered my first batch of maintence parts last night, got everything to do the timing belt swap and water pump on the way, should make for a good weeks worth of night projects.

[ClassE]

What can you guys tell me about the stock IS trunk spoilers? The original one on mine is cracked and nasty, looking to replace it. The original one feels like it's made from a soft rubber, is it coated/painted/plain rubber? Do you take it to a body shop to have them paint it (they'll use like 4 gallons if flex?)?

I had assumed it was comparable to a piece of trim, when it's faded and cracked you just replace it.

[Brian.]

it's made out of a rubber/foam stuff. Just order a new one, unbolt old, bolt on new, for the most part.

[andyhundley]

Welcome to the forums and congrats on your car. My first e30 (owned 4 now) really taught how to drive. You will get well acquainted with the rev limiter and steering lock before you know it!  

[ClassE]

Time to get dirty. The good:

First things first.... Gotta hold something nice.

And just picked up everything but front seats last weekend (I don't like the original grey):

[B C]

love it!!!

[KaiserRolls]

awesome!!

[Brian.]

I'm liking where this is going.

What color are you painting it? And where are you taking it? I'm half tempted to take my E28 somewhere to get it painted. Setting up my full car booth is a hassle...

[Earl]

This thing will be great=)

[ClassE]

Same color, just fixing some minor body issues. PO had a minor low speed incident with a pole that I want sorted out. Paint appears to be great on this car, but I plan on a good clay bar/buff this weekend to see what I'm working with.

I will only take my paint stuff to Kurt at Inline Autobody here in Oshkosh. He did some work on my white car quite a few years back, and does a killer job. I won't take my paint stuff anywhere else.

Picking up battery and buffing compounds tonight, I think Saturday afternoon I'll be buffing everything out and getting it up in stands to start timing belt/waterpump/etc...

[jc43089]

I use clay from griotsgarage.com it's great stuff, much better than meguiars etc.  Top notch car care stuff.

[ClassE]

I've always used the Meguiars compounds and had no issues. I've gotta find someplace locally to pick up a mid-range cut, I think automotive supply carries it.

Picked up a battery and checked a bunch of electrical stuff last night. Everything seems to work great so far, but I'll reserve my happiness until it's driving.

Getting a battery was kind of a PITA though, made a bunch of calls:

-Advance: "Doesn't carry one for that car"

-Batteries Plus: $120

-NAPA: $120

-Oriellys: $120

-Fleet Farm Appleton: "Doesn't carry one for that car"

-Fleey Farm Oshkosh: $83

Mans Mall it was!!!!

[jc43089]

I'm not saying the Meguiars is bad, just the griotsgarage stuff is really nice.  If its not at fleet farm you don't need it.

[ClassE]

Tomorrow night is gonna be fun! Starting the timing belt, tensioner, waterpump, and thermostat swap so I can drive this thing to paint next week!

Pics to follow as we dig into it!

[ClassE]

Dirty, nasty, stock M20:

Pulling stuff apart to get to timing belt and tensioner:

[Earl]

Whats the bmw color name on the strut tower?

[ClassE]

Got the water pump replaced, and have everything ready to swap timing belt and tensioner..... That'll be tomorrow nights project.

How we left it for the evening:

Thanks to Brian for swinging over and lending a hand!

[ClassE]

"lachssilber-metallic"

[KaiserRolls]

did you ever find a fender?