Rarely in the E30 world does an opportunity present itself to purchase an enthusiasts ongoing project of passion. For 7 years I've owned this car and worked to bring it to the level at which you see it now. My concept was to create what was unavailable from BMW yet appear completely the opposite- an M-tech II coupe with modern touches. The car appears as though it may have been special ordered from BMW in 1988 and put in a bubble to survive the years. This car has been worked from stem to stern with thoughtful touches and attention to detail. Just about every want and special part an E30 enthusiast would desire has been addressed with this car. The lucky winner of this car will receive the attention and respect from BMW owners of all walks. Every outing will yield a thumbs up from somebody on the road.
After I purchased this car I went through it to repair rust and all other weather related damage. Countless hours and thousands of dollars later I have replaced just about every other worn or deteriorated part and turned every nut and bolt on the car to bring it to where it is now. For the seriously interested, I'll be happy to email links to private photo albums of the project as it has progressed (hundreds of photos) In addition to including these photos (will be sent full size in a flash drive to the new owner) all of the documentation will be included as well- hundreds, maybe thousands of receipts, owners manuals, books, and technical literature/diagrams documenting custom changes, as well as a large bin of spare parts, odds and ends and other parts listed below. Lets get started with the fundamentals.
Exterior/Lighting:
Cinnabar Red (zinnoberrot) base/clear paint (new in 2014)
Full euro M-Tech II body package, genuine OEM parts and brand new oem hardware. Euro kit has no side illuminating markers for cleaner look
Custom front fiberglass M-Tech II valance lip, color matched to the OEM valance.
"Ryan G" M-Tech II lip splitter Shadowline exterior trim
New OEM brake ducts and fender liners specific to M-tech II setup
Tinted tail lights (tinted automotive clear coat)
U.S. plate filler, OEM
Shaved fuel door
Brand new windshield
30% 3M window tint (new in 2013) Legal in Tx.
Brand new OEM weatherstripping on windows, sunroof, and doors
Genuine OEM Euro Grills, new black kidney grills
Genuine Bosch Euro ellipsoid headlights with crosshairs
4500k HID 55w (VERY bright), halogen high beams
Euro "City Light" option, Functional independent from headlights via fog switch. (Turns on with fogs anytime key is in acc/run)
Genuine ZKW fogs w/35w halogens. Functional independent from headlights.
LED license plate illumination.
The exterior is extremely clean with only a couple minor hail dings on the rear deck and roof. The paint was done in 2014 and is very good but not without flaws. The full M-Tech 2 bodywork is all original BMW, nothing reproduction- so fitment is perfect. The Euro version is most desirable for its lack of side markers in the bumpers for a cleaner look. When installed, all new genuine BMW hardware and clips were used in order to expect a lifetime of service from the parts. Even the door weatherstripping was replaced to further the new feel to the car.
Interior/Electronics
Full M-Tech II reproduction interior by Kevin at Creative Options.
M-Tech II new leather steering wheel with ///M Stitching
Leather sides with ///M cloth centers and genuine Alcantara seat backs.
///M cloth door cards
M3 rear seats
Black carpet
Microsuede headliner
Custom E46 center console w/new leather armrest- many hours went into this to make it the most original appearing, most robust e46 console install you'll likely find.
E46 ZHP shift knob (short/weighted) and Suede ///M stitched shift and brake boots
Auto-dimming rear view mirror w/ amber compass and homelink garage opener.
"George Graves" Dimming interior courtesy light delay module (courtesy lights delay after closing doors)
Stealth wired for Valentine/Escort radar detector (detector not included)
E36 window switches
OBC upgraded with Garagistic LED light bar illumination & George Graves exterior temperature sensor (more precise reading)
Keyless entry by AutoLoc (two fobs included)
Black chrome gauge cluster rings and airbrushed needles.
CD43 BMW CD stereo head unit installed flush
DICE iPod integration w/ onscreen info display
AudioControl LC6i line output converter (under driver seat)
Infinity Kappa 5 channel amplifier
Custom subwoofer control knob w/status light on dash, stealth appearance for sub volume.
10" Subwoofer box, custom by Luke at German Auto Sound. Fires through ski pass, completely stealth with incredible, engineered sound.
JL 10" subwoofer, and Monster RCA and Power cables.
Built in Battery Tender. (Plug in an extension cord in the trunk to keep the battery charged.)
The interior in this car is one of a kind. It addresses the shortcomings typical of the E30 and adds comfort and technology. The seats are very comfortable with soft leather and cloth centers that won't burn you when you sit down in them after sitting in the sun. The center console modification was a very painstaking process to get right. The front console was widened at the rear to match, and the bracing under the modified armrest yields the strength and perfect placement of a a factory E46 console. Yes! Finally, real cupholders in an E30! The CD43 installation was another painstaking process to do right as the head unit bezel requires modification to sit flush in the dash. The head unit appears as if it was there all along from Germany- the stealth installation of the sound system doesn't draw the attention of stereo thieves. Aside from the sound output, nobody may ever know there's something lurking here.
Suspension/Brakes:
Ground Control Coilovers with custom shortened housings (won't bottom out with extreme lowering)
Ground Control shortened Bilstein Sport single adjustable shocks
Ground Control adjustable camber plates
Sparco strut bar
1995 E36 M3 close ratio steering rack with custom machined adapters and hardware. (Not installed- factory rack is just fine but I have this ready to install and will include it)
RPI big brake front kit w/Wilwood 4 piston aluminum calipers
Wilwood two-piece rotors/hats (uses $30 off the shelf rotors)
Hawk HT-10 pads (includes extra sets- lifetime supply at the rate they're used up)
Genuine Brembo drilled rotors, rear.
Bosch rear pads
Rebuilt parking brakes.
Goodridge Stainless Steel hoses (6pc full set)
M3 control arm bushings, front
New tie rods/ball joints, front
Poly engine and transmission mounts with aluminum reinforcing cups
Poly adjustable rear trailing arm bushings
New subframe bushings
Eibach front sway bar with OEM M3 endlinks
Rear monoball sway bar endlinks
Apex ARC-8 17x8" wheels (designed for E30) in Hyper Silver
Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, 70% front tread, 100% rear (new rear tires at time of listing)
Rolled and pulled fenders (prior to painting)
The car tracks straight as an arrow and is a pleasure to drive. The brakes show no discernible wear and are quite effective. ABS is disabled at pump (personal driving preference with the bigger brakes) The spring rates are aggressive which yield a very nice ride on good streets and doesn't bounce you around excessively. There is no rubbing due to the rolled/pulled fenders and it takes a capacity loaded car to bottom the suspension out. Additionally, there is no body roll. The suspension is not overly loud and there are no odd creaks or pops during use. It is well tuned! The included steering rack is a close ratio upgrade and is ready to install with parts I have collected.
Powertrain/Air conditioning:
Refreshed 2.5L M20 (w/110k miles) new seals top to bottom, Valved adjusted in 2014.
New Clutch with engine. All new hydraulics, SS slave hose.
Bavarian Autosport red spark plug wires
Bosch ignition coil, new
New alternator
All new belts and hoses
New plastics, sensors, rubber, etc everywhere.
New cooling system- everything replaced- fan clutch, hoses, radiator, sensors, thermostat, thermostat housing, heater valve...
Wrinkle coated black intake and valve cover
New Bosch Idle control valve
K&N oem replacement air filter
318 firewall cover, genuine BMW, modified to fit.
Race Skids skid plate
Ansa Silverline Muffler
Rebuilt 3.91 differential with M3 bushing
Rebuilt CV axles, new rear wheel bearings
New Serpentine A/C Condenser (upgrade for efficiency from original tube & fin style)
New Freon expansion valve for 134a
New high side barrier Freon hoses
New Accumulator/Drier
Custom Trinary switch setup for 134a pressures
Custom Spal auxiliary fan (higher flow, lower current, more efficient)
Compressor/system flushed independently, and recharged with R134a
I kept the M20 for purity's sake and its sound and character really bring out the 1980's euro car feel. It's a blast to heel/toe and gets 20/25 average mpg for me. The engine has run great from day one and has never not started or left me stranded. It has been the most reliable car I've owned and I don't expect anything to change for its new owner. The suspension has been gone through completely over the last few years, it leaves nothing to be desired. The A/C has been modified to increase efficiency for R134a use and operates great even in the Texas heat. I've seen vent temperatures in the low 40's when the sun goes down! The car won't win at the drag strip but it is a wonderful cruiser for spirited drives and will carry great speed in the corners, making it nice and quick!
Car is being prepared for its new owner with fresh Castrol oil change, Redline trans and diff oil, Genuine BMW coolant flush, new fuel filter, new timing belt, and more. There are a number of additional modifications and items I don't have space to mention here. The car really doesn't need anything but as any e30 enthusiast knows, there is always something you can do. It is an older car, and even though restored, it is not perfect and has imperfections one would expect for a car of age. You are welcome to contact me to discuss all of your questions and concerns. The longer you look at this car, the more you notice. I encourage locals to inspect the car, and am open to having the car professionally inspected. Bid to win if you have the means to follow through promptly with this purchase. The high bidder will own this car! I require a non-refundable "good faith" Paypal deposit of $500 before the final payment is made within 3 business days via cashiers check or wire transfer. Of course, cash is always accepted if being purchased locally. The title is clear and in my name ready for transfer.
Please email me prior to bidding if you have any questions about the car.
Thank you for looking!
