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Or this engine :-
-E30-325i-Sport-engine-/330701902517?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Car+Make%3ABMW%7CPlat_Gen%3AE30%7CCars+Type%3A325i&hash=item4cff5e92b5
I have definitely decided to buy another E30 325i donor for a variety of strategic reasons!
If anyone sees or knows of a sub £500 example please let me know. It doesnt need to be roadworthy, an MOT failure, write off etc would be fine.
Thanks for the help
John
John - if you need help rebuilding the engine you have, I'm more than willing to come up and lend a hand / advice. It's least I can do, considering you help and assistance with the replacement suspension bits.
Hi John,
I'll keep a look out for a suitable donor but the e30's are becoming far less abundant. Presumably you are looking for something with the engine still running so you know it is a good.
I see from your profile that you are in Sleaford, Lincolnshire.... how far are you prepared to travel?
Hi all, I will collect from anywhere.
Goo, thanks! I may well take you up on that but its a more complex strategy! I figure thus:
1: I need wheels. I like the diamond BBS ones
2: If I had a running engine and gearbox I could slot it straight in (after cleaning) and that would give me the time to rebuild, and maybe stroke, my own and speed up my build process. It would also provide a reference for my unidentified bits!
3: My bumstps are misaligned at the rear, with another set of trailing arms I could modify them leaving me to continue the build with the originals in place
4: by selling/scrapping the rest it wont actually cost me a whole lot.
I could kick myself. I missed the perfect one on Friday by 2 hours. A manual convertible CAT C with the right wheels etc for £450. Bugger! That was from Gumtree. I am checking Ebay and E30zone too.
Thanks for all the help. I have an offer of one from E30zone for £450 but its an auto and has the wrong wheels...sigh.
Interestingly, E36's seem to be more plentiful and just as cheap!
Yes, I am sure that they are around but go quickly. I think many people are looking for them to break and sell in bits. Oh well, no hurry!
Thanks again to you all for your help
John
This is a tale of bloody woe!
Dennis, that was a great find. I missed it and your post because I am in Germany for the day. GOO was kind enough to ring me but by the time I could get to view it there were two bids on it and the BIN had gone.
However....in the meantime I have bought another which is not as goos as this one but for £430 i should not complain and actually, although it has probably had a harder life, it has a lot of more saleable bits on it (suspension cross brace, seats and harnesses and it has coilovers too. Dont laugh...here's the link!
The 325 was built like a tank. Just check that nothing is bent. Stuff like bushes and bearings are surprisingly well priced. Engines are pretty robust (mine has done 170k!) but worth checking the oil pressure is good and that there are no signs of overheating. One of the few weak spots is the ally head warping. Not sure what a welded up diff does to the rest of the transmission though although I guess you are about to find out....
The engine and gearbox are just temporary fitments to advance the build, as long as it starts and runs it will do.
I reckon that if I can sell the other bits, Cobra seats etc I could break even!
we will see.....
Thanks again for all the great help everyone - much appreciated.
Well, the new donor arrived today! The seller delivered it for £30 which was a bonus.
All in all its a good buy. The Cobra seats and belts are a bit rough and need covering but they will sell as will the front strut brace.
The engine sounds good (if loud because of an exhaust blow) and will be ideal as a first fit for the Marlin. So, all in all, I am pleased!
Thanks again to all those who helped.
John
