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Intro This is my 1989 BMW E30 coupe project. I've built cars my whole life, and this one is #68 of those I've owned. I'd spent 4 years pursuing a coupe, particularly a non-sunroof facelift version. I finally found this on Facebook and after a quick drive I bought it in December 2018. Prior to this was an E46 coupe that I ZF manual swapped - which was awesome, but plagued me with electrical headaches. So I wanted something simpler to work on, but with the same drivetrain....queue the E30! The Plan Originally it was going to be a facelift M3 body swap. After working out costs (even performing the bodywork myself), I moved to an Mtech2 goal However as this project has now cost way more than originally planned, I've subsequently sold the MTech2 kit to progress finishing it off as is and enjoy it. In a way it suits the original car better. It is / was a 318i base model, with only electric windows, a/c and pop out rear windows - a nice, simple car! I always wanted an M54B30 and ZF to go in it, so that's what's happened. Just, a little more complicatedly than expected.

Anyone have a e46 330ci preferably manual but also would consider auto that they're selling. Very keen to pick one up Cheers

ZF Lifeguard is mineral oil based and technically not that special... but vital it be used in OEM warranty repair. ZF Germany worked with Q8 Belgium when developing Q8 Unitrans ATF which has ZF approval and modestly priced. I use it in my Jaguar's ZF gearbox... Q8 Lubricants manufacture lubricants in Europe that are of exceptional quality. NZ Agent is Bluepak Lubricants, based in Plimmerton, Unitrans is ex stock I'm told. Mike Glover, Kerikeri.

very small update Scored this 750i large case 3.15 lsd diff off a fellow e34 enthusiast over the weekend, will be used in the wagon build. Also sorted some tyres for the Mpars I did a quick test fit on one side of the car to see what they looked like. Filled out the guards abit more than the style 135 tempted to get them powder coated white

Subframe is M3 specific (although buggered if I can tell the difference between M and non-M) so you're unlikely to find a replacement without a lot of luck I'm afraid. I'd weld a solid plate on one side, a reinforcing plate on the other side and then drill through the solid plate using the reinforcing plate as a guide. That should lock it up nice and tight.

Hi Guys/Gals, For your view pleasure, hope this file helps I would have to check the shed but pretty sure i have a set of 540i rears and E32 Fronts (complete or other way around its been a while) if i remember correctly it was the largest OEM i could fit under 15's without upgrading to porche or big brake kit (10 years ago) on my E28. I am probably just going to go with non oem brake upgrade next time round as my performance is past the stock brakes or maybe see if my 750il ones fit PM me if needed E28 Brake upgrade.rtf

So I finally got around to dropping the front subframe. scored a 2nd hand engine support bit of a nasty find with the subframe tho can’t believe the complete bodge job that was done complete with large washer tacked in. is it salvageable with wielding in a new piece and with the reinforcement plates or should I be looking for a new subframe?

Time for the intake manifold to come off to replace common maintenance stuff.

You'd be looking at 11 and 15 for pcv bro. Use your vin and realoem if you get stuck. Definitely do the exhaust manifold. It's a relatively easy job. I removed the turbo and cleaned and inspected it too. Was in pretty good nick. The door handle carrier still hasn't shown up yet lol. Having to get in from the passenger side at present

Speaking of 4 decades (plus). Sounded good!

Saw this and was drooling

Cheers mate. I think it’s very fairly priced and I’m honestly a bit shocked it hasn’t already sold hah!