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Hi all, Been a while since I've posted here. My other project is still a work in progress, however decided to put that on hold and start a new project that's more suitable for family life! I'll update here, more as a journal for myself to look back on. Recently I picked up Malachite Green Touring on trademe that had partly been stripped out - no engine, gearbox, diff and the interior was very average but a good chassis and base to work from. the plan was to tidy up the paint, fix up the interior and pop an engine in it - likely an M40/42 and keep it fairly stock. As it was missing a bunch of bits, it would have been a fairly slow job collecting what was needed and getting bits and pieces done. Things changed when this Lagune Green Touring popped up a few days later that had almost every single part I needed, including a stroked 2.8L engine, gearbox, LSD, black door cards, nice rear seats, touring specific carpet/boot panels, and some body panels I needed. I couldn't say no to that! Unfortunately the chassis is probably beyond repair, but this was worth it to me in the parts alone. First job was to stocktake what's there. I created an excel sheet of everything so I can keep track of what I need of which car. E.g. Valance off Lagune, Bonnet off Malachite, front seats off Malachite, rear seats off Lagune etc. Once I got both cars to one location, the strip down began. Decided to go for a full panel and paint but keep the Malachite colour - I've never seen an E30 in this colour before and love it! Having the two cars together meant I can compare parts side by side and pick the best parts. Currently waiting on my painter to free up his current jobs so we can move onto this set. While that happens, we're waiting for engine parts to arrive (water pumps, hoses etc) to get the engine in Lagune running again, as it's been sitting for about a year. Fingers crossed there's no major issues as it's been rebuilt not that long ago. Worst case I have a spare M40 which can go in. Due to time, I can only visit the cars one day every couple weeks, but will be working on cleaning up some of the parts (carpets/Door Cards/Smiley Lights) in the Lagune that I will keep in the final build at home to keep be busy between visits. I'll be needing some recommendations - first up is a decent headlining restorer - based in Auckland/South Auckland that can do work on site. Windscreen will be getting replaced and sunroof swapped out for a fibreglass panel so would be good to get it done at the same time. I'd like to get a period correct material and ideally someone that's done this on an E30 before. Will post more as I get along!

Hey all. David here. Recently purchased a 1987 E30 M325i (diamant-schwarz). It's been discussed on this forum at one point and was on trade me recently. Used to drive an E30 318i (technically it was my fathers in the 90's and he eventually gave it to me as my first car). Loved E30's ever since. Getting cambelt etc replaced soon and exhaust is a bit loud for my taste so getting that sorted as well. Overall it drives nice. The wheels have grown on me. But will prob replace them at some point. Happy with them for now so not in a rush there. Will gradually restore/lightly mod the car over time. Went through the Lachssilber 1989 E30 M325i thread. Tons of useful info there. And the ride looks slick. Nice decisions made there. Also have a soft spot for the 6th generation Galant VR4. Was the second car I ever owned. Had to get my hands on one of these now cause the prices have been going up on them over recent years and I didn't wanna miss out on either one. Was a throw up between getting the E30 or a mint 1990 VR4. Had to go with the BMW in the end. The E30 M325i is definitely my all time favourite car (VR4 second).

This whole thread is great reading on a 16hr flight. Looking forward to getting home to fix bits and pieces on mine.

@deedub pics of your car would be most welcome!

And here she is at the dealers. Collection will be sometime in the not too distant future after registration, pre-delivery checks and PPF application are done. I have a mate who is an amateur photographer, will get him to take some decent shots I'll upload as promised.

Was awesome to be able to display it today at the 2017 V 4 & Rotary Nationals! Not quite ready for the drag racing tomorrow though.

No interior pics yet, the insides a mess, but once I sort out my new seats and harnesses etc and get the paperwork done I'll grab some. It's a 6 point rollcage with no side intrusions. In the mean time, new (very old wheels I've had sitting around for years) are on, as are the new lights all around. Still needs a good clean and polish before the weekends show.

Customs stopped my parts order. It's unfortunately just over $1000NZD. I must provide them with my Customer Number if I have one or apply for a new one. I have one but need to confirm the details in the background are correct. They state this process takes 3 business days. DHL told me it has been taking them a lot longer. So it took 4 days including the weekend to arrive from ESTONIA. It's now going to sit at DHL until customs decides to reply to me. I am betting I don't see this package until the end of next week. If these parts were not nearly 3 x the price or substandard brands in NZ I would almost be deterred from buying them overseas.