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Login to post Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » 24 Hours of Lemons; Project 320i

Nov. 12, 2008 9:18 a.m. johnhammer New Reader

After a couple months of searching, I've found the one. Assuming the lo-buck automotive gods are shining upon me, I won't have to spend toooooo much on this beast.

'83 BMW 320i 139,000 miles 5 Speed Clutch has less than 10k on it LSD A/C (will be removed) OEM sways front & rear Came with 5 basketweave wheels (spare is dented a bit, but holds air)

It needs a MAJOR tune up & all the belts/hoses replaced. The brakes are totally shot. The front struts are junk, the rears are decent.

If you have a line on any parts; or need anything I may be stripping off (interior, wheels, etc), shoot me a note!

Here are some pics:
Nov. 12, 2008 9:25 a.m. Tim Baxter Online Editor

That's not a 320i, it's a 320is. You can recoup quite a bit by selling off the is-specific bits (wheels, steering wheel, toolbox, etc) to 320 guys. Personally, i hate to see it go to LeMons. I used to have one just like it, and wish I'd never sold it.
Nov. 12, 2008 9:25 a.m. johnhammer New Reader

From what I can see, tune up parts are readily available at my FLAPS. Brake parts, too (although they'd need to be ordered).

Wheels may be the tough one: it's a 4x100 bolt pattern, but a pretty funky low offset. I've heard rumor that VW wheels may fit? I have 2 sets of wheels from my Miata, but they're a 40 offset...anyone have luck using 15mm worth of spacers?

I'm shooting for 2 sets of the same size...even if I can't get the same wheels!
Nov. 12, 2008 9:32 a.m. johnhammer New Reader

Hi Tim,

I was wondering if it was an S, but... There are no Recaro seats or front spoiler. I have a pal who used to have a 323 and he helped me confirm the LSD. The wheels, rear sway & steering wheel definitely made me wonder about it being an S.

Don't let the pics fool you, it's FUGLY. BUT, the chassis is ROCK SOLID and will make a great foundation for a track car.
Nov. 12, 2008 9:35 a.m. Tim Baxter Online Editor

320s have a 13mm offset, so lots of guys end up running spacers. I know the later E30 wheels will fit, with a spacer.

My guess is that someone broke off the spoiler, replaced the seats (the recaros never did wear well) and added the 320 badge (is cars didn't have one).

I'm pretty sure it's an s car, though, especially if it's got the LSD. Check the toolbox. The s cars' toolbox was about twice as big as a regular 320.
Nov. 12, 2008 9:56 a.m. johnhammer New Reader

Funny you say that about the badge on the rear; there was OEM packaging in the trunk for that emblem...a previous owner obviously bought one & put it on.

The toolbox in this car IS larger than the one I had in my '81 320i. This one must be 14 inches across & holds a lot more stuff.

I'll be darned, perhaps I did get an S by sheer luck. I'll go check the front end to see if there's the remains of a spoiler or any sign there was one once.
Nov. 12, 2008 10:06 a.m. laz New Reader

stock e30 wheel stuff: bottlecaps 14x6" et33 basketweaves 14x6.5" et30 euro basketweaves 15x7" et24

Dunno how that lines up with the 320i. On an e30 the typical 15x7 aftermarket wheel is et25.
Nov. 12, 2008 2:40 p.m. ww Dork

That is some sweet LeMons goodness! It's in FAR better shape than our beater 280ZX:
Nov. 12, 2008 2:51 p.m. belteshazzar Dork

an m10 and an L28, sounds like a couple of teams that are sure to finish the race.
Nov. 12, 2008 6:12 p.m. Varkwso Reader

We are betting on a 1975 Nova.....and a return of Saab Story...
Nov. 12, 2008 6:53 p.m. ww Dork

belteshazzar wrote:

an m10 and an L28, sounds like a couple of teams that are sure to finish the race.

We've finished every race we've entered but one so far... This is a "new" car, but has a rock solid drive train in spite of the condition of the body which is immaterial in these events and besides, every time a rusty bit falls off, we increase our power to weight ratio!
Nov. 12, 2008 9:03 p.m. Mental SuperDork

Neon Lemons fun here
Nov. 12, 2008 10:34 p.m. johnhammer New Reader

I was THIIIIIS close to doing a Saab 900 SPG, actually. I found a guy in Charlotte (where I live) who had a runner & a parts car. I made plans to see them (and buy them!) on a Monday...he sold them on Sunday before I got to throw my cash at him.

I'll be glad to rock the E21 though; front engine, rear wheel drive & an LSD. Fun times & busted knuckles dead ahead!
Nov. 13, 2008 6:56 a.m. Jensenman SuperDork

We are currently pursuing leads to repower the Thunderterd. I gets the feeling we will be the passers instead of the passed this time around.
Nov. 13, 2008 3:41 p.m. johnhammer New Reader

Bah, getting passed is no big deal to me; I race Spec Miata.
Nov. 13, 2008 5:38 p.m. ww Dork

DOH!

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