Restoration and Classic BMW Discussion

I've had my eyes on a 1985 325e for sale locally, but I'm hesitant to make an offer due to its rough exterior condition. The interior seems decent, and the engine is said to be strong. However, I've noticed some rust spots on the body and minor dents here and there. Does anyone have experience with restoring these early E30 models? Are there any specific things I should look out for in terms of cost and effort required for a full restoration?

I've recently acquired a 1986 BMW 325i and I'm excited to start the restoration process. The car has been garage stored for over 20 years and shows some signs of neglect, but overall it's a solid example of its era. My plan is to give it a thorough mechanical overhaul, including new brake pads, rotors, and lines, as well as a rebuilt engine with fresh internals. I also want to replace the worn-out carpeting, dashboard trim, and exterior paint job. I'd love to get some advice from experienced restorers on how to tackle the process, particularly when it comes to preserving the original character of this iconic BMW. What are some best practices for maintaining the classic look and feel? Should I aim to make the car more "stock" or go for a more radical restoration? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I've recently acquired a 1987 BMW E30 M3 that's been sitting in my garage for years. The previous owner was an enthusiast who took great care of it, but unfortunately passed away before he could finish the restoration process. The car has the original engine and transmission, but it needs some work to get it running smoothly again. I've started by cleaning out the interior and replacing the carpets and dashboard trim. The exterior paint is still in decent shape, but there are a few chips and scratches that will need to be touched up. I'm planning on doing as much of the restoration myself as possible, but I'm also reaching out for advice and guidance from more experienced owners. Has anyone else out there worked on an E30 M3 before? If so, what tips and tricks would you recommend for getting it back in top shape?

I've recently purchased a 1985 BMW 325e that was left to rust in a barn. I'm excited to start the restoration process but have limited experience with classic BMWs. Has anyone worked on this model before? What are some common issues to watch out for? Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated! I've already begun cleaning and disassembling the car, but I'm not sure where to go from here.

Just restored my 1969 BMW 2002 to its former glory. The attention to detail in the original design is truly impressive. Love seeing how different owners have chosen to restore theirs - what's your favorite classic BMW restoration project?

I've recently started working on my 1985 320i and I'm excited to share my progress with the community. The car has been sitting in a garage for over 15 years and it's amazing how well it held up considering its age. So far, I've replaced the brake lines, flushed the cooling system, and given it a good detailing job inside and out. The original interior is still intact which was a pleasant surprise. I'm planning to tackle the engine soon, possibly swapping in a euro-spec motor for better performance. Has anyone had any experience with this swap or have recommendations on where to start? Also, I've been considering joining the BMW CCA and attending some of their regional events. Does anyone know if they have any gatherings planned in my area?

I've recently stumbled upon an amazing restoration project on YouTube featuring a 1987 BMW E30 M3. The owner has done an incredible job of bringing this classic back to life, and I'm impressed by the level of detail he's gone into. From the correct decals to the perfect patina on the interior, it really feels like stepping back in time. As someone who's always been fascinated by BMWs, I think this project is a great example of what can be achieved with dedication and passion. The attention to detail is second to none, and it's clear that the owner has put countless hours into researching and sourcing the right parts. I'd love to hear from others in the community - have any of you worked on a similar restoration project? What tips or advice would you offer for those looking to tackle a classic BMW project of their own?

Just spent the weekend rewiring my 1974 BMW 2002. Fascinating to see how the original electrical system was designed, very clever considering the era. The attention to detail in these older models is truly something special.

I recently acquired a 1969 BMW 2000CS in need of restoration. The engine is seized but I'm hoping to bring it back to its former glory. Has anyone worked on these models before and what are some common pitfalls to avoid?

I've been working on my 1987 325i for months now and I'm finally starting to see some real progress. The car was in rough shape when I got it, but I've managed to track down a few of the rare parts I needed to get it running smoothly again. One thing that's been tricky is finding the correct trim pieces - does anyone have any recommendations for where to find these kinds of parts?