bmwe21.net forums

Hey guys, about to pick up a 320i that I got for free off of craigslist. It's in rough shape but my plan is to convert it into a race car, either tarmac or rally, haven't quite decided yet. The rear light, window and trunk lid is damaged from the owner trying to move it with a tractor. I would love some pointers on where to start with the car and common things that either need to be done or that I should do.

Here it is from the craigslist photo. I'm picking it up in 2 days so I'll get to see it in person then.

Hij, welcome on our forum! Great to get it for free! It's in rough allright, but maybe it's a gem underneath.

Keep us posted, lots of pics please, also from the pickup, I am very anxious to see more!

Love the colour, btw.

+1! Congrats and welcome here, keep us posted!

Thanks guys! I'll try my best to document the whole process. I saw a video yesterday of these guys putting in the 740il 4 litre into an E21 and I fell in love...my wallet is crying but I'm excited to start the build!

Not a bad plan haha! Do you have a link to that video?

I do!

This one is them putting the engine in. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9mHRjUy78A
And this is the start up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElzMJlBywSI

Picked up the BMW today with my dad. It was in worse condition than I expected, but still great for a free car. Needs some work on the rear end but other than that everything looks great. Some surface rust and a little patch of rust on the door. And so it begins.

Pity about the rear end but the rest looks pretty good!

Bummer on that rear, but a fun project! And a great opportunity to convert it to Euro spec bumpers.

So I went to the junkyard today, luckily I found an 82 M20i. Paid about 150 USD for new trunk lid, lights, door trip, weather stripping, and some other bits to get the car back in shape on the outside. Also found an m62 in great condition in a 740il. The junkyard wants 200 for it and I'm very very tempted to do the swap. Only thing about it is that it will take a lot longer than to just build the 1.8.

That's pretty cheap for a V8! Make sure to get the wiring loom and electronics as well though (ecu, ews module, etc)

Well...I regret to inform you all that I have put the E21 up for sale As much as I love the car, and I really really do love it, there is just too much work to be done and I just don't have the time or the money. Luckily, a friend had a reposessed car that he bought from the bank for 250 bucks. This car? An E36 325is. I just picked up the car from him today for 300 bucks. It's in good shape but it doesn't have a key so I'm not sure if it starts yet, I'm assuming it does because there are no major red flags engine wise. Even if it doesn't run we are miles ahead of the E21 in terms of progress. I did promise myself that one day I will build an E21 though! So I hope to see you all in a few years

booo

Oh no!!! Not this easy!! Come on man, keep her, drive that e36 and built this one!!