New member- e31

[AJe31]

My son (Alec) and I purchased this e31 in April this year. We have been busy wrenching since then, but wanted to thank the Socal 8's for spending time with us in Monterey last summer. (pointing out the "special features" of the e31)

We were fortunate to share the track with several of the group in our silver e38.

Special thanks to Gary C for taking time to answer multiple emails, and the time the Rocket Scientist spent with us trackside.

Interior is very nice with exception of headliner- we've replaced both water pumps, pulleys, belts and all heater/radiator hoses- nice write up by Tim on that project! Valve cover gaskets done and rewired the headlights in addition to changing fluids. We disconnected the cell phone and have 47ma to ground leakage, before and after, so that appears normal. That was just after our first dead battery experience! Replaced one bad battery so far..

Seat cables are next- just completed the tilt lever driver's side seat back....Pass side window switch not operable.

Question- Does pass window switch come out of the "bezel" or does bezel pop from door? Or is door panel removal required? I'm afraid prying too much will leave a mark in paint/plastic ...

Alec and I will be camped at corkscrew/turn 9 at Historics in August if anyone wants to stop by for some shade or a soda pop at that part of track- will have the (camper) e38.

Lane

e31-1.jpg

[Alec Cartio]

Welcome home guys

I like your son's name A LOT.

[Alec Cartio]

PS. You are in Cali. Please join our Socal 8s group.

[toomanyparts]

Question- Does pass window switch come out of the "bezel" or does bezel pop from door? Or is door panel removal required? I'm afraid prying too much will leave a mark in paint/plastic ...

The whole bezel comes out as one piece. I would not try and pry it out for the reason you mentioned. If you must, you could probably get away with removing all the bottom and side plastic door clips and the 3 main screws around the grab handle/interior handle and reach in from under the gap to gently pop the bezel up. The wiring should have enough slack.

All else fails, door card removal is probably 5-10 minutes each way, so not bad. I highly recommend using tape around all your tools when working around interior trim.

[TxGR8White]

PS. You are in Cali. Please join our Socal 8s group.

More importantly, make sure you become a member of the BMWCCA E31 Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America. We need to get all E31 owners to be part of this organization, because strength in numbers will help with having spare parts available from BMW Classic - but there are many other reasons to do so, especially if you really love the car...

To join the E31 Chapter go to this link: https://myaccount.bmwcca.org/PortalT...EmailCheck.cfm Near the bottom of the page enter your email address and follow instructons. Make sure to chose the E31 Chapter during the application process.

[AJe31]

Thanks Lads..appreciate the replies....

I like your son's name A LOT.

My son was named after one of the Baldwin boys...hopefully he will become a more noble man than his namesake

The whole bezel comes out as one piece. I would not try and pry it out for the reason you mentioned. If you must, you could probably get away with removing all the bottom and side plastic door clips and the 3 main screws around the grab handle/interior handle and reach in from under the gap to gently pop the bezel up. The wiring should have enough slack.

All else fails, door card removal is probably 5-10 minutes each way, so not bad. I highly recommend using tape around all your tools when working around interior trim.

I was surprised to see what appears to be paint on the interior parts and the softness of the plastics...good suggestions- where is liberal loontown anyway?

More importantly, make sure you become a member of the BMWCCA E31 Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America. We need to get all E31 owners to be part of this organization, because strength in numbers will help with having spare parts available from BMW Classic - but there are many other reasons to do so, especially if you really love the car...

To join the E31 Chapter go to this link: https://myaccount.bmwcca.org/PortalT...EmailCheck.cfm Near the bottom of the page enter your email address and follow instructons. Make sure to chose the E31 Chapter during the application process.

Already a member with other cars...great suggestion- thanks

[toomanyparts]

Thanks Lads..appreciate the replies....



My son was named after one of the Baldwin boys...hopefully he will become a more noble man than his namesake



I was surprised to see what appears to be paint on the interior parts and the softness of the plastics...good suggestions- where is liberal loontown anyway?



Already a member with other cars...great suggestion- thanks

Yes, some sort of soft-touch coating. There is actually a company that specializes in redoing this, but it can be carefully removed without harm.

As far as location, SF Bay Area.

[TxGR8White]

... There is actually a company that specializes in redoing this...

Do you have info on the company that can reapply the soft coating?

[toomanyparts]

Do you have info on the company that can reapply the soft coating?

Sorry Stephen - missed your message here. There are actually a couple - have not used either so no recommendation from me (yet).

http://www.stickyrxrs.com

https://stickynomore.com

I've also had good luck with the Eastwood Plastic Resurfacer for black items, but it has a slight grain to it when it goes on (not smooth). The above is more of the permanent solution.