Member
I found a set of recarros, no tears, and an M42 from a 91 318is (running) for 1500.00. Also included is a 91 e30 that currently is home to the engine and seats. I havent been on this e21 train long enough to know if this is a good find or just one of many that are available. Would you hurry on over there with cash in hand or let it stand and wait for the next deal?
Member
It depends upon the condition of both items. Recaro seats are comfortable though. Do you have pics?
Legionnaire
They're most likely BMW sport seats, they look very similar to Recaros but are slightly bigger. They aren't worth as much to resell, but if they're in good shape they're a good option to swap into your E21. I believe the rails do need to be modified though. If the engine is in good condition with good maintenance history, I would say that's worth it. You're going to need a lot of other parts from the E30 so it's always best to start with a complete donor car. How many miles? Has the engine ever been rebuilt? Can you or the seller do a compression test on it?
Member
If the seats look like these they are e30 sport seats. They seem to have low quality vinyl that gets brittle and cracks.
Member
The E30 Sounds like a decent parts car, although if it isn't wrecked it would be a shame to part it out. 318iS's are not very common.
Member
Would hate to junk a E30 318is (poor mans M3); they actually are rare these days.
Just to rebuild a M42 with new pistons and diy is about 1500-2000. The sport seats are more comfortable than true Recaros IMO. I drive my 318is daily and it's my go to car.
Good buy if not much else wrong with the car consider keeping it together and fix it.
88 M3
91 318is
91 318i
83 320is
08 X3 3.0si
"If it flys, floats, or f*cks, rent it!"
Member
Alas, the post on craigslist came down in under 24 hours. And you are correct, i did not know there were sport seats, i saw the black leg rest looking piece and assumed Ricaro. Thanks for the help (as always) you guys!
Member
Wow. Thats expensive. I just want to put new rings, bearings, timing components, and gaskets in mine.Originally Posted by autox320
Member
O.P. if you want a M42, E21 with leather sports seats, talk to my son.
you can keep his car as is or swap all the parts onto your shell and junk the rest. the fabrication is already done an on the road so it's a simple bolt on job. the engine has been rebuilt, not just painted plus the transmission has been modified to run the your mechanical speedometer. the car also comes with an original alpina/bilstien suspension, polly everywhere, LSD, 1977 vented disc and calipers, big bearing hubs and a host of other goodies.
there's no good reason for him to sell the car, he just needs a truck more, so PM me if interested and i'll get you in touch.
Tom D
77 e21 - m42
88 e30m3
04 330 dinan3
84 r1000rt
02 r1150rs
all of them gray
14 f800gsa - red headed stepchild!
Member
These would fit if you got or made the correct rails. Aardvark racing may have the rails. I think the seats are priced quite low as they look like they are in good condition. https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/pt...296611869.html
Last edited by Thecatmilton; 09-18-2017 at 02:15 AM.
Member
Did you end up finding a set?
Member
I did not. The advert was in Dallas Craigslist for a 91 e30 that sold the same day.
I continue to look but am considering just having my front seats re-upholstered, my chief complaint is the spring that pokes me in the "wallet" while I drive. I haven't made it to an actual upholstery shop yet though so don't really know if it would be 300.00 per seat or 3000.00, i have nothing to base it on.
I am going to pull a seat this weekend, weather permitting, and see if i can maybe adapt seats from another model/series as there are frequently leather seats on CL that would be much more comfortable (like these https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/pt...299891464.html) I realize i may have to run power if they are electric but assume that would just be a run of heavy gauge wire from the fuse box, under the carpet to the seat. My other thought was used Recaros from any other vehicle (https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/pt...315693030.html). Again, not sure how they would line up with the dimensions of the current seats, if i could weld up some brackets or just what would be involved.
Finally, I am always on the look out on Craigslist from Oklahoma to Houston for a good donor car, if I could find wheels, seats and maybe an M42 engine for under 2000.00 it might be worth my money to just buy the whole car and strip out the parts I want.
Sorry for the massive brain dump, I tried to pack all my seating related comments into this post as apparently I can only post one reply per day (not sure of what the limits are) until I reach the magic "no longer a new guy" status with my account on this forum.
Member
If you end up using power seats, there is a switched power plug right by the intermittent wiper relay under the dash. The plug is clearish rubbery plastic with 2 wires going to it. One wire is switched 12v power while the other is illumination. It is a male spade terminal so its quite easy to connect to. I don't know what fuse its going to or how many amps it can handle, but its worth attempting to use.
mumbler
There's an m42 in ATL. for $180, needs new bearings. Just came up Saturday.
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