Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Newbie - want to restore but don't know where to start

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Vancouver, Canada
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    2002 BMW 325i

    Newbie - want to restore but don't know where to start

    So a quick background.

    My father passed down a 2002 BMW 325i to me. It was his first bimmer, and I've been driving it for several years now. I want to keep it for as long as possible, and make it a collectible car in his memory (he past away recently).

    The car has 225,000 km, and has a minor oil leak in the engine. I'm willing to put in the time and energy myself, and hire a mechanic if need be for anything I can't do myself.

    I'm not a mechanic. Is this just a pipe dream? Or is it possible to do a full "restoration" to bring the car back into great condition and only drive it leisurely?

    I just need to be pointed in the right direction.

  2. #2
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Grafenwoehr, Germany
    Posts
    14,483
    My Cars
    16 220i 05 325it 05 M3
    Welcome to the Forum!

    Not a pipe dream, but a 325i is a common car in a way. The car you do have has simental value, so what do you think needs to be done to bring it back up to great condition? The mileage tells me that it is in need of suspension work, and much more if the car wasn't maintained to standard.

    If you are willing to learn, these cars are actually pretty easy to work on IMO, as the electronics tell you what is wrong compared to an old 325i from 1987.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Vancouver Isl, BC, Canada
    Posts
    4,173
    My Cars
    98 Euro M3, 04 M3, 06 M5
    Possible yes, Economical outside of nostalgia? probably not.

    These cars are far from rare and you can pick up very clean ones for less then $5000, or step into the slightly more desirable 330i for just a little more.

    If its something you want to do as a memorial of your father then by all means!
    Current:

    - 09 335i MSport, FBO.
    - 98 Euro M3, Estoril Blue
    - 04 M3, Carbon Black, 6 Speed Coupe
    - 06 M5, Black on Black, Full Leather.
    - 73 3.0CS, Tagia Green, 5 speed M30b35 converted

    Ex's: 1984 325e, 1988 325IX, 1992 525I, 1995 540i/6, 2002 330i, 2005 330xi, 1992 850i, 2003 330i #1, 2003 330i #2, 2002 330ci, 2004 330ci, 2007 328CI, 2007 335i, 2001 M3, 2006 M5 6 speed

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Norwich, Connecticut.
    Posts
    486
    My Cars
    E46 wag. E36 convertible
    Or have a BIG wallet!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Location
    Lawrence Kansas
    Posts
    1,236
    My Cars
    2004 325XI/2008 GL320
    It takes approximately $3500 in parts alone to refresh an E46 325. Thats suspension replacement, powertrain maintenance, brake refresh, cooling system, tires, and minor interior repairs. I've done it twice.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Millis, MA
    Posts
    147
    My Cars
    2002 325xi
    Quote Originally Posted by dhurley34 View Post
    It takes approximately $3500 in parts alone to refresh an E46 325. Thats suspension replacement, powertrain maintenance, brake refresh, cooling system, tires, and minor interior repairs. I've done it twice.
    I can attest to the fact that about $725 of that $3,500 total is just for all new shocks, struts, springs, and the hardware involved. Just did all that on my 325xi and it now rides so much smoother (granted, what I replaced, was some crappy $200 coilovers the previous owner had put in).

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •