I realize this is a loaded question but looking to get some feedback from the forum about what type of work I should prioritize on the car. To sum up my car and what I've already done:
1987 325is coupe in schwarz (unknown miles due to broken and unoriginal odometer at time of purchase)
New magnaflow exhaust with OEM muffler
New control arms, bushings and sway bar links
New inner and outer tie rods
Koni adjustable suspension with H&R springs
New top mounts front and rear
New fan clutch
New spark plugs
New hoses
New thermostat
New fuel pump
New timing belt
Rebuilt instrument cluster
Converted from a pre to post facelift
Reupholstered front seats in black vinyl and houndstooth
Rear seat delete
Upgraded audio system with period correct looking head unit
Euro analog clock
Removed all the carpet, cleaned and dyed black
Sound deadening inside
New headliner
Euro smileys
Replaced front and rear windshields and seals
Repaired and flocked the cracked dash
Replaced a lot of the foam under the dash
In the process of replacing all the sunroof components as they're busted or old and brittle
I know that the car has a leak in the steering rack so that will need to be re-sealed/replaced but I'm wondering if I should focus more on mechanical or aesthetics right now? The body needs some work and I'd like to repaint it to sterling silver so that's something that I'll do regardless but wanting some feedback on things people think are worth doing. The car is dirty and I find grime and muck everywhere. Would love a way to give it a deep clean but not sure the best way.
Based on what you listed, and the grime issue, I would remove the trans, then the motor, and give them both a really thorough cleaning before replacing all the seals and gaskets. At that time you could address the engine compartment/trans tunnel if need be. If your head has not been rebuilt, that would be worth the money also, since replacing the gaskets would include the head gasket as well. ( I noticed a big improvement just swapping my head with a newer one after breaking a rocker arm) My advice comes from rebuilding most of my motor (in stages) without ever removing the block/bottom end from the car and still looking at the original grime on it. I think it’s safe to say that any M 20 that has not been resealed and gasket it by now definitely needs to be,
Last edited by msservices; 12-05-2018 at 09:26 AM.
I was going to mention a head rebuild. If the engine doesn't leak significantly I would not replace gaskets at this time, my 2 cents. One other idea...looking into a Conforti performance chip. My 325e came with one and the hp is boosted from 121 to 145 with no down side that I know of.
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