Jdm LHD e36 import

[Glixe]

I have an e36 with a bit of an interesting story and I'm just wondering if anyone has a similar story since I can't find one like it online. I recently acquired a 1992 bmw 325i with around 75k km on it, and the seller told me that it was imported from japan by him around 10 years ago. It's LHD though, he told me that thats due to the fact that BMW produced LHD cars for the jdm market since having LHD cars in Japan was viewed as exotic and a status symbol back in the day. It's calypso red and has a fully gray front and rear bumper(see picture). I don't distrust the guy and nothing has seemed wrong so far but I just can't find any info about LHD jdm e36s online.

[E36 Em Tree]

Is the tach in KPH? Carfax? VIN #?

[Glixe]

Dash cluster is in KPH, the VIN is WBACB41070FE56068, there was a problem with the title/getting it registered correctly so it was only very recently fully registered

[GregBBall123]

While not always true, a lot of BMWs sold in Japan were LDH because it was a symbol of wealth. I am surprised with this one though due to the fact that its such a low trim level car, usually see this on higher spec models.

[Glixe]

It also has an original japanese first aid kit(even with shrink wrap still covering it) which would be crazy commitment to somehow faking it being jdm lol.

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Yeah I think its completely base with no additions for a 325i, automatic, no leather seats, no sunroof, but once I manual swap it I think that will be kinda nice, no needless frills.

[GregBBall123]

Unpainted bumpers too, super base, but for sure will be a great little car

[Glixe]

just got my first job to start saving up for parts currently deciding whether to save for some nice coilovers or for paint matching the sideskirts + m3 type bumpers first

[GregBBall123]

start with regular maintenance and a mechanical refresh, its not that exciting but it amazing what new bushings and a new cooling system can do for these old cars

[Eric93se]

You really want to start with changing all the fluids. We always tell people to bullet proof your cooling system, all the plastic parts can fail. If you ever spring a leak take it seriously, NEVER limp your car home after finding a leak, if you do it will crack and warp the head, there's more than 1 a month and its $$$$. Call AAA and get a tow.

[Glixe]

Yes I am planning on overhauling the cooling system first, I have the iron block so theres not as much risk of warping if an issue arrises, but I am still going to overhaul the system just to be as safe as possible.

[Eric93se]

Yes, this is the risk, the aluminum head warps and cracks on the iron block. 99% of us on the forum have this potential.

[GregBBall123]

Yes I am planning on overhauling the cooling system first, I have the iron block so theres not as much risk of warping if an issue arrises, but I am still going to overhaul the system just to be as safe as possible.

Yeah essentially we all have iron blocks, the aluminum head is the issue. Just do maintenance first before the fun parts. it seems lame but will save you big time down the road.

[shogun]

My 11/88 E32 750iL Japan spec car is also LHD, as mentioned above, that was a symbol of wealth in those days to have a LHD imported car. In those days import duty for cars with more than 2000cc was 20%!
WBACB41070FE56068
Prod. Date 1991-08-07
Type 325I
Series E36 (3 Series)
Body Type Sedan
Engine M50
Drive rwd
Colour calypso-rot
S411 Window Lifts,Electric,Front/Rear
S415 Sun-Blind, Rear
S423 Floor Mats Velours
S428 Warning Triangle And First Aid Kit
S498 Headrests Mechanically Adjustable, Rear
S679 Rear Window Antenna
S687 Radio Preparation
S530 Air Conditioning
S564 Interior Light Package
S218 Leather Sports Steering Wheel II
S807 National Version Japan
S818 Battery Master Switch (removed in Japan + returned to Germany, only used for transport from Germany to Japan)