![]() e30s in general being highly-regarded “driver’s cars” and the ’91 318is with its DOHC four-cylinder providing a solid balance of economy, performance, and handling. It wasn’t until later that I would learn that the 318is e30 is a sort of a cult car within a cult car so-to-speak. It was a surprise to me that a BMW would fit the bill – but it did so in spades. I actually found a nice one in my price range – and I’m sure I would’ve enjoyed it – but potentially high maintenance costs and a sort of ‘pretentious’ factor that can go along with owning a Porsche kept me at bay. At first, the mid/late-80s Porsche 944 was a target. something that handled well and provided honest-to-goodness diving satisfaction to the owner. From reading and experience, it seemed logical that I’d enjoy something from Europe. I’d owned/experienced the character of old/60s domestic cars (’62 Olds, ’67 Chevelle), and the reliability of Japanese hatchbacks (mid-80s Celica, first gen CRX, and an Integra). ![]() #Uuc e36 short shifter kit pops out of reverse manual#Essentially, this particular project would become a cumulation of acquired abilities, and enough challenge to blossom into something really satisfying.Ĭriteria I sought: rear wheel drive, manual transmission, good handling potential, fuel economy, solid chassis, and some degree of fun/cool factor. A modest tool collection slowly grew over the years. There were also years in my life where I’d worked in a job-shop developing skills in fabrication with woods, metals, and plastics. Motorcycles made for great starter projects due to smaller size and costs. I’d done maintenance and repair work to cars – but nothing more challenging than replacing starters really. In earlier years, I’d tinkered with bicycles, go-carts, and motorcycles. Too old, and things like rust, parts availability, and extensiveness of reconditioning would drive costs through the roof. The trick for a guy like me was to find something to work with that wasn’t too far gone. Words like: “well-sorted”, “healthy”, “clean”, and “like new” were adjectives I wanted to accurately portray what this car would become. New paint, pick out the wheels, freshen things up, and incorporate subtle, understated modifications. ![]() Thing is – I’ve always wanted to restore a car - to make it my own. Also, preventative maintenance should be addressed at about this time in order to keep vehicle strong for another 100K miles.Īll this fit my mission statement well. namely suspension, brakes, drivetrain, and exhaust. I think the prior owner wanted to lose it before maintenance started racking up – which I can relate to, since most 10+ year-old cars that pass 100K miles start needing attention to a lot of areas. The car was well cared for and came with a stack of receipts. From there, each of the project-specific posts can be visited individually.ġ991 brilliantrot/red 318is purchased in October of 2003 with 136K miles.
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