Running journal of three big projects on my 323: all bushings and mounts in the rear suspensionfull Supersprint exhaust, including headersGetrag 5-speed refresh and install (with driveshaft and shifter) Getrag Reseal April 10, 2022. I bought this 5-speed from a fellow E21 enthusiast in Rhode Island. It has unknown history so the smart thing to... Continue Reading →
Big projects coming up: 5-speed swap, Supersprint exhaust, rear suspension bushings, and floor cleaning and paint. I’ll cover the actual project in a later post but jot down my planning here. “I don’t want the labor pains, I just want the baby!” I have so much going on project-wise that I don’t feel like doing... Continue Reading →
When rebuilding my VDO gauge pod I had the radio out and the steering column covers off. When I reassembled everything I was blowing fuse #6 every time I pulled the light switch. Fuse 6 covers the right side parking lights, instrument lights, and license plate lights. On some cars it’s also the engine compartment... Continue Reading →
My car came with an old-school gauge package with three VDO gauges in a plastic housing: oil pressure, oil temperature, and battery voltage. I refer to them a lot while driving and believe their data is hugely valuable. Until they’re passing incorrect values. During a short drive the oil pressure gauge pegged off the scale.... Continue Reading →
Last October the starter on my daily driver E46 325i locked up. While waiting for the parts to arrive I drove the 323i for a bit. At Home Depot the engine cranked very slowly and would not catch. Note: this is different than my long unresolved no-start issue. Slow cranking is a sign of a... Continue Reading →
Day OneSix months of prepping, planning, and test drives. Almost didn't make it a mile. Filled the tank and restart the engine - VROOOM. 3,000 RPM cold start surge. It hasn't done that ever. Lumpy idle that eventually smoothed out after two minutes. I'll take the long way to the highway just to make sure... Continue Reading →
Nobody home at BavAuto 😞 Had the 323i out for a shakedown run and ended up near Portsmouth, NH. Bavarian Autosport used to be here until they abruptly shut down in March, 2019. Word on the street is that BavAuto owners closed the company without any notice or warning, sold the brand and inventory for... Continue Reading →
I have registered for the 2019 Vintage car show at the Saratoga Auto Museum in Saratoga, NY. From my home near Boston this will be the longest road trip I have made with the 323i. But these kinds of road trips and shows is why I bought the car. It's a shame if the car... Continue Reading →
There are many front spoilers for the E21. My favorite is the iS air dam that came on the 1983 320is model. It is similar to the Alpina front spoiler but without the ducts in the bumper. It sits 3" lower than the stock valence, which sits pretty high anyway. I'm not really sure what... Continue Reading →
Ever since my engine build was done I've had a rattle from the top end. I pinned the location to inside the cylinder head around cylinders 3-5. When my Dad first heard it, he asked if it was a Diesel. It was a metallic rattle under 3,000 RPM but would smooth out over that mark... Continue Reading →
Doug I.
E21 323i BLOG 