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 →
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 →
This is a Public Service Announcement: front strut mounts must be assembled a certain way. When disassembling my front struts I was curious why there was this groove cut into the upper spring plate: Obviously this was cut by the upper strut bearing but there should be no contact between them. Flipping the spring plate... Continue Reading →
I couldn't stand the excessive front wheel gap and ride height so I made plans for 2018 to install H&R Sport springs. I could have hit the road after only swapping springs but this was the opportune time to overhaul the rest of the front suspension - control arms, tie rods, steering damper, and bushings.... Continue Reading →
The E21 suffers from a front-end shimmy between 50-60mph. This plagued the E21's reputation and led BMW to introduce a brand new front suspension design for the E30. I'll tell you about my car first and then get into the usual causes. My car had a shimmy from around 40mph and then it went away.... Continue Reading →
Doug I.
E21 323i BLOG 