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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
UPDATE: I found one on eBay for $100 and am in the process of painting and installing it. ### I'm looking for the E21 320is front spoiler (airdam). If you stumble across this site and have one to sell, please get in touch with the form below and I'll get in touch with you. Thanks!!!
Doug I.
E21 323i BLOG 