# Nick's 85 BMW 325 e30 **URL:** \ **Category:** Builds\ **Created:** [July 3, 2011, 2:01pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230 "2011-07-03T14:01:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![NickAlero](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/nickalero/32/6440_2.png) [@NickAlero](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/NickAlero)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2011, 2:01pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/1 "2011-07-03T14:01:01Z")
So as some of you may have figured out, I traded my 91 Galant VR-4 with McBitchin for his 85 325e. The driving reason was to reduce unexpected costs so I could move back onto RPI campus next year. The VR-4 was a fun car, I just found it and got it at the absolute wrong time. Anyway, onto the beamer! Over just this first week, this car has already saved me a fair amount of money. It averages 37mpg to date, and has given me no issues (knock wood). Car has 119k on it and full service records! This is my second car with full service records, which is always cool to have. The car is due for new brake pads and the water pump/timing belt service, which I will likely do myself. Just routine maintenance basically. A few pics of the car: ![http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/263564_2075559859907_1572271736_31985778_6987644_n.jpg](http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/263564_2075559859907_1572271736_31985778_6987644_n.jpg) I need to finish cleaning the valve cover :lol ![http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261911_2075562259967_1572271736_31985788_6252308_n.jpg](http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261911_2075562259967_1572271736_31985788_6252308_n.jpg) ![http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268465_2075562419971_1572271736_31985789_2915988_n.jpg](http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268465_2075562419971_1572271736_31985789_2915988_n.jpg) Plans for mods? This all depends on how much I feel comfortable spending on the car. I’ll spend if I want to and if money allows it. The point of this car was to not have to spend money every week to keep it running like the VR-4 became. If money allows it, I would like to get a nice set of wheels and a good suspension setup on the car. As for performance, many people on [revlimited.com](http://revlimited.com) recommend the conforti chip for the car, its good for 24hp and 28tq and has been proven to be the best bang-for-the-buck mod for the 325e. If this car becomes an all out car, I would consider a boosted m20b25 setup. The motor is a direct bolt in and considered bulletproof well into the 400hp range completely stock. I tinted the sidemarkers and plan on redding out the amber part of the tails, but I don’t plan on much beyond that for now. Thanks for looking! ---
**Author:** ![Cossey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Cossey](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Cossey)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2011, 2:26pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/2 "2011-07-03T14:26:35Z")
When you said it got 37mpg, I knew it had to be an e, not an i lol. ---
**Author:** ![jdaniels](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jdaniels/32/6399_2.png) [@jdaniels](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/jdaniels)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2011, 2:41pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/3 "2011-07-03T14:41:13Z")
I like the car. Let me know if you ever want to sell it, I might entertain the thought if the price is right. ---
**Author:** ![DUKE\_LADUKE](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/duke_laduke/32/6317_2.png) [@DUKE\_LADUKE](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/DUKE_LADUKE)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2011, 2:42pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/4 "2011-07-03T14:42:59Z")
This thing sucks as well … sweet “E90” dude ---
**Author:** ![b-ri](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/b-ri/32/6376_2.png) [@b-ri](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/b-ri)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2011, 9:28pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/5 "2011-07-03T21:28:55Z")
the interior is the coolest part on this car and you have no pictures of it ---
**Author:** ![toomanycamaros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@toomanycamaros](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/toomanycamaros)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2011, 6:23pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/6 "2011-07-04T18:23:42Z")
car looks pretty damn good for it’s age. ---
**Author:** ![bennyfizzle](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bennyfizzle/32/6291_2.png) [@bennyfizzle](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bennyfizzle)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2011, 7:18pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/7 "2011-07-04T19:18:12Z")
oh FFS now you’re ruining bmws ☹ at least it’s just a dumpy e30 ---
**Author:** ![b-ri](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/b-ri/32/6376_2.png) [@b-ri](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/b-ri)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2011, 7:27pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/8 "2011-07-04T19:27:01Z")
sell it ---
**Author:** ![Hang\_Your\_Cross](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/hang_your_cross/32/6381_2.png) [@Hang\_Your\_Cross](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Hang_Your_Cross)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2011, 8:30pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/9 "2011-07-04T20:30:18Z")
so you got rid of a vr4 for an old bmw because you think you might save money on repairs and it’s reliable? que le fuk?!?! ---
**Author:** ![Phate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Phate](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Phate)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2011, 9:06pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/10 "2011-07-04T21:06:52Z")
> [@Buffalo area leather restoration?](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/buffalo-area-leather-restoration/43604/2): > > so you got rid of a vr4 for an old bmw because you think you might save money on repairs and it’s reliable? My thoughts. I would have recommended an old RWD Volvo with a redblock (2.3L iron block I4). Those are tanks with about 25 moving parts in the entire vehicle. Fix it with a rock found next to the road sort of car. ---
**Author:** ![NickAlero](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/nickalero/32/6440_2.png) [@NickAlero](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/NickAlero)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2011, 9:29pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/11 "2011-07-04T21:29:23Z")
> [@FS: bunch of mixed things](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/fs-bunch-of-mixed-things/43068/2): > > When you said it got 37mpg, I knew it had to be an e, not an i lol. :lol I love 37 mpg, it saves me SO much compared to the vr-4. > [@flying cars? could be here soon.](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/flying-cars-could-be-here-soon/43554/10): > > I like the car. Let me know if you ever want to sell it, I might entertain the thought if the price is right. I don’t see this car going anywhere for a while :lol Its a fun ass car and I love driving it. > [@flying cars? could be here soon.](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/flying-cars-could-be-here-soon/43554/11): > > This thing sucks as well … sweet “E90” dude asshole :lol thanks > [@WTB:Daily driver for under 5k](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/wtb-daily-driver-for-under-5k/43581/12): > > the interior is the coolest part on this car and you have no pictures of it I will get there… > [@Only Certain Websites Won't Load ...](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-certain-websites-wont-load/43589/6): > > car looks pretty damn good for it’s age. Thanks man, it has some color fade from front to back, but its livable. > [@Anybody have contacts/hookups v.Hamburg PD?](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/anybody-have-contacts-hookups-v-hamburg-pd/43542/18): > > oh FFS now you’re ruining bmws ☹ > > at least it’s just a dumpy e30 I will not ruin it I promise. No giant alero grocery cart handle for the beamer. > [@Buffalo area leather restoration?](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/buffalo-area-leather-restoration/43604/2): > > so you got rid of a vr4 for an old bmw because you think you might save money on repairs and it’s reliable? > que le fuk?!?! > [@Hard times...](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hard-times/43567/38): > > My thoughts. I would have recommended an old RWD Volvo with a redblock (2.3L iron block I4). Those are tanks with about 25 moving parts in the entire vehicle. Fix it with a rock found next to the road sort of car. Its saved me about 100 bucks in just gas. I drive a lot, so vr-4 mileage wasn’t cutting it. This car just needs some routine stuff and it will be perfect, most of which I will do this week. ---
**Author:** ![Alpine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@Alpine](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Alpine)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2011, 8:49am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/12 "2011-07-05T08:49:20Z")
Why do you keep buying shittier and shittier cars :rofl ---
**Author:** ![ninety1two40](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ninety1two40/32/6332_2.png) [@ninety1two40](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ninety1two40)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2011, 10:40am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/13 "2011-07-05T10:40:12Z")
^ should of bought something that is a good daily driver ---
**Author:** ![KrazyKid](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/krazykid/32/6371_2.png) [@KrazyKid](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KrazyKid)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2011, 1:32pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/14 "2011-07-05T13:32:55Z")
> [@\*08 Buffalo Bandits Thread\*](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/08-buffalo-bandits-thread/41407/63): > > Why do you keep buying shittier and shittier cars :rofl Alero, bunk ass TL, old VR4, older bmw… yeah i see a trend here too! really though, this one looks clean, and if its sound its a step back up the slippery slope! lol GL with it man > [@FS: Brand New in Box Pacesetter Monza Exhaust 92-00 Civic EX 2/4dr](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/fs-brand-new-in-box-pacesetter-monza-exhaust-92-00-civic-ex-2-4dr/42056/12): > > ^ > > should of bought something that is a good daily driver It would be if he leaves it the hell alone. Do NOTHING to the motor… its NEVER going to be “fast”. Even with good suspension its not a damn race car. 24hp (even if thats wheel) might get you .2 seconds quicker 1/4 mile. Focus on completing school like a big boy, get a big boy job and get a big boy BMW that wasnt produced the year i was potty trained! :rofl ---
**Author:** ![Johawk](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/johawk/32/6284_2.png) [@Johawk](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Johawk)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2011, 2:08pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/15 "2011-07-05T14:08:43Z")
If reliability is the concern than the old bimmer is a huge step up from any DSM ---
**Author:** ![bennyfizzle](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bennyfizzle/32/6291_2.png) [@bennyfizzle](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bennyfizzle)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2011, 2:39pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/16 "2011-07-05T14:39:23Z")
or do a ‘i’ head swap for a 2.7 liter runner. or swap an m50 in ---
**Author:** ![xreaction](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/xreaction/32/6409_2.png) [@xreaction](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/xreaction)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2011, 3:34pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/17 "2011-07-05T15:34:14Z")
Don’t listen to benny, do a alero motor with a gt40r, stock block of course. you want that hella important forum repz from pplz ---
**Author:** ![underboosted](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/underboosted/32/6424_2.png) [@underboosted](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/underboosted)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2011, 3:55pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/18 "2011-07-05T15:55:19Z")
So how long till the first thing breaks and its up for sale? ---
**Author:** ![NickAlero](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/nickalero/32/6440_2.png) [@NickAlero](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/NickAlero)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2011, 4:00pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/19 "2011-07-05T16:00:00Z")
I see no step downs here, just falling into knowing what I need out of a car. I went from the CL to the VR-4 because I wanted something fun and fast. The car fit the build. Now I realize I need something that is reliable and gets good gas mileage. So onto the bmw. The car is consistently reliable and gets 35+mpg. Could a civic do the same thing? sure it could. But this is working out fine. ---
**Author:** ![Jeff\_K](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jeff_k/32/6431_2.png) [@Jeff\_K](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Jeff_K)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2011, 4:02pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230/20 "2011-07-05T16:02:20Z")
> [@KrazyKid"](#): > > Even with good suspension its not a damn race car. 🤣rofl [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/nicks-85-bmw-325-e30/259230.md?page=2)