Hi everyone,I recently traded a buddy for his 86 325e.It needs minor work,but all in all its in really good shape.It has 140,000 miles on it,but it looks great.My question is would it be worth putting a few performance parts and boosting the motor,or just leave it stock and keep it as a reliable vehicle.Ive always wanted a tricked out B.M.W. but Im not sure if this is the model to do this to.I acquired it for around $500 and I dont make alot of money to sink into it.Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.Thanks.
1986 325e
- Thread starter PHLIPLOCK
- Start date
Well the 325e isnt exactly a performance model, but it is still a BMW. I recommend getting it to run good and as I always say, upgrade the suspension first. Then work on the motor or sound, or whatever. If you really want to hot rod it out, goto www.bavengine.com and buy an S50 transplant. 
Thanks for your help.I was a little dissapointed to learn its an economy model,but I still think its a great looking car.Maybe Ill fix this up real nice and work my way up to a more high performance series.With four young children a minivan and a limited budget Im happy to at least have one.I work in a machine shop so I can probably up the value with some simple customizing.I still love my little bimmer.Thanks for your help.
Machining is a dying trade .We have a lot of trouble hiring new help ,very few schools ,if any, teach it. Alot of our skilled machinists are older,and they learned ole school,with years of apprenticeship.I love the work,and it keeps me in good shape.Work can be very phycical and mentally stressful,alot of calculating.About my bimmer,Ive decided to fix it up and keep her.Wish me luck ![[:D]](/images/smilies/biggrin.png "Big Grin [:D]")
PHLIPLOCK said:
Machining is a dying trade .We have a lot of trouble hiring new help ,very few schools ,if any, teach it. Alot of our skilled machinists are older,and they learned ole school,with years of apprenticeship.I love the work,and it keeps me in good shape.Work can be very phycical and mentally stressful,alot of calculating.About my bimmer,Ive decided to fix it up and keep her.Wish me luck
Congratulations. I too picked up an 86 325 es for about $500. Runs like a sewing machine. Needs an odometer fix and some cosmetics, but the drive train has been well maintained. Just lots of fun to drive. I drove it just for kicks, never thought much of BMW's before this. It was so much fun, I decided to buy it and just use it for a second car. Find myself driving it all the time. Enjoy