'86 BMW 325 Question(s)

I found an '86 with a good exterior and good condition interior for $1000, manual tranny. But, it will need the clutch replaced. Is this a royal pita, or am I going to have a project car taking up garage space? As long as I can visualize what needs to be done, I've been able to pretty much do anything with/on my car('91 SE-R). Course, it helps that I have an FSM.

Also, other than the other rubber bits and suspension bushings, what else would I be looking at to replace? Basically, I'm hoping to "fix" what needs fixing over a weekend and then using it as a daily while I have the SE-R up on blocks so that she gets the attention and time she deserves. Then, I'd probably turn around and sell the 325.

Peas us Riced, Mark

an ETA is a good DD, a decent autocrosser if your expectations don't run away with you. Not a lot more. A chip makes a hugemongeious difference and should be a required mod.

Oh yeah, the clutch; There's no magic to changing it. unhooking the shiftlinkage could be easier, but other than that it's a straightforward job. Figure 6 hours in the driveway if it's your first time. Good news is the Sachs clutch assembly is under $200 last I checked and there's no point in upgrading unless you're making double the hp it has now, even then maybe not.

Front lower control arms go bad over 20+ years. They're $77 a piece. Get solid rubber offset bushings are a must if you're doing that job. They're another $50 or so. Could need new rear strut mounts. SUPER easy to change, they're cheap-ish too. I buy a lot of stuff at Pelicanparts.com. They have good pictures and the stuff shows up fast. Then they start sending you discount coupons and yer hooked.

I've not done a clutch, but they are otherwise pretty easy to work on. Look at the motor mounts too (actually, I'd just replace them). If they go, say goodbye to your radiator. Check the intake boot for cracks; really common and a very cheap fix. I've heard some pretty impressive gas mileage figures for the eta cars. My guess is, after driving this one for awhile, you'll want a 325i.

325(e) owner here. I really, REALLY enjoy driving the car (my commuter is a 2003 Protege). More importantly, my Fiance loves it. Fuel economy is easily as good as the Protege....

Nathan