My $250 E90

TractionControlDelete · 07-16-2023, 05:45 PM

Hey folks. I picked up this E90 325i for $249.95 recently - and, no I’m not exaggerating (see below). So now I’m on a mission to see if I can get it back in shape for the around twice its cost (or less). So far I’ve spent $140 for a replacement trunk and bumper, and another $40 for replacement bumper brackets. I plan to enjoy this one

Any thoughts on what I should do next?

https://youtu.be/PcrprpokVFw

whyzee125 · 07-16-2023, 05:58 PM

That's sick! What app is that? Doesn't look to be an auction site?

TractionControlDelete · 07-16-2023, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whyzee125

That's sick! What app is that? Doesn't look to be an auction site?

It’s OfferUp

StradaRedlands · 07-16-2023, 06:09 PM

I'd get that interior out ASAP and dry it out see what kind of damage there is. Might have to toss all the carpet and padding, hopefully seats weren't affected. Do you have a source for the trunk, bumpers, and panels? If you can get them for reasonable cost, that'll help you out a lot! Shame about that water though... that's going to suuuuuuuck.

TractionControlDelete · 07-16-2023, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

I'd get that interior out ASAP and dry it out see what kind of damage there is. Might have to toss all the carpet and padding, hopefully seats weren't affected. Do you have a source for the trunk, bumpers, and panels? If you can get them for reasonable cost, that'll help you out a lot! Shame about that water though... that's going to suuuuuuuck.

Oh absolutely!! The very first thing I did after cleaning the water was treat it with mold/mildew remover - it was gross. The seats are in really good shape actually. Fortunely I’ve already sourced the trunk and rear bumper. The hood and the airbox/MAF is next up - I usually just use OfferUp and Craigslist to keep the costs down.

https://a.co/d/8TshrM2

StradaRedlands · 07-16-2023, 08:17 PM

Looking forward to seeing the progress!

Serf27 · 07-17-2023, 03:38 AM

Nice. Reminds me of the free f30 I got a few months ago. Ran like a champ after I put fresh fuel in it.

I’d remove the seats and carpet and let it dry out, there is definitely water still under the carpet/foam.
The California sun is your friend right now!

TractionControlDelete · 07-17-2023, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serf27

Nice. Reminds me of the free f30 I got a few months ago. Ran like a champ after I put fresh fuel in it.

I’d remove the seats and carpet and let it dry out, there is definitely water still under the carpet/foam.
The California sun is your friend right now!

Good point. Plus this’ll give as good as excuse as any to get a Wet/Dry Vacuum that I’ve been eyeing.

TractionControlDelete · 07-17-2023, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Good luck with that. Part it out.

I like rebuilding cars so just enjoying the process

Welcome to NBA Jam · 07-17-2023, 10:56 AM

An E90 for $250? I don't care what condition it is, that's a freaking awesome project.

TractionControlDelete · 07-17-2023, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welcome to NBA Jam

An E90 for $250? I don't care what condition it is, that's a freaking awesome project.

I know right! Plus, I have the ability to learn to do some minor body work which I couldn’t/wouldn’t do on a more expensive car. The registration is even paid until December

lowrydr310 · 07-17-2023, 12:54 PM

That car is a perfect candidate for the 24 hours of LeMons races!!!

https://24hoursoflemons.com

StradaRedlands · 07-17-2023, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowrydr310

That car is a perfect candidate for the 24 hours of LeMons races!!!

https://24hoursoflemons.com

100% this!

TractionControlDelete · 07-17-2023, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowrydr310

That car is a perfect candidate for the 24 hours of LeMons races!!!

https://24hoursoflemons.com

Quote:

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

100% this!

Why am I just learning about this?? Lol. Yes, absolutely yes. The $250 E90 has found its true purpose in life.

lowrydr310 · 07-17-2023, 05:51 PM

I always thought an E90 would be the perfect car for this race... but finding one under $500 was usually a challenge. I guess as these things age that's getting easier.

If the car doesn't already have them, you could pick up the trans cooler and oil cooler from the junk yard for cheap. Strip out the interior and sell what you can to recover the cost for upgrades/repairs.

TractionControlDelete · 07-17-2023, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowrydr310

I always thought an E90 would be the perfect car for this race... but finding one under $500 was usually a challenge. I guess as these things age that's getting easier.

If the car doesn't already have them, you could pick up the trans cooler and oil cooler from the junk yard for cheap. Strip out the interior and sell what you can to recover the cost for upgrades/repairs.

The car has a pretty nice interior. I looked it up and it’s called Red Dakota apparently. After browsing Craigslist and Offerup it seems like I should be able to break even, if I get the seats sold

TractionControlDelete · 07-18-2023, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Fixing the trunk is not minor body work. The entire rear valence panel is FUBAR'D beyond recognition.

I know what you mean. I meant “minor” in a relative sense - compared to more severe types damage. But I’m in agreement with you that the rear valance damage, in and of itself, is not minor. That’s where this comes in: https://www.amazon.com/Torin-Big-Red...&creative=9325

If necessary, I will cut out the section and weld in an undamaged replacement section.

Brian86 · 07-18-2023, 10:56 AM

Racecar!

Racecar!!!!!

Racecar!!!!!!!!!!

----------Ninja Edit:

Ya know... if you had just gone racecar right from the start, it would have been *way* easier to drain all the water out. Just drill holes. It's going to need them anyway

TractionControlDelete · 07-18-2023, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian86

Racecar!

Racecar!!!!!

Racecar!!!!!!!!!!

—————Ninja Edit:

Ya know... if you had just gone racecar right from the start, it would have been *way* easier to drain all the water out. Just drill holes. It's going to need them anyway

Ah, I See You're a Man of Culture. You are absolutely right

E93Seattle (Racerbruce) · 07-18-2023, 05:15 PM

Save the BMW badge on the old trunk for the replacement trunk??

TractionControlDelete · 07-18-2023, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E93Seattle (Racerbruce)

Save the BMW badge on the old trunk for the replacement trunk??

Yeah definitely - I just ordered some fishing line with the thinking that it’s thin enough to get behind it for removal.

Efthreeoh · 07-19-2023, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TractionControlDelete

Yeah definitely - I just ordered some fishing line with the thinking that it’s thin enough to get behind it for removal.

Just use a small screwdriver. The Roundel badge is affixed to the sheet metal with pins that fit into grommets. It just pries out. The pins are at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock.

07-16-2023, 05:45 PM	#1
TractionControlDelete Lieutenant Colonel 4600 Rep 1,695 Posts Drives: F82-E92 M3-E46 M3-E30-S1K-330i Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2004 X5 [9.00] 2006 325i [10.00] 2021 S1000RR [9.50] 2006 330i [7.75] 1986 325e [10.00] 2005 M3 [7.40] 2009 M3 [8.63] 2018 M4 [10.00]	My $250 E90 Hey folks. I picked up this E90 325i for $249.95 recently - and, no I’m not exaggerating (see below). So now I’m on a mission to see if I can get it back in shape for the around twice its cost (or less). So far I’ve spent $140 for a replacement trunk and bumper, and another $40 for replacement bumper brackets. I plan to enjoy this one Any thoughts on what I should do next? https://youtu.be/PcrprpokVFw Attached Images __________________ DSC, you say? Never heard of it https://youtube.com/@tractioncontroldelete
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07-16-2023, 05:58 PM	#2
whyzee125 Brigadier General 1691 Rep 3,653 Posts Drives: Dinan stage 2 335i Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Chattanooga Tn iTrader: (0)	That's sick! What app is that? Doesn't look to be an auction site?
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07-16-2023, 06:09 PM	#4
StradaRedlands Brigadier General 4966 Rep 3,035 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i MT Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: SoCal iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [8.21] 2009 BMW 328i Touri ... [7.90] 2013 BMW X5 35i [7.63] 2011 BMW 528i [8.75] 2006 Mazda3 [5.50]	I'd get that interior out ASAP and dry it out see what kind of damage there is. Might have to toss all the carpet and padding, hopefully seats weren't affected. Do you have a source for the trunk, bumpers, and panels? If you can get them for reasonable cost, that'll help you out a lot! Shame about that water though... that's going to suuuuuuuck.
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07-16-2023, 08:17 PM	#6
StradaRedlands Brigadier General 4966 Rep 3,035 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i MT Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: SoCal iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [8.21] 2009 BMW 328i Touri ... [7.90] 2013 BMW X5 35i [7.63] 2011 BMW 528i [8.75] 2006 Mazda3 [5.50]	Looking forward to seeing the progress!
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07-17-2023, 03:38 AM	#7
Serf27 Brigadier General 2853 Rep 4,323 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Sitting in a BMW. iTrader: (-1)	Nice. Reminds me of the free f30 I got a few months ago. Ran like a champ after I put fresh fuel in it. I’d remove the seats and carpet and let it dry out, there is definitely water still under the carpet/foam. The California sun is your friend right now!
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07-17-2023, 10:56 AM	#10
Welcome to NBA Jam Is it the shoes!? 3884 Rep 5,112 Posts Drives: (Sold) 2011 E92 335i ZMP 6MT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	An E90 for $250? I don't care what condition it is, that's a freaking awesome project.
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07-17-2023, 12:54 PM	#12
lowrydr310 Robot 1691 Rep 2,193 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2007 E93 335i Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Souhtrne Califniora iTrader: (0)	That car is a perfect candidate for the 24 hours of LeMons races!!! https://24hoursoflemons.com
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07-17-2023, 05:51 PM	#15
lowrydr310 Robot 1691 Rep 2,193 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2007 E93 335i Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Souhtrne Califniora iTrader: (0)	I always thought an E90 would be the perfect car for this race... but finding one under $500 was usually a challenge. I guess as these things age that's getting easier. If the car doesn't already have them, you could pick up the trans cooler and oil cooler from the junk yard for cheap. Strip out the interior and sell what you can to recover the cost for upgrades/repairs.
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07-18-2023, 10:56 AM	#18
Brian86 Captain 640 Rep 768 Posts Drives: e36 M3, e91 325xi, N50 Xterra Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (0)	Racecar! Racecar!!!!! Racecar!!!!!!!!!! ----------Ninja Edit: Ya know... if you had just gone racecar right from the start, it would have been way easier to drain all the water out. Just drill holes. It's going to need them anyway __________________ Sometimes a bolt is just a bolt.
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07-18-2023, 05:15 PM	#20
E93Seattle (Racerbruce) Lieutenant 800 Rep 583 Posts Drives: 2013 335is E93 & 2021 X3 Join Date: Apr 2023 Location: Seattle (Gig Harbor) iTrader: (0)	Save the BMW badge on the old trunk for the replacement trunk??
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