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E3 restoration project! Help!!

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elleakio View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote elleakio Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: E3 restoration project! Help!!
    Posted: 03 Jul 2015 at 6:51pm
Hello all,

I have stumbled across this forum as the new owner of a 1974 BMW 3.0si. Picked it up only last weekend and I am in the process of working out what to do with it to get it back to a splendid condition again.

I have read through some of the projects on this site and links to others - really great read and very helpful, thought I would introduce myself and see if anyone could provide any direct guidance of what worked for you in your experience, and some help as to what to look out for and get parts etc! Happy to post some pictures as things progress!

Car has covered only 42,000 miles and has been off the road since 1981. We are the 3rd owner, the owner we bought it from has had it since 1977. All MOT's to back this up as well!

It has a black velour interior and black and wood door cards/dash.

The prev owner has had new sills fitted years ago, plus painted the underside which has prevented any holes appearing in the floor which is a bonus. No rust on arches, chrome needs attention. See pictures below!

I guess its best to start with some pictures of the beast! Pictures in my drive below due to size upload limits

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_jI5DA6lExTU1FENjVRLWV2QUU

Key areas I am not sure on so far are:

Brakes are knackered, don't want to uprate them as such, just back to original would be fine if easy to do
Where to get parts from, and engine service parts, gaskets, etc
Bumpers are knackered and need re plating, especially the rear which has holes in!!
The rear petrol flap thing is rotten at the bottom, guess this needs replacing rather than repairing!
Rubbers around windows and doors need replacing
New exhaust system needed I think although was replaced and has sat for ages, tail pipe and box a bit rusty
New tyres for sure - are H rated OK for this?
How to get the silver and chrome areas back to best, inside and out, any tips and tricks
The interior is pretty good - although rear headrests have splits in, plus the foam in the seats seems a bit hard in places - replacement interior if I'm extremely lucky, leather preferred, or repairs possible?
I'm not sure if ours should have two door mirrors or one, we only have one, but it has had a new door previously and has no holes in both sides!

There is more I am sure, let me know your thoughts and thanks for taking the time to look at my post!

Harry


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BMW250L View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BMW250L Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Jul 2015 at 11:01pm
Hi Harry.

I think I contacted the previous owner if this car with a view to buying it.

I can't get you photo link to work, but that maybe because I'm looking in my phone....

Happy to give help/guidance along the way.

Welcome to E3 ownership!

Cheers,

Martin.
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richardbaxter View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote richardbaxter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Jul 2015 at 5:14pm
Harry

You maybe suprised to find that some parts are still available through BMW themselves, also in germany there are Walloth and Nesch (google search will find) who re manufacture parts for this model. Are you going to the national festival at Gaydon Warks. on Sunday August 16th? we will have the two cars recently featured in 'Straight Six' magazine on display and the owners will be on hand and are very knowledgable.

The brake calipers can be refurbished to as new condition inc plating in the UK for between 60 and 80 per caliper and well worth doing. The original brake set up is excellent and needs no modifications. We have some very knowledgable members in the Club for this model and the Si are always appreciated for being such a modern driving classic - we look forward to another owner doing one of these some justice.

Personally I'm restoring a 2500 model but the 3.0si is the one to have!
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AndrewE View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AndrewE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Jul 2015 at 4:50pm
The only real issue with the E3 is the twin servo brake set up on RHD cars - it's very, very expensive to sort out and was never a very good solution. The route I would take is to find a scrap E12 518, 520 or 525 with the E21 type single vacuum servo and master cylinder plus pedal box as it's a much better set up that is easy to maintain and gives better brake feel. You'll still need a new master cylinder but the other parts can be bought used after some searching. E12's went to this system in late 1978 except for the 528i and M535i that kept the twin servo system - the reason is due to the air flow meter and airbag taking too much room.
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BMW250L View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BMW250L Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Oct 2015 at 8:39am
Hi Harry,

How's the restoration coming along?

Cheers,

Martin
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alanm View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote alanm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Aug 2016 at 6:28pm
Hi, I could not get in to your photo link either.

But, how would you like to sell it instead (for a profit!)

AlanM
AlanM
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