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View Full Version : My 2000 Steel Grey 323i Build Thread



jpawela
03-13-2011, 01:01 PM
Hi all, sooner or later I was going to make one of these. :) Some of you probably have heard the story and seen the pix before on other forums.

Well, here goes the story:
My primary car was an 02 Acura RSX Type-S. Had it since 04 and plan to keep it as long as I can. My DD was a 95 Pathfinder. I was getting tired of it and started wanting something more comfortable yet sporty and safer. I decided I wanted something in size, European. Last year around this time, I started looking at Volvo S60s, Audi A4s, and Mercs. I wanted to get something that competed well with the benchmark: BMW. But then I realized, what the hell am I doing?! Just get the benchmark! I looked around for an e46 330i but quickly found out that was over my budget. In a perfect world, I would love to have a orient blue ZHP.

I soon found my 2000 323i with 104,000miles for $6,000 from a private seller. Paid for it in full and was able to sell my Pathfinder to reimburse myself. I didn't want any car payments to worry about. At that time I thought that was a good deal but now I see that it's just average. Oh well, I already have it. I figured it would be a good stater Bimmer and I can look at a 330i or ZHP after I graduate from college. Since April of last year (2010) I did a lot of work to it:

New tires
Coolant overhaul +pulleys
shocks/struts/mounts/tower plates
belts
lower control arm and bushings
new plugs
heater valve core
FSR
two window regulators
bulbs
fuel filter

Most of the items are recommendations and/or DIYs from various forums.
Very soon to do: tranny/diff fluid

I was a little shocked at how quickly things wore out on BMWs since I was used to Japanese cars. But after doing all of the aforementioned, I realized that I have a darn good car. It's at 116,000miles now and hasn't let me down. No SES lights, no wierd noises. I recently learned that I have the GM transmission and not the problematic ZF, so that was a relief. I know it's slower than later e46 models (especially everyone's ZHPs!) but I like getting 30mpg on the highway and having a car that I know can easily do 200K with out doing crazy maintenance. I drive my Acura whenever I need to feel the power of a manual. :headbang

Here's the pictures and mods:
When I first got her:
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/0402001425a_0001.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/100_4972.jpg
Detailed and some paint correction:
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/100_4979.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/100_4983.jpg
Berlin plate and blk chrome kidneys:
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/100_5078.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/100_5097.jpg
Redouts:
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/100_5001-1.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/100_5022.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/100_5353.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/100_5357.jpg
Stock sport suspension installed and style 119s:
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/100_5378.jpg
sharpie/rings
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/100_5387.jpg
blk chrome tips!
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/100_5167.jpg

more for later...

kayger12
03-13-2011, 01:05 PM
Great pics and a great looking ride.

gr330zhp
03-13-2011, 01:10 PM
Love the pics and mods!

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spencers
03-13-2011, 01:14 PM
The style 119's really updated that car!

Marcus-SanDiego
03-13-2011, 01:18 PM
I like those style 119s. Remind me of the style 189s.

ryankokesh
03-13-2011, 01:33 PM
looks great - I love the color!

danewilson77
03-13-2011, 02:21 PM
Sez as usual..

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jpawela
03-13-2011, 04:19 PM
Thank you all, gentlemen!
The most recent mods:
•Angel Eyes
•Homelink
•CD53 with mp3 capability to replace the tape deck

Soon will be
•sport seats if I can find them
•sport steering wheel
•Mtech I or II
•thinking about manual swap, but that's just dreaming :)

Here are some pix I took today:
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/DSCN0199.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/DSCN0198.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/DSCN0196.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/DSCN0192.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/DSCN0177.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/jpawela/e46%20Build/DSCN0178.jpg












....................

danewilson77
03-13-2011, 05:23 PM
All are great. Last one is teets.

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jpawela
03-14-2011, 12:58 PM
I like teets...best for last.