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.
Here's the pictures and mods:
When I first got her:
Detailed and some paint correction:
Berlin plate and blk chrome kidneys:
Redouts:
Stock sport suspension installed and style 119s:
sharpie/rings
blk chrome tips!
more for later...
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