Looking To Restore

[riley]

i live in the southern california area and i am looking to restore my 1988 325. it is a daily driver and it is crunch time, i can either decide to get rid of it or have it restored. i would like a professional to do the restoration. my debate stems from the fact that the engine and transmission are so strong. i do not want to buy another car with those two items being question marks plus i love my car. my car is in desparate need of restoraion, from electrical, to body work, to air conditioning, to a mechanical overhaul. my question: Is there a BMW friendly shop i can take my car and have them fix all the varied items? if so is there one in southern california and do they have a web site or way of contacting them. ideally i would like to drop my car off and pick it up at a later date with all the items i specify fixed. any help or insight will be greatly appreciated.

[emericadna7]

i think that might cost a little bit of money, or a ton. But you cant get rid of these cars... i mean you wouldnt be able to sleep

[joshh]

Do you have any idea how much you want to spend?

Don't think you can't hit the 30K mark for all that stuff.

[xxxbimmer]

yea its hard but u would be better off buying a newer 3 series.........the work ur talking about is very costly

[nukeduster]

Originally posted by xxxbimmer@Apr 13 2005, 10:50 PM
yea its hard but u would be better off buying a newer 3 series.........the work ur talking about is very costly

[snapback]332130[/snapback]

complete bmw restorations depending on scope can cost anywhere from 10-70k. Count on replacing all a/c lines, compressor, condensor, accumulator , labor= 2k right there alone

re-wiring stuff, depending on how extreme you want... it makes my head hurt.

engine rebuild .. count on 3-5k including labor

tranny rebuild.. 2k

nice paint job .. 1-3k

new exhaust .. 800

new suspension (springs, shocks, rubber components, control arms, sway bar links) 1000-4000

new cv joints .. 400

who knows what else might need freshening up.. restoring cars is an expensive bitch. :|

my friends shop just restored a cobra at the cost of $77,000.

[DJProfessor]

BUT........


if you say bought a used E36 and hooked up with a few savvy BMW people who are willing to teach you, you could work on her yourself......nothing feels as good as a project you do yourself, ie not a checkbook restoration

or just sell it to me, love CA cars back here in Ohio.....my E30 i have now came from out there (and please believe she doesn't see one lick of snow)

[joshh]

Your really better off doing all the work yourself. Including buying all the equipment. Besides the actual motor work of course.

[alanh]

we just finished puting our e30 back togehter after its paint/bodywork. that with the new interior and upgrades is great to drive