Resto-mod e21 BMW
Discussion
Once upon a time I owned an orange 323i, to which I fitted an m52/2.8 & coilovers etc.
Then, one day, this happened....
An electrical issue meant the dash wiring shorted out and my car and 3 years hard work went up in flames.
A bit of internet action and I bagged myself a mint 316 which had spent a good few years stored in a concrete bunker in France. It cost a bit more than I wanted to pay, but the condition made it worth the extra.
Once it arrived home, I packed it off to my pal in Essex. He owns www.pristinebodyworks.co.uk and does damn fine work.
Over the next few months I spent my pocket money on a few parts, to add to the stuff salvaged from MIB.
Nytrex triple threat NOS system.
323i rear chassis rail (200 mile round trip!)
Meanwhile, the shell was stripped and went for blasting.
This is the only bit of rust on the whole shell. (below rad) So we let new metal in.
I'd always liked the colour of MIB, so stuck with orange again. It's BMW Fire Orange from the GTS M3.
Unfortunately, as the paint went off, it soon became clear there was a problem with the mix and the primer was still bleeding through. Gutted.
Whilst I thought about my next move, the postman brought these from the good people at Cat Camshafts. I had planned on fitting US spec M3 cams but these are a nicer alternative. Thank you Cat!
The diff mounts are came from the US and servo and brake upgrade were SVC & WMS Brakes respectively.
Stack gauges. I know they're only gauges but they're excellent quality.
The 6x9's were an eBay bargain at £11.00!
On impulse I opted for Laguna Seca blue.
While still more bits were arriving.
Keri @ WMS has done an awesome job on replicating the cosworth kit I was running on MIB.
The paint finish looks awesome.
NOS rear lenses arrived. I could have probably got away with using the old ones but inspired by the other builds on here, I figured I would go the extra mile - or try to anyway.
Custom brake install meant we could bin the OE servo and convoluted linkage.
The m50 inlet swap is done and the 6 branch is also on. The nitrous jets are going on and going to be hidden beneath the inlet manifold. There's also a lightened flywheel and uprated AP clutch.
It's going to look so much better with all the redundant e36 wiring being binned and no OE fuse box and clutter.
Brake kit from WMS. They're very nice and super light.
Opted the replace the plastic thermostat housing with a nice alloy one.
I know an e21 interior is pretty basic but opted to go for a stainless gearknob from Storm.
The super light flywheel eventually arrived.
Things are slowly moving along but with so much to do, and lots of custom bits, it's taking a while.
Well I went and saw MIB yesterday and there's been a fair bit of progress, with lots of the less obvious jobs now finished.
The e36 loom has been split and any superfluous wiring is being deleted. The OE fuse box is being junked and the whole engine bay will be much less cluttered. The Cat Camshafts have also been installed.
The new fuel lines, pump and sender are also in.
The cage has been painted, the floor strengthened and we are just waiting on new front coilovers from Gaz and the new front brakes can finally go on. Whilst there is still a bit to do, we are definitely making real progress now. In fact, next week it's off to Quest Motorsport for the exhaust manifold and system to be fitted.
So that's how things currently stand and I'm properly excited at the prospect of finally being just a few weeks away from finally having my car back.
Then, one day, this happened....
An electrical issue meant the dash wiring shorted out and my car and 3 years hard work went up in flames.
A bit of internet action and I bagged myself a mint 316 which had spent a good few years stored in a concrete bunker in France. It cost a bit more than I wanted to pay, but the condition made it worth the extra.
Once it arrived home, I packed it off to my pal in Essex. He owns www.pristinebodyworks.co.uk and does damn fine work.
Over the next few months I spent my pocket money on a few parts, to add to the stuff salvaged from MIB.
Nytrex triple threat NOS system.
323i rear chassis rail (200 mile round trip!)
Meanwhile, the shell was stripped and went for blasting.
This is the only bit of rust on the whole shell. (below rad) So we let new metal in.
I'd always liked the colour of MIB, so stuck with orange again. It's BMW Fire Orange from the GTS M3.
Unfortunately, as the paint went off, it soon became clear there was a problem with the mix and the primer was still bleeding through. Gutted.
Whilst I thought about my next move, the postman brought these from the good people at Cat Camshafts. I had planned on fitting US spec M3 cams but these are a nicer alternative. Thank you Cat!
The diff mounts are came from the US and servo and brake upgrade were SVC & WMS Brakes respectively.
Stack gauges. I know they're only gauges but they're excellent quality.
The 6x9's were an eBay bargain at £11.00!
On impulse I opted for Laguna Seca blue.
While still more bits were arriving.
Keri @ WMS has done an awesome job on replicating the cosworth kit I was running on MIB.
The paint finish looks awesome.
NOS rear lenses arrived. I could have probably got away with using the old ones but inspired by the other builds on here, I figured I would go the extra mile - or try to anyway.
Custom brake install meant we could bin the OE servo and convoluted linkage.
The m50 inlet swap is done and the 6 branch is also on. The nitrous jets are going on and going to be hidden beneath the inlet manifold. There's also a lightened flywheel and uprated AP clutch.
It's going to look so much better with all the redundant e36 wiring being binned and no OE fuse box and clutter.
Brake kit from WMS. They're very nice and super light.
Opted the replace the plastic thermostat housing with a nice alloy one.
I know an e21 interior is pretty basic but opted to go for a stainless gearknob from Storm.
The super light flywheel eventually arrived.
Things are slowly moving along but with so much to do, and lots of custom bits, it's taking a while.
Well I went and saw MIB yesterday and there's been a fair bit of progress, with lots of the less obvious jobs now finished.
The e36 loom has been split and any superfluous wiring is being deleted. The OE fuse box is being junked and the whole engine bay will be much less cluttered. The Cat Camshafts have also been installed.
The new fuel lines, pump and sender are also in.
The cage has been painted, the floor strengthened and we are just waiting on new front coilovers from Gaz and the new front brakes can finally go on. Whilst there is still a bit to do, we are definitely making real progress now. In fact, next week it's off to Quest Motorsport for the exhaust manifold and system to be fitted.
So that's how things currently stand and I'm properly excited at the prospect of finally being just a few weeks away from finally having my car back.
Edited by e21Mark on Friday 31st May 20:39
Thanks. I'd never been as attached to any other car as MIB, so building a replacement was the only option really. I've tried to make this one about as bespoke as I can. I also treated myself to a few things I'd always promised myself, like the Nalkamichi head unit and custom retrim. I'm also going with a body colour rear cage.
M159V8 said:
I also remember reading about you acquiring an Alpina E21 a while back in PBMW mag? What's the story with that?
Oh, and your black E30 M3 looked the dogs, especially with the MIB plate
I know they're your initials but the first time I saw it I read it as Men In Black
Sadly it had to go. It's a long story but it just became a chore. The M3 was nice, but I just prefer an e21, and with a bit of vision they can be great fun and out perform a lot more expensive cars.Oh, and your black E30 M3 looked the dogs, especially with the MIB plate
I know they're your initials but the first time I saw it I read it as Men In Black
Thanks for the positive comments chaps.
Although I'm just sort of managing this build, searching out parts has been hard work but rewarding. I really like the seats I found up north.
Some of the billet stuff, like the diff mounts, came from the US.
Plus I found new chrome in Cornwall that was still in the BMW wrapper.
I opted for something a little different when it comes to rim choice. Staggered 8 & 9 x 15's
I do have a thing for e21's though....
As I rarely (as in never) have anyone in the back of my car, I decided to delete the rear seat and install a rear cage.
The cage came from Germany and is a really good fit. In fact, it's so tight to the B pillars the inertia belts have had to go.
I've also decided against replicating the Alpina spoiler on MIB so opted for RONAL instead. Just need to cut out the vents and fit mesh.
Engelmann mirrors that I actually bought just for the fitting kit. You just can't get original parts but as the mounts are hidden, the pattern ones are fine. I think these work really well on e21's. The devil is in the detail. I also plan to convert to a single wiper taken from MIB.
I opted for these rims as they're a bit different to the usual BBS or Alpina etc. We went a bit further with the arch mods though and modified the suspension, so that I can run lower but still retain proper damping. It also means I can run wider rubber and the staggered rims give a really squat and aggressive stance, compared to a more stock car like this.
The whole shell has been extensively checked and thoroughly protected, so should last a few years. I know he's a pal but Pristine do awesome work.
I'm glad I went to the effort of finding a good base car to start with though. Welding up a rusty example just isn't economically viable.
This was the worst of the rust.
The decambered rear beam just needs a fresh coat of paint and the rear discs have new pads from HAWK. The sideloader LSD is taken from a E12 M535i, hence the beefier dual mount. The 3:07 ratio makes it a little longer legged than stock, but it works well in such a light car with over 300bhp per ton.
E21's are an absolute steal right now, but there are quite a few being rebuilt here in the UK. I think their days of being an unloved old smoker are numbered.
The cage came from Germany and is a really good fit. In fact, it's so tight to the B pillars the inertia belts have had to go.
I've also decided against replicating the Alpina spoiler on MIB so opted for RONAL instead. Just need to cut out the vents and fit mesh.
Engelmann mirrors that I actually bought just for the fitting kit. You just can't get original parts but as the mounts are hidden, the pattern ones are fine. I think these work really well on e21's. The devil is in the detail. I also plan to convert to a single wiper taken from MIB.
I opted for these rims as they're a bit different to the usual BBS or Alpina etc. We went a bit further with the arch mods though and modified the suspension, so that I can run lower but still retain proper damping. It also means I can run wider rubber and the staggered rims give a really squat and aggressive stance, compared to a more stock car like this.
The whole shell has been extensively checked and thoroughly protected, so should last a few years. I know he's a pal but Pristine do awesome work.
I'm glad I went to the effort of finding a good base car to start with though. Welding up a rusty example just isn't economically viable.
This was the worst of the rust.
The decambered rear beam just needs a fresh coat of paint and the rear discs have new pads from HAWK. The sideloader LSD is taken from a E12 M535i, hence the beefier dual mount. The 3:07 ratio makes it a little longer legged than stock, but it works well in such a light car with over 300bhp per ton.
E21's are an absolute steal right now, but there are quite a few being rebuilt here in the UK. I think their days of being an unloved old smoker are numbered.
northandy said:
Looking forward to seeing the rest of the build.
Was your other car magazine featured? Im sure i have seen it before.
Yes, in was in a few mags over the 3 or 4 years I had it.Was your other car magazine featured? Im sure i have seen it before.
http://www.corbeau-seats.com/news/news-63/Total-BM...
Cage was painted and went in, once floor had strengthening plates welded in. I don't think there's much point in having a cage otherwise.
Car has gone to www.questmotorsport.co.uk today and is having some mods to the six branch and twin silencer system. Most of the conversions that have been done so far, just cut & shut the OE e36 manifolds to clear the steering column. This was actually an aftermarket e36 manifold, that came up cheaply and luckily there's just one pipe that needs some attention.
I could have just gone with a regular single exit system, but the 323 twin is one of the styling cues I like most on an e21. Mind you, had I realised what a pain in the ass it was going to be, I might not have been so keen. The rear chassis rail and silencer mount is unique to the 323 and NLA from the factory. I had to drive bloody miles to get one and chop it out of a scrap car. It's been a lot of effort but am sure it'll be worth it. I just need to find some tailpipes that resemble e46 M3 ones now, but I want twin single pipes, not duals.
Car has gone to www.questmotorsport.co.uk today and is having some mods to the six branch and twin silencer system. Most of the conversions that have been done so far, just cut & shut the OE e36 manifolds to clear the steering column. This was actually an aftermarket e36 manifold, that came up cheaply and luckily there's just one pipe that needs some attention.
I could have just gone with a regular single exit system, but the 323 twin is one of the styling cues I like most on an e21. Mind you, had I realised what a pain in the ass it was going to be, I might not have been so keen. The rear chassis rail and silencer mount is unique to the 323 and NLA from the factory. I had to drive bloody miles to get one and chop it out of a scrap car. It's been a lot of effort but am sure it'll be worth it. I just need to find some tailpipes that resemble e46 M3 ones now, but I want twin single pipes, not duals.
New front coilovers landed from GAZ. I did have Bilstein inverted shocks but, in the 3 years they were stored, they corroded inside and were beyond saving. Fortunately the stub axle etc was fine and GAZ came through for me.
The Cossie discs we're using need drilling to 4x100 but once that's done, the brake kit can go on. The best thing about the brake conversion has been ditching the OE servo and convoluted linkage that BMW used to swap to RHD. I still have a servo but it's a much more compact, remote set-up. The whole engine bay is just so much better with all that scrap iron and clutter gone. I should finally have an E21 which will stop as well as it goes!
So, right now my car is at Quest having the custom exhaust and mods to the six branch. I'm really looking forward to seeing what they do? It also means we can finally fire it up, when it gets back!
I've started building a replica of an Eggenberger Gruppe 2 car as well so might post about that here also, if anyone is interested in seeing it?
Period Engelmann mirrors look way better than the OE ones.
My pal also competes in an E21, although his is s50/3.0 powered. His M3 has an M5 4.0 V8 slotted in there.
The Cossie discs we're using need drilling to 4x100 but once that's done, the brake kit can go on. The best thing about the brake conversion has been ditching the OE servo and convoluted linkage that BMW used to swap to RHD. I still have a servo but it's a much more compact, remote set-up. The whole engine bay is just so much better with all that scrap iron and clutter gone. I should finally have an E21 which will stop as well as it goes!
So, right now my car is at Quest having the custom exhaust and mods to the six branch. I'm really looking forward to seeing what they do? It also means we can finally fire it up, when it gets back!
I've started building a replica of an Eggenberger Gruppe 2 car as well so might post about that here also, if anyone is interested in seeing it?
Period Engelmann mirrors look way better than the OE ones.
My pal also competes in an E21, although his is s50/3.0 powered. His M3 has an M5 4.0 V8 slotted in there.
After my old car caught fire, due to an electrical short, I decided to junk the original 30 year old wiring and replace it with a modern loom. An added bonus is being able to junk the bullet type fuses that are always corroding and breaking circuits.
I found www.kwikwire.com in the states and they came through with this....
Whatever the wire is dedicated to is written down the whole outer casing, in order to guard against mistakes when fitting.
I'm off to Essex tomorrow so hopefully there will be more progress.
I found www.kwikwire.com in the states and they came through with this....
Whatever the wire is dedicated to is written down the whole outer casing, in order to guard against mistakes when fitting.
I'm off to Essex tomorrow so hopefully there will be more progress.
Initially, I will use OEM and have it remapped to suit the cam & inlet manifold mods. I'm told it should cope well enough anyway. Once my wallet has a chance to recover though, I would like to go with Omex or something?
The looms are definitely a far better option than 30 year old wiring and bullet fuses. I am going to exchange mine for the deluxe kit, as it has a fuse box cover and inbuilt kill switch etc.
I went to see the exhaust today and am disappointed to say that it still hasn't been done. I had hoped the whole car would have been finished by now and the delays are getting frustrating. I hope things start to push ahead soon.
The looms are definitely a far better option than 30 year old wiring and bullet fuses. I am going to exchange mine for the deluxe kit, as it has a fuse box cover and inbuilt kill switch etc.
I went to see the exhaust today and am disappointed to say that it still hasn't been done. I had hoped the whole car would have been finished by now and the delays are getting frustrating. I hope things start to push ahead soon.
Front suspension arrived from GAZ.
Because of the dual hangers, the rear of the system won't take the same route as the stock one. It should be finished later today....
Plan to use the original silencers from MIB but may opt for different tailpipes.
Hopefully, once the exhausts are finished, we can get the suspension on and finish the brake conversion.
Because of the dual hangers, the rear of the system won't take the same route as the stock one. It should be finished later today....
Plan to use the original silencers from MIB but may opt for different tailpipes.
Hopefully, once the exhausts are finished, we can get the suspension on and finish the brake conversion.
Well my car finally made it back to Pristine and the 6 branch fits perfectly. The system isn't quite as wanted but it'll mean we can finally fire the engine up!
Next on the agenda is to fit the new Gaz front suspension and WMS Braking Systems kit. The new loom needs finishing too. There still a way to go but we're getting there!
Next on the agenda is to fit the new Gaz front suspension and WMS Braking Systems kit. The new loom needs finishing too. There still a way to go but we're getting there!
The manifold mods and exhaust are complete now.
The new front coilovers are GAZ golds although we painted them black as they're a bit more subtle.
The boot spoiler is a fiberglass copy of a genuine BMW Motorsport ''ducktail'' which means I can prep and paint it in body colour. I really like how squat and agressive the stance is and the spoiler really adds to that.
Next week should see the brakes finished and the final ride height set.
The new front coilovers are GAZ golds although we painted them black as they're a bit more subtle.
The boot spoiler is a fiberglass copy of a genuine BMW Motorsport ''ducktail'' which means I can prep and paint it in body colour. I really like how squat and agressive the stance is and the spoiler really adds to that.
Next week should see the brakes finished and the final ride height set.
There has been one delay after another lately but manifold mods and exhaust are complete now.
The new front coilovers are GAZ golds although we painted them black as they're a bit more subtle.
The boot spoiler is a fiberglass copy of a genuine BMW Motorsport ''ducktail'' which means I can prep and paint it in body colour. I really like how squat and agressive the stance is and the spoiler really adds to that. The final ride height isn't set yet though as still need to do geometry.
New wheel bearings all round and can finally get the new WMS billet 4 pot callipers & 298mm discs on. Keri @ WMS did a great job with getting everything machined accurately and it all went on without a hitch. Using braided hoses and HAWK fast road pads.
The Cat fast road cams are in and timed up. The current job is fitting the new wiring loom that came from the USA. It's a major pain re-wiring the whole car but I am determined to lose the OE bullet fuse box and have proper blade fuses etc. I'm also fitting a proper alarm and immobiliser with tracker.
We're really pushing to be finished by mid August......hopefully.
The new front coilovers are GAZ golds although we painted them black as they're a bit more subtle.
The boot spoiler is a fiberglass copy of a genuine BMW Motorsport ''ducktail'' which means I can prep and paint it in body colour. I really like how squat and agressive the stance is and the spoiler really adds to that. The final ride height isn't set yet though as still need to do geometry.
New wheel bearings all round and can finally get the new WMS billet 4 pot callipers & 298mm discs on. Keri @ WMS did a great job with getting everything machined accurately and it all went on without a hitch. Using braided hoses and HAWK fast road pads.
The Cat fast road cams are in and timed up. The current job is fitting the new wiring loom that came from the USA. It's a major pain re-wiring the whole car but I am determined to lose the OE bullet fuse box and have proper blade fuses etc. I'm also fitting a proper alarm and immobiliser with tracker.
We're really pushing to be finished by mid August......hopefully.
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