New owner of 328iC - United Bimmer Community

**Hatori Honzai** · 05-27-2012, 04:21 AM

Hi to all Bimmer lovers.

Recently purchased a 1998 BMW 328i convertible for $4780. 2.8L M52 engine. It's jet black with interior of 3 tones of grey. Got it from a friend who got it at auction. It had a damaged passenger door from a minor crash. He replaced that and added a black canvas roof with zippered rear window. The car's in good shape overall, but needs fixups, most of which are minor. The biggest fixup is that the top was screwed up when his helper cut away part of the top around the window - it left a gap, so gotta replace the whole top!

That, or add extra border overlay around the window frame. Doesn't sound like the best option though. The leather seats are in decent shape; no cuts or cracks, but they need refinishing with dye for the dry areas. The glove box door hangs down, but it will be replaced or repaired. Just put new Kuhmo Ecsta 4X tires on it and it rides nicely. Previous tires were shot to s___ and caused vibrations and shaking at higher speeds. Wheels are OEM double spoke 5 star pattern. Will eventually install Koni struts and shocks with coilovers and do mods on the front end. Thinking of different rim style too. I won't be doing autox or racing, so I won't need CAI, but might if it saves fuel mileage. For now, I just want a car that can handle the bumpy roads around Ohio. Got it up to 110 the other night to test the tires. No wobble, shaking, or vibrations.

DEATH2000 · 05-27-2012, 01:13 PM

Welcome to United Bimmer! I have a 98 328i as well.

**Hatori Honzai** · 05-27-2012, 06:08 PM

Love the color and front end. Thanks for the link to DIY and manuals. I've been looking all over for them.

DEATH2000 · 05-27-2012, 09:52 PM

My car? Thanks. It's Canyonrot Mettallic. That picture was taken before I got the M3 mirrors.

**Hatori Honzai** · 05-29-2012, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEATH2000

My car? Thanks. It's Canyonrot Mettallic. That picture was taken before I got the M3 mirrors.

Interesting color name.

Stands for Canyon Red series of colors, n'est pa? Did the M3 mirrors cost much? Are they heated? I'm thinking of the same for mine cause they are beat up and and the glass is spotted to the point that I can't get them clean!
The body needs work on the rust spots, too. Have you attemted touch up painting of your car at any time? Just wondering about success stories with touch-up attempts. I did professional painting years ago with a DeVillbis spray gun and booth setup, so I'm wondering if it isn't best to just start from scratch with sanding, primering, and repainting instead of touch up. Haven't used any of the newer paints though.
Preparing to order Leatherique products to recondition and re-dye the seats.
Onward with the fixups!

**Hatori Honzai** · 05-29-2012, 06:22 PM

DEATH2000 · 05-29-2012, 09:38 PM

I will har to look through my paperwork to find the receipt. I got the mirrors through a groin buy on Bimmerfoums about 5 years ago. They are heated, convex mirrors. At the edge their angled slightly to help reduce your blind spot. The heater function comes on automatically when I start the car. I want to say I paid $150 plus shipping for them, but I'm not exactly sure.

I haven't attempted painting it yet. I'll probably start this winter. The good needs to be repainted because of rock chips and moisture which caused bubbling. I'd like to do as mic of the prep work myself to save money.

**Hatori Honzai** · 05-31-2012, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEATH2000

I will har to look through my paperwork to find the receipt. I got the mirrors through a groin buy on Bimmerfoums about 5 years ago. They are heated, convex mirrors. At the edge their angled slightly to help reduce your blind spot. The heater function comes on automatically when I start the car. I want to say I paid $150 plus shipping for them, but I'm not exactly sure.

I haven't attempted painting it yet. I'll probably start this winter. The good needs to be repainted because of rock chips and moisture which caused bubbling. I'd like to do as mic of the prep work myself to save money.

I've seen various prices now for M3 mirrors. Khoalty has a pair for $100.00. Not a bad price. Will probably add a wide rear view mirror for better angle viewing of blind spots (if I can find the proper replacement.) I made the mistake of purchasing M3 floor mats for $45.00.

The M3 logo was nicely stitched, but the carpet material is CHEAP! Won't make that mistake again. Car paint isn't very expensive. Just gotta set up a custom spray booth in my garage. Lots of wood framing, air conditioner filters, and a good suction fan!

DEATH2000 · 05-31-2012, 10:58 AM

Theirs so many on the market now its hard to choose. Ebay is flooded with em for cheap. I really like mine. I know their replica's but they are really good quality. I have had em for almost 6 years i think now.

Hit up Bav Auto. They have tons of custom stitch floor mats for ya.