Positive Reinforcement: 1988 e30 M3

Happy Friday!  It’s December already, can you believe it?!  It’s a rainy day, therefore there will not be a Cruise-In this evening.  Stay tuned for future events!
It’s been a busy week in the shop, so let’s get right down to business!

Progress has been made on the sleek e30 M3 that has occupied our new space.  After removing the bumper from this ’88 bimmer, we can see the rear end damage from a previous accident/repair.   The owner was aware of this damage, and is now going to have it repaired properly.  This week Reggie and Sam got to work disassembling this track car.

All parts are labeled and organized to make re-assembly a breeze once the project is complete:

Here’s a look at the passenger side.  The cabrio reinforcement pieces have already been welded into place:

Cabrios automatically come with both pieces, which serve to reinforce the chassis.  Over the years, track car owners have taken note of this and adopted this strategy for their bimmers.

So let’s take a look at the process while Reggie works on the driver’s side:

Reggie preps the area with a grinder to allow for a clean weld:

Reggie sandblasted the edges of the new pieces for a ready to weld surface.  Sandblasting saved a little time versus using a grinder to clean the edges.

Checking for proper fitment prior to welding the piece into place:

The carpeting was also removed prior to welding to avoid any chance of it catching fire:

Reggie secured the wires to keep them out of the way while welding:

Edges were passed over with the grinder to prep for welding as well:

Finally, the pieces are welded into place:

Stay tuned for more work on the M3 to come!

And now for a few other projects going on in the shop this week!

A check engine light brought this 2005 BMW 645ci into the shop.  She was also in need of having the thermostat replaced.

This hellrot 1995 BMW 325i came in with a temperature gauge issue, as well as for a parking brake adjustment and an overall inspection:

Overheating brought this ’98 BMW 323i into the shop:

Besides needing a water pump and thermostat, the hood of this 1999 BMW 740il flew open while driving and cracked the windshield:

A new blower motor, belt, tensioner, and oil change were on the list for this 2006 BMW 330xi:

This e30, a 1984 BMW 325e, came in with a battery drain and an engine temperature gauge issue.  We also replaced the adjustment cables in the seats.

That’s all for this installment!  Have a wonderful weekend!