Rally-x 528e build (caged, head swap, and more!)

[95maxrider]

Thanks for all the kind words guys. I'm really bummed out seeing all my hard work go down the drain like this. While I would have fun with an E28 or E30, I think I learned a couple lessons with this car. First is that trying to make a random non-sports car competitive in racing is difficult. I took the E28 to the reasonable limit of what it could do for rally-x, but every with everything I've done, it's now getting beat by "lesser" cars. It simply isn't a competitive platform for racing. Second is that old cars suck. They just do. I'm tired of dealing with rust and everything else that comes with a 25+ year old car, specifically one with such limited parts availability. So I think I'm going to finally hit the easy button for once in my life and get a freaking Miata, specifically a 2001-2005 with the 6 speed. Sure, it costs more than a nice E30, but I feel like you get a lot more too. We shall see what happens with the insurance. Goodbye E28, you served me well, and I will miss you!

[tig]

Miata is THE BEST. NUMBER ONE!

http://jalopnik.com/the-1995-mazda-miat ... 1426520494

[Owndapwn]

So that means you're picking up one for regular old street use then? I don't understand what you're suggesting.

[slack]

Wow what a shame! Glad no one was hurt.
I've really enjoyed this thread for the past 2 years, thanks for sharing.

If you change your mind and decide to stick with an E28 or E30, and need any help from a local, let me know.

[TheYoungSir]

It's always sad to see another e28 die, but this one has been an inspiration to me. From snow tires at the autocross to beefing up, well, everything, I've enjoyed reading this from start to finish. Hopefully you'll make something just as legendary with your next car.

[95maxrider]

Hey guys, long time no update. A few weeks after the accident I moved into a new place with my wife and life has been hectic ever since trying to get the house up and running and also trying to figure out what to replace the E28 with. I was really looking at Miatas, but at the last race of the season I sat in a few and realized that even though I'm by no means a big guy (5' 10", ~160 pounds) I still struggled to fit into a stock Miata seat with a helmet on. In addition, I would need a tire trailer to tow my rally wheels/tires and gear with, and the fact that a Miata just isn't that "cool", and I started looking at BMWs again, specifically E36 compacts (318ti), 328s, and M3s. I wanted a car I could throw all my gear into and be comfortable in, and I also kind of had a hankering for that straight 6 soundtrack. I test drove a rather rough M3/4/5, but the car had electrical problems and didn't drive very well, so for his $5,500 asking price, I decided to walk away. Next up was an even rougher 328i for $1,000, but even at that price I didn't think it was going to be worth it. The S52 swapped compacts that I found were all asking $7,000+, so they were out of the question. Then one day my buddy Patrick came across a very nice M3/4/5 on Facebook, and it turned out the guy selling it races with me at Solo in my class (XP, he drives a Cobra). A week later and $4,000 poorer, I came home with the car!

Before moving on, I wanted to put together a little tribute for the fallen E28.















Stock springs and sway bars were not fun













































I'll be damned if I'm not tearing up putting this post together. I went through so much with this E28, and it's really sad to know that it's gone and not coming back. I like to think that it lived an interesting life before it died, and that I did the best I could with it. It's a shame it didn't go out on a high note, but it won me a championship or two, and definitely surprised more than a few people. It was a challenge, but that's what made winning so sweet. Moving on is going to be bittersweet, but in the long term, it's for the best. I won't forget you guys over here at MyE28, but I'll probably be spending my time on other forums going forward. But before I go, I've got a lot of parts that I need to sell!

[95maxrider]

Before I post up all the parts that are up for grabs, here's a little more info on the E28's replacement, a silver 1998 M3/4/5.

Here's the seller's description, "it's a pretty nice car, but it's got high miles (220k) and burns some oil.....it's got bilsteins, hawk brakes, brand new TR motorsports rims (tires are shot), UUC short shift kit, aluminum flywheel, newer clutch, aluminum radiator, new overflow tank, Dinan strut tower brace, projector Depo headlights with HID, M50 manifold, Conforti intake, cat back, AC Schnitzer pedals, new driveshaft & guibo, etc. it has a couple tiny bubbles on the rear fender lip and a spot on the roof that could use a respray."

A page of maintenance history for his two years of ownership showed things like coolant, trans and diff fluids, oil temp gauge, clutch delay valve and spring, rear ABS sensors, reman starter, new/used front door panels, thermostat, shifter linkage rebuilt, CCV done, replaced all dead bulbs in OBC, power steering hoses, all dead bulbs in instrument cluster, oil filter housing gasket, exhaust gaskets, O2 sensor, coolant level sensor and connector, CSB to go along with the new driveshaft, and much more.











More info can be found in my build thread, http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showt ... oss-build!.

[EventuallyAyrton]

Wow, that's a big save for me, I just bought a set of style 4s and knew I would need a spacer but you guys saved me from getting one that was too small. Thanks!

[95maxrider]

Now it's time for the sad task of parting out what's left of the E28. The shell is up for grabs if anyone wants the whole thing. It's currently out in Martinsburg, WV if anyone is interested. If nobody speaks up soon, it will be stripped and sent off to a junkyard.

***If you want to pick parts up, they will either be available in either Martinsburg, WV or Herndon, VA.***

***Here are the parts that have already been spoken for: Motor, trans, diff, and seats. Everything else except for my rally wheels is up for grabs.***

I'll start with the stuff that I assume will sell fast and work my way down to the small stuff.

First up is the brand new OEM gas tank. It has something like 200 miles on it. The going rate for these new seems to be $600+ plus shipping (~$70). I'm asking $500 shipped, and that will include the in tank pumps that still worked just fine, or $425 picked up.



Next up are my big sway bars- a 22mm ST adjustable front sway bar and a 18mm M5 rear sway bar. I'll include all the end links, bushings, and mounts. $280 shipped, $250 picked up.---SOLD!



Next up are strut tower bars made by a guy on the forums. Jake B IIRC. The front bar was modified to clear the larger intake manifold from the 885 head swap. They have been painted with the crinkle black paint (not shown). $220 shipped, $200 picked up.---SOLD!!!





Next up is the skid plate and custom bracing. The rear of the skid plate is held in place by two bolts that were welded to the body, so this isn't exactly a bolt in job, but I'm pretty sure it's the only one in existence this beefy. $150 shipped, $120 picked up.















Next up are both axles. I replaced three of the four boots and repacked them with synthetic grease over the last couple years. The fourth boot is not cracked and does not leak. $100 each shipped, $70 picked up each. I'll include the other new boot with the axle that only had one boot replaced







I think I'm also going to put up the Style 4 wheels (16x8, forged, +23 IIRC). I do not have the center caps. They have Hankook Ventus V12 tires with 60%+ tread left. I planned on painting all the wheels, as three of them came with some pretty nasty caked on brake dust. I bought some nice wheel paint ($50+) but never got around to actually painting them. We did all the sanding already, so they're actually in pretty good shape. There is some very light curb rash, but nothing major, and I don't think any of them are bent. I'm not really interested in shipping these unless someone is willing to pay $150+ to do so. I will include all the paint and clear coat along with the wheels. Asking $550 picked up.

















Now for the less sexy stuff.

1988 528e electrical wiring diagram booklet, $10 shipped.


21.5mm Powerflex swaybar bushings, never used, $40 shipped


Steering box/subframe reinforcement, $40 shipped.---SOLD! More info here: http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=63659


Front and rear swaybar frame mount reinforcement kit, $75 shipped---SOLD!


Ireland Engineering poly steering coupler, $15 shipped---SOLD!!!


Moosehead Engineering Spherical Upper Control Arm Bushings (brand new)- $120 shipped---SOLD!


Brand new OEM e-brake cables. Please check the PN to make sure it will work on your car. $50 shipped.




Legit Alpina 173 ECU chip for a 2.7i motor with a cam, $150 shipped




Assorted brand new Ireland Engineering SS rear brake lines and clutch lines that didn't fit on my car for some reason. I can't verify which years/models these will fit, so I'll let them all go for $20 shipped.---SOLD!


Brand new Bosch fuel filter, $15 shipped.---SOLD!!!


Brand new ATE e-brake shoes including hardware, $20 shipped---SOLD!!!




Original tweeters. I have no idea if they work. $10 shipped?


Other parts that I don't have pics for are:

Radiator- $100 shipped, $50 picked up
Ireland Engineering SS brake lines- $80 shipped, $70 picked up
Front fenders- $25 each picked up, no shipping
Motor mount arms- $50 shipped each, $40 picked up each
E34 front BBK. Brembo rotors, ATE OEM pads, 525i calipers. Less than 1,000 miles on the whole setup. $150 shipped, $100 picked up.
New-ish coolant overflow tank with new caps- $30 shipped, $20 picked up
New-ish power steering reservoir with new cap- $30 shipped, $20 picked up
Driveshaft- $80 picked up, no shipping

Phew, that's a lot of stuff! If you buy multiple items we can work out package deals and save on shipping costs. Let me know if there are any other random items you might want from the front end. There isn't much to speak of in the interior. Thanks for looking guys!

[Adam_weinkauf]

somewhat distracted from the topic, but what shift knob is that? I love the way it looks.

[95maxrider]

somewhat distracted from the topic, but what shift knob is that? I love the way it looks.

On the E28? I've got no idea, it came with the car, and it's going on the M3!

[95maxrider]

Alright guys, I've got some of this stuff sold, but there's more to go!

First up are the E34 Koni rear shocks with E34 rear springs with one coil cut (properly) and Moosehead Engineering rear shock mounts. These had been installed on the car for about 7 months and about 2,000 miles. With the coil cut they are pretty much at stock height, but they are firmer than stock. The shocks were $300 new, and the ME mounts were about $90, and with the springs and other little things, there is over $400 in this setup. I'll let it go for $300 shipped or $275 picked up.







Next up we have some E34 front calipers and OEM pads with about 2,000 miles on them. They also have the IE SS lines on them. I'm asking $80 shipped for all of it.



I also have a set of brand new rear pads and rotors for the E28. The pads (not shown) are ATE OEM pads. I also have brand new e-brake shoes (see above FS post). Asking $100 shipped for all of it. Freshen up your rear brakes for cheap!



I also have my old rear Bilsteins and stock springs. They are in rough shape, but you can send them back to Bilstein (IIRC) if you recently bought new ones as warranty items and get new ones for free. They never leaked any fluid, and probably only have 8,000 miles on them. $40 shipped.---SOLD!!!



I also got the strut bars off the car. The front bar was modified to clear the larger intake manifold from the 885 head swap (M20 cars only I think). They have been painted with the crinkle black paint. $220 shipped, $200 picked up.---SOLD!!!



Please buy my stuff!!

[95maxrider]

Bump! I still have a lot of parts for sale!

[95maxrider]

Bump! I still have parts for sale that I need to get rid of. They are:

-16x8 style 4 wheels with tires
-brand new gas tank
-rebuilt axles
-skid plate

Let me know if you're interested. Thanks!

[95maxrider]

I finally got the gas tanks back to my house and they are drained and ready to go. One tank is nearly brand new, and has less than 200 miles on it. The going rate for these new seems to be $600+ plus shipping (~$70). I'm asking $500 shipped, and that will include the in tank pumps that still worked just fine, or $425 picked up. The other is original, and has some rust pinholes. The holes could easily be fixed with some QuikSteel, and if someone is interested in it, I could do the repairs before I ship. I'm asking $150 shipped for the original tank (fixed), or $75 picked up. However, please note the clam shell is starting to separate a bit, so the life of this tank is probably limited.















I also found a new Meyle rubber motor mount in the closet, I'm asking $5 plus shipping.





Thanks for looking, and thanks for all the support!

[95maxrider]

I cleaned up some more parts and got them ready for sale.

First up are my M20 motor mount arms (it took a lot of Purple Power and a power washer to get them this clean), $50 each:





Next up are the rebuilt axles (3 out of 4 boots replaced, new synthetic grease), $80 each:



Regular grille with a broken tab, $10:

[95maxrider]

I've got more parts I need to sell, someone help me out!

First up are the E34 rear Konis. These were $300 new and they have about 1,000 miles on them. No leaks or dents, just some rock chips. I'm asking $200.













Next up are the Moosehead Engineering Rear Shock Mounts (RSMs). New they are $110, I'm asking $90. Again, they have about 1,000 miles on them and are basically brand new.





I've also got spring pads and bump stops to go with everything. If you buy either the Konis or the RSMs I can include them for free if you want.



Next thing is a MOMO steering wheel hub adapter. IIRC my 1988 528e had the thick splines on the column. Asking $50, used but in good shape.











I've also got the MOMO steering wheel up for sale. It's dished a bit. The leather is in pretty good shape, the only problem is the yellow strip at the top is coming loose a bit, but it can easily be fixed with a touch of glue. Asking $150.

[95maxrider]

Oh, and I've also got some expired racing harnesses for sale. The red Simpson set has been used, but it's in good enough shape for an HPDE. The black Simpson set was never used, but it's pretty old. Asking $50 each.











Black set:











Thanks for looking!

[Nesset]

That cage.. is godly.




What kinda' camera was this taken on? Looks like expired 35mm film almost. I'm guessing it's a filter but it's worth a ask.

[Owndapwn]

Next up are the Moosehead Engineering Rear Shock Mounts (RSMs). New they are $110, I'm asking $90. Again, they have about 1,000 miles on them and are basically brand new.

Full disclosure: I probably won't be ready to buy in time. Hell, I haven't even installed the skidplate. I have, at least, decided that's next. Right after the power steering gearbox rebuild. Which will be right after the next thing that breaks.
How are these? I had run into some claims that M5 sway bars, Mason Engineering strut bars, Bilstein SP/H&R, plus a subwoofer, will absolutely destroy the OEM mounts. Like, timescale measured in weeks sort of destruction.
Figure you put your suspension through more abuse than just about anyone and would have a decent idea their pros/cons.

[95maxrider]

That cage.. is godly.

What kinda' camera was this taken on? Looks like expired 35mm film almost. I'm guessing it's a filter but it's worth a ask.

I'm not an expert on cages, but some people who know more about them than I do were not super impressed with the cage in the E28. It worked, but it was far from ideal.

I wish I could tell you about the camera that took that picture, but it's not mine, so I can't. I can however be pretty sure when I say it was digital and that is a filter you're looking at.

[95maxrider]

Next up are the Moosehead Engineering Rear Shock Mounts (RSMs). New they are $110, I'm asking $90. Again, they have about 1,000 miles on them and are basically brand new.

Full disclosure: I probably won't be ready to buy in time. Hell, I haven't even installed the skidplate. I have, at least, decided that's next. Right after the power steering gearbox rebuild. Which will be right after the next thing that breaks.
How are these? I had run into some claims that M5 sway bars, Mason Engineering strut bars, Bilstein SP/H&R, plus a subwoofer, will absolutely destroy the OEM mounts. Like, timescale measured in weeks sort of destruction.
Figure you put your suspension through more abuse than just about anyone and would have a decent idea their pros/cons.

The Moosehead RSMs have been SOLD (to someone else)!

I didn't have them on the car for more than 5 races, but they appear to still be in like-new condition. I ran on stock/OEM mounts for about 3 seasons with absolutely no problems, and I had a bigger RSB as well. And I can't imagine how having a RSTB would make the RSMs fail quicker than without a RSTB. At least from my experience, those claims of failed OEM RSMs are overblown. Maybe that's accurate on an E34 wagon, but not on an E28. Who knows, maybe I had OEM RSMs on my car and aftermarket ones will fail quicker, but I doubt they will fail in a matter of weeks.

[95maxrider]

Alright, I've sold a lot of parts, but I still have the E34 Konis, E28 rear brake pads/rotors, and M20 motor mount arms still available. Someone please buy them!

[95maxrider]

Hey everyone! In case you haven't heard, there are fixes out now to enable viewing of the locked out Photobucket pictures!

If you're using Google Chrome, go to the three dots on the right side of the screen and click them. A drop down should appear. Hover your mouse over "More Tools," and when the next drop down appears, click on extensions. Go to the link towards the bottom that says "Get more extensions." In the search box, type "Photobucket Fix," and hit enter. Click the install button and once it's done, you should be able to see Photobucket pictures again.

For Firefox users, click on the three bars on the right side of the screen, then click on add-ons. Click search for "Photobucket hotlink" and click install. Same result.

[dsmith]

Hey everyone! In case you haven't heard, there are fixes out now to enable viewing of the locked out Photobucket pictures!

If you're using Google Chrome, go to the three dots on the right side of the screen and click them. A drop down should appear. Hover your mouse over "More Tools," and when the next drop down appears, click on extensions. Go to the link towards the bottom that says "Get more extensions." In the search box, type "Photobucket Fix," and hit enter. Click the install button and once it's done, you should be able to see Photobucket pictures again.

For Firefox users, click on the three bars on the right side of the screen, then click on add-ons. Click search for "Photobucket hotlink" and click install. Same result.

Or just use the img link and it is not an issue.

[Jefrobod75]

(This is a copy and paste job from the original July 2012 posting on Maxima.org)

Quick reference guide to the thread:
325i 885 head swap- Page 1
Big sway bars- Bottom of 2
Milk crate and drifter for a day- Middle of 3
Broken motor mount arm- Bottom of 3
Recaro seats- 3-4
First race win- 4
Failed Bilsteins- 4
M20B25/325i single mass flywheel, E34 front BBK, and E34 rear shocks- 4
BYW. Bilstein is the brand. I didn’t recognize the sarcasm if that was case. Sorry I blew up.
Well I finally graduated from Understeer University and have acquired a 1988 BMW 528e with the 2.7 ETA motor! I still have the I30 for DD and auto-x, but this car is going to get beat up at rally-x and hopefully Lemons. I went in on the car with a friend since we wanted a track car, but didn't feel the need to each own one. When this deal came up, it was too good to pass up. Let me elaborate.

This car was actually already built to run in the 24 Hours of Lemons, but the previous owner needed to get rid of it quick, so we got it for a deal! The only things that need to be done for it to be ready for Lemons is to pad the roll cage around the driver and relocate the battery (kit included!). The car is poo brown and has 217k on it, but seems to run like a champ. Let's do a quick rundown on what is and is not in this car.

Already on the car:
Full custom roll cage
Bilsteins/lowering springs (can't remember the brand)
New front control arm-like things (again, can't remember name....maybe thrust arms?)
All new fluids
Momo racing seat with a harness
Momo steering wheel
3" exhaust after the headers
Rear subframe rust fixed, subframe welded to chassis
3.23 LSD
Some Borbet 15" wheels with mismatched 225 AS rubber
Lots of torque (well, compared to horsepower)
Poo-brown paint that appears to all be factory and in quite good condition.....for now.....I think there are like two dings on the entire car. The body panels are in far superior shape to the ones on my I30

Some assorted pics:

[Jefrobod75]

(This is a copy and paste job from the original July 2012 posting on Maxima.org)

Quick reference guide to the thread:
325i 885 head swap- Page 1
Big sway bars- Bottom of 2
Milk crate and drifter for a day- Middle of 3
Broken motor mount arm- Bottom of 3
Recaro seats- 3-4
First race win- 4
Failed Bilsteins- 4
M20B25/325i single mass flywheel, E34 front BBK, and E34 rear shocks- 4
BYW. Bilstein is the brand. I didn’t recognize the sarcasm if that was case. Sorry I blew up.
Well I finally graduated from Understeer University and have acquired a 1988 BMW 528e with the 2.7 ETA motor! I still have the I30 for DD and auto-x, but this car is going to get beat up at rally-x and hopefully Lemons. I went in on the car with a friend since we wanted a track car, but didn't feel the need to each own one. When this deal came up, it was too good to pass up. Let me elaborate.

This car was actually already built to run in the 24 Hours of Lemons, but the previous owner needed to get rid of it quick, so we got it for a deal! The only things that need to be done for it to be ready for Lemons is to pad the roll cage around the driver and relocate the battery (kit included!). The car is poo brown and has 217k on it, but seems to run like a champ. Let's do a quick rundown on what is and is not in this car.

Already on the car:
Full custom roll cage
Bilsteins/lowering springs (can't remember the brand)
New front control arm-like things (again, can't remember name....maybe thrust arms?)
All new fluids
Momo racing seat with a harness
Momo steering wheel
3" exhaust after the headers
Rear subframe rust fixed, subframe welded to chassis
3.23 LSD
Some Borbet 15" wheels with mismatched 225 AS rubber
Lots of torque (well, compared to horsepower)
Poo-brown paint that appears to all be factory and in quite good condition.....for now.....I think there are like two dings on the entire car. The body panels are in far superior shape to the ones on my I30

Some assorted pics:

[95maxrider]

Did you have a question or something Jefrobod75?