I got bored and jumped the gun!

So, I put everything on hold as the fuel system cleaner goes to work. It takes a full tank of gas, and I don't drive much, so I started to get bored. I promised myself I wouldn't spend anymore money on Blanco until the engine had a full diagnostic run to determine her health... But, I really disliked the broken front driver seat, and felt it was unsafe, so I went down to Autobahn BMW dismantling in El Cajon and picked up "newer" replacement sport seats. These newer seats were not perfect due to a very common bracket failing in the backrest. So, I pleaded with my neighbor and cousin Peter "Hot Dog" Finlan, paint and body Master at West Coast Choppers, to help me out. He's not a huge fan of the euro cars, but supports my efforts to work on my own car. He also allows me full access to his arsenal of professional tools!

Once I dismantled the seats and found the broken brackets, Peter welded them back together. And since I had the seats out it was a perfect time to wash the carpets! These things were disgusting! The previous owner literally dumped coffee, coke, oil, and dirt on the floor for fun! It took may rounds of scrubbing to get them semi clean. I don't know how long it will take to get the cleaning product smell out of her either. Blanco was a much better ride with new seats! I can actually see the hood now lol. Peter also went to work pulling the dent in the hood out.

While I was down at Autobahn, getting the seats, I grabbed the passenger side trim I was missing. I also ordered a new Kidney Grille to give Blanco some of her dignity back! And last but not least I removed that horrible rear spoiler skirt! These small cosmetic additions really made a big difference. Oh, and I fixed the broken headlight.

I'm still waiting on that tank of gas:(

First things first.

With the purchase of any used car it's a good idea to do some very basic maintenance right away. I'm talking about belts, hoses, spark plugs, air, oil, and fuel filters, and a radiator and oil change flush. I wanted to get the belts done right away cause I wanted my power steering back asap. The previous owner had a good aftermarket K&N air filer installed but it needed a major cleaning. I'm also running a fuel system cleaner before I put my new fuel filter on. The oil change turned into a pain when it was clear the oil pan bolt was stripped and the bolt was not the factor bolt:( My only immediate option was to wrap that bolt with thread tape and put it back in with a new crush washer. It drips ever so slightly and I need to look in to a new oil pan or larger bolt! Everything else was pretty basic until I got to the spark plugs!

I found oil in 2 of the spark plug recesses, so it was pretty obvious that I had a valve gasket leak. No worries though that's a basic project and I can inspect the timing chain while I'm in there. The timing chain looked good, and she runs pretty quite, but i'm probably gonna get a new timing chain tensioner soon and a new thermostat. I also want to get some new ignition wires for the spark plugs but I won't invest in that $170.00 until I can give my engine a clean bill of health.

For now I'm gonna put a 100 miles on her or so and see what gives. If everything hangs in there I'll go for a leak down test and engine diagnostic to determine the condition of the engine. If all is good I'll move on to the interior and exterior cosmetics.

Why BMW's and the 1991 318is?

As I mentioned before I've always had a fascination with BMW's as the Roundel on my fathers 1771 2002 is among my first memories. I've refurbished a 1992 E36 325i and I owned a 2002 E46 325i for many years. My Brother had a 1986 E30 325i and my sister had a 1986 E28 535i. My father also owned a 2003 Mini Cooper as well. So BMW's have kinda always been in the family.

I chose the 1991 E30 318is for many reasons. The M42 engine is damn near bullet proof! I was very interested in a 4 cylinder due to the economy and the price of gas. But, most of all the 318is was only offered in North America for 1 year before the introduction of the E36 platform. So, a 1991 North American E30 318is is a very rare car.

Blanco Corazon is in pretty bad shape, so with that came some buyers remorse. For weeks after the purchase I scanned craigslist, for all of Southern California, looking for another 1991 318is and never found another. So, I'm happy I found her!

Here are some photos of what Blanco may look like in the near future!

The origin of Blanco Corazón!

So, there I was scanning craigslist for a truck when I laid my eyes on a white 1991 BMW E30 318is for $1200. I've always loved BMW's ever since I was a child riding around in my fathers 1971 BMW 2002. I also graduated from high school in 1991 and I always loved the BMW E30's, so the stars were aligning so to speak? I called up the seller for more information and all I could get out of the guy was "clean title, no leaks and, it runs great!"

I got $1200 cash together and jumped on a train from San Diego to Los Angeles. I've always had a car and even though I lived in the Echo Park neighborhood of LA for years, I wasn't up to par on public transportation. Now, this 318is was located in East Los Angeles at a tow yard so I boarded a super crowded bus going in that general direction and used the GPS on my iphone to see how close I was getting to my destination. Although, I had made good progress my bus started to go in the wrong direction, so I got off at the next stop and headed down a cross street. I saw a bus stop on this cross street so I figured I could jump on another bus. After waiting a bit too long I got nervous with all the cash I had and rather than stand there like a target I decided to start walking. At 6'1, 220 lbs, long hair, and beard I cut a fairly imposing figure, but being white in this area is like having a flashing sign attached to your head. I ended up walking like 14 blocks through East LA, with no incident, all the way to this tow yard. I never saw another bus!

She was parked right out front so I gave her a once over. She was in terrible condition! The original Alpine White finish had been painted over with a flat white spray can! This guy managed to take a single picture, for the craigslist ad, from the one slim angle that hid nearly all her flaws. Apparently she'd been abandoned on the highway or something and the cost of getting her out of the tow yard exceeded the value of the car so the previous own, possible still in jail, decided not to pay? I jumped in for a test drive and was directed to make a right turn only half mile loop back to the tow yard. The interior of the car was disgusting beyond description with a funky smell on top of it. The driver seat was destroyed and couldn't even support my weight haha! I could tell immediately the power steering was gone along with all the bushings, struts, and shocks cause the handling was terrible. However, the engine appeared to be strong despite the 217,050 miles on the odometer.

I Kelly Blue Booked the car at a fair value of $800 and said there was no way I'd pay more than that. I immediately asked for directions to the nearest bus stop! He picked up on the idea that I would not negotiate. He called his boss for approval and only got an answering machine. As we waited for a call back I sat there praying that he would decline the $800 offer cause this was more of a project car than I was interested in getting myself into. After 20 mins and no call back, my contact said he'd make an executive decision and sell me the car for $800! Oh man, she needed some major work, but it was a rare BMW, and I was already in love despite her condition. So, I paid up and drove her back to San Diego.

On my trip home I learned so much more! The odometer didn't work! How many mile were actually on this car? The temp gauge was also not working, one head light was out, and the rear right wheel bearing was shot. Nearly all of these things were not detectable in a half mile right turn only loop test drive haha! But, I didn't care this was 1991 E30 318is!

So, I named her Blanco Corazón because she's white, found in East LA, and at 217,000+ miles on top of all the years of neglect she certainly has true heart!

The Mission.

My mission with a project car is to resurrect from the grave, what most would consider a complete loss bound for car heaven. I think of it as recycling. Now, I use the term resurrect as in refurbish to mechanically sound, safe, and fun driving condition. I use the term refurbish as opposed to restore, as the term restore conjures up images of pristine showroom floor conditions. All repairs must be completed by myself or with the help of a friend. I will also try to avoid using a mechanic at all costs.

The price tag for such an endeavor is also important, so I will track the cost of the refurb. I will only purchase new parts when absolutely necessary. Otherwise, I'll be visiting BMW dismantling yards for all needs.

I personally have no education or professional background in auto mechanics. I will use various repair manuals and online resources.

Project Car 2010 will be a 1991 BMW E30 318is named Blanco Corazon!

Disclaimer: I'm not a professional mechanic. The information I supply via this blog is for entertainment purposes only, and to be used at your own risk and discretion. The use of professional tools and safety practices are a must for myself and anyone attempting a repair inspired by this blog. Not all E30's are alike. Do your own research, for your model year, before attempting a repair. Bottom line is I'm not responsible for anything you do to yourself or your car.