BMW's galore!

Repairs start on the M3 next week. Just sourcing panels prior to going on the jig. It'll be a stunner once finished. I'll take you up the hill at next gathering.

No idea re e21 mate. Tired of the whole car thing to be honest.

Awesome to hear that the M3 is getting repaired! Just don't get too carried away and take 3 years on it!!!

Well today I should finally get confirmation from the insurance company and finally be able to start sourcing parts. I have the jig booked for the 24th so certainly need to get the new panels by then.

Obviously it was never going to be as easy as just ringing my local dealership for parts, but even used stuff is getting tough to source. I figured I would start with the most obvious part first, the rear panel. Now BMW do still list these and they're only about £260! Unfortunately though, they're on back order from Germany. This means they are waiting till there's enough demand for them to do a manufacturing run and that could be months or even years! Now I could use a pre facelift cabriolet panel and enlarge the exhaust cut out, but they are out of stock too! The only viable options are either second hand or pattern parts? I would rather not use a pattern part if I can help it but it'll depend how good any used panel I find turns out to be. I have to call Big Bavarian Beauties this morning to see.

Fortunately stuff like headlights, grills and badges are all easy enough to find from independent specialists like C3 BMW in Kent. The paint work is being done by a chap called Dave who used to trade as E21 Revival. He did a 318is for me last year and knows his way around old BMW. I was considering a colour change but have decided to stick with brilliant red. I am making a few changes though. I've managed to snag a set of BBS E50 split rim alloys and a pair of Recaro speed seats, which I intend having done in charcoal alcantara. I may go for red stitching too? I am also replacing the H&R suspension with KW 3 fully adjustable. The final touch is getting the cam cover back in Evo colours.

I've been invited to enter it into the BHP Fuel Fest show in June too.

My 924 turbo too ...... see you and the M3 there!!

It's great to hear that things are all sorted and this wonderful car is getting repaired...

I like the fact that it enables you to detail a few things that you wanted to get done...

I like the idea of those Recaro's with a bit of red stitching...!!! Lovely touch.

Excellent news Mark

Shame about the wheels, but pretty sure you could sell them for more than you paid for them on Edition 38, where the price of wheels is rather high!

Hows the original replacement for MIB coming on, any further news?

Also glad to see the new parts for the M£ turning up, funny how on a keyboard the 3 is also a pound sign!

Got an update on the E21 today and it's not far off being finished now. There are a few little issues that need sorting, such as the rad which has sprung another leak. It was refurb'd by AH Fabrications, but it was the one from old MIB, so may have heat damage? A replacement might be a better idea?

Excited.

After a few days on the jig we finally have everything back as it should be and within 1mm of factory spec.











As I didn't want to use pattern parts, I had to track down a good used rear panel. New have been on long term back order from BMW for a good few months now and are unlikely to be made any time soon. I was very lucky to find this one.







The repairs have gone really well and I couldn't be happier with the end result. Now we can get on with the remaining repairs and paintwork.