Alan's BMW E30..The Progression
Photography & Words By Wynn
1987 BMW 325is
It’s funny how things work, I started this site not really knowing what I wanted it to be. To be honest, I’m still not sure I have an idea of what it is or what it will become. Yet, I do know I enjoy classic bimmers and the stories that come with their ownership. Sure, I’m not the best photographer or story writer out there, but having an avenue in which I get to discuss these cars with their fellow owners is really what I feel this sites’ mentality is all about. Alan is one of these owners, day ones will remember his E30 from the early goings of the site. His E30 was immaculate then and has only gotten better with time.
The most prevalent change is of course the colour. “I’ve always liked green,” Alan exclaims while we discussed this big change for the E30. Last time we saw this car, it was the original Diamond Schwarz and Alan is very adamant in preserving that colour underneath this fresh wrap.
Being able to preserve the original paint, yet still having the ability to change things up is one of the reasons I adore wrap. Sure, it’s not as majestic as fresh paint but for situations like this, it’s perfect. The new colour definitely does a great job at being different, yet still feels as though it’s within the OEM realm. The wrap job itself has been done extremely well, and was one of the few things Alan outsourced to the professionals. Truth be told, it’s extremely hard to even notice the car is wrapped.
One of the tasks Alan did tackle was the newly swapped power-plant, now in the form of an S52. Not being a stranger to engine swaps, tackling this wasn’t too much of a sweat. Last time this E30 was on the site it was powered by an M52 in which his Father and him had tackled together. In fact, this situation wasn’t too different, apart from the two being more knowledgeable this time around. In fact, as I talked to Alan about the whole swap experience, I got the feeling that his Father was this “jedi” like master mechanic. Alan mentions his Father would never admit to being such a mechanically skilled individual, as he’s much too modest for that. Yet, credit has to be given where credit is due. The swap has been done extremely well. Alan took the time to shave his engine bay before putting the new power-plant in and I have to admit, this E30’s engine bay is clean enough to eat off.
Alan also decided on cutting the hood just enough where “legally speaking,” the moving parts within the bay wouldn’t cause any issues on the road. It also allows for the hard work to be displayed, showing the clean engine swap and bay to those whom find it interesting and inspiring.
For Alan, the hood decision is more of a conversation piece than anything. Personally, I feel it’s a good touch to the overall look and feel of the car. I can picture it cruising down the highway, the strut brace and wheels gleaming perfectly in the sun. Speaking of wheels, Alan decided to go with a set of two piece BBS LM’s sizing 17x8” upfront and 17x9” in the rear. It’s obvious they perfectly bring the whole package together. Many would look at this E30 and think it’s perfect, and couldn’t possibly think of anything to add or change. Of course, as with many other owners on this site, Alan knows the project rarely reaches the finish line. Alan is planning on going towards a bagged system, for the flexibility of fitting different wheel setups. He is also planning on a full respray at some point in time.
While I stood there gawking at the E30’s perfection, I couldn’t help but think how much things have changed. In a way, it feels like I’ve come full circle in being able to feature this car again. I was so impressed with Alan’s E30 when I first saw it all that time ago, I couldn’t imagine it could be topped. Yet, Alan has done just that with the updates he’s brought to his E30. It has clearly become one of the best examples around and it’s evident with the recognition Alan receives wherever he goes with it. This E30 steals the attention anywhere it goes and the work put into it is all too prevalent, simply put it’s a job well done.
