Inspection & Update On All Projects - 1983 BMW E30 320i 5-speed - Project Marbais: Part 2

In this episode, this lovely gem from the '80s is delivered to the shop and we take a closer look at it. I also give you an update on all of the projects.
Thanks to Auto Simic Abschleppdienst for the transport - auto-simic.business.site/
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Email: [e-mail]

[@XenonG]

Micheal should get a lifetime achievement award from BMW for how great he took care of his E30.

[@Westside7be]

Michel :-)

[@maslamatters]

It's Michelle 😁

[@BXtremP]

@@maslamatters Considering the owner was obviously a male, and Michelle is a woman name, it's Michel.

[@maslamatters]

@@BXtremP oh you're right 😊

[@gtidigifantblokada8830]

no his real name is sreten

[@sebastiendebuisson5380]

Hey' ;-) at the time he was recording, he didn't know that the clutch was still the factory one. Also the jackpoints were bended by a longtime, but where...maybe a tire shop. Good luck with it!

[@hendongooner7383]

What a fantastic episode. Best wishes to you and Michel - so great that Sreten can bring new life to the car. Amazing story about that car and the joy it brought to Michel and his wife. This car is when BMW made really reliable and robust cars.

[@lukathegarlic]

There are a lot of shops who don't know to jack up cars or put them on the lift. Everytime I come with my E30 for a tire change I insist to put it on the lift myself. And don't use platform lifts on this car (the ones which lift the car by the whole mid-bottom surface of the car). It's unbeliveable how they don't check this before rising the car. On my E46 they managed to break underbody covers (how?) and push the jack pad into the chassis (how?!).

[@LordLauderdale]

What a cool car, kudos for keeping it original !

[@justus9694]

as much as this little bend doesn't look that horrible, I'd strongly suggest to cover it in Fluid Film or anything similar (maybe exactly Fluid Film isn't the best thing for such an exposed area, might get washed away pretty fast, but some kind of fat stuff) to make sure it stays the way it is and doesn't get worse.

[@robertadrianwayne]

Now he knows, we can't went to see you drive it!

[@onionfx]

"I'm not buying any more projects" 😂

[@M539Restorations]

I can have self-control when I need to. ;)

[@therealalex2120]

@@M539Restorations let’s see in a month or two 😛

[@chrisp.2544]

@@M539Restorations I can resist anything... except temptation

[@FootToPedal]

The simplicity of the engineering in these E30s is really what allows them to keep going for so long. Everything about them is just well thought out so that they're easy to work on and reliable. This is indeed one of the reasons I'm so enthusiastic about them! Keep up the great work Sreten 👍

[@EdgeOfPanic]

Yeah that's something you won't see anymore these days.

[@FootToPedal]

@@EdgeOfPanic sadly not...

[@FootToPedal]

@Zombie Head Yeah you're not wrong tbf 😂 from my ownership experience though, E30s are a lot better in terms of parts costs than some other modern classics. Volume is on our side, considering they made 2 million of them. Plenty of OEM suppliers still making parts for them which is awesome.

[@EdgeOfPanic]

@Zombie Head Very true old cars are expensive to maintain, keeping my Renault 19 16v (Ph2) running is not cheap, and then the problem IF you can find some parts you need because they aren't made anymore for years now. As we say in the scene: rather expensive then not for sale at all :P Then I live in The Netherlands, even more expensive then Germany.. with 98 octane petrol that costs €1.98 a liter and my low boost turbo converted 2.0 16v (230 HP/320Nm) likes lots if it...

[@louvendran7273]

I am not aware if you were around in the late 70s and 80s. The e30 turned BMW around. I lived in South Africa at the time, we did not get the e21 but it followed the e12 which was a nightmare to run. At its inception it was a pretty advanced car technologically. In my opinion the e36 was a much better car in terms of reliability especially the 4 cylinder models. BMW always had issues with reliability because of the technology they adopted.

[@dillanmistry]

Streten, people like you make me wanna buy the cars I love and maintain them and enjoy them without having to be a mechanic so thank you

[@justus9694]

absolutely! And people like him motivate me to try and do things on my own instead of running to the next mechanics shop for everything

[@dillanmistry]

@@justus9694 exactly right

[@Panzergrennie]

The E30 coupe is really one of a million. One owner in 40 years and all the documentation. AWESOME find! And got into the right hands too. 👍

[@TaylorGoesFast]

2 door sedan! No coupe E30s.

[@earlsmithson4749]

Glad your staying with the steel’s, they look so period correct.

[@cleison.]

They're not my cup of tea I admit, but whatever Sreten decides to do will look dope anyway

[@42Hertzer]

Check out project Utah from Retropower, the wheels look like steel rims but are alloy, looks like the ones on the Belgian bmw

[@carlosoruna7174]

BBS was a factory option.. YUP 13 INCH bbs..

[@digitalrailroader]

This E30 is an absolute time capsule; it looks like it just came out of a dealers showroom in 1983!

[@Tom-pe4iw]

I dont understand how you dont have 1 million subscribers yet this channel is amazing.

[@alexs3216]

Honestly i haven’t watched it yet, i’m saving it for later tonight when i can watch it without being bothered by my kids. Left a like though since i know it’ll be a good one.

[@twentyfivenhot]

well it is good, i promise. haha

[@gobxo]

The only E30 without cracked foglights! Respect +10. I thoroughly enjoy your content Sreten! Much love from Sweden!!

[@rodri7000]

Also without a totally cracked dashboard

[@azizhachimi8744]

What a knowledgeable, gifted, talented,.....& well-spoken man! Good for you Sreten!

[@FuzzySvini]

Really love your videos. As a detailer, I highly recommend that you remove you're floormat, open the glowe box and flip down the sunscreens (or what they are called) so the ozon (O³) will reach all surfaces :) I also recommend to roll out the seatbelts! Can't wait for more videos 😁

[@alp732]

*your

[@terrygould4136]

Yes that would B best !

[@FuzzySvini]

@@alp732 autocorrect! Thanks 👍

[@alp732]

@@FuzzySvini Ahaha no worries. It happens all the time!

[@TomislavHristicmchrile]

Ozone is write with subscript, you wrote superscript (exponent).

[@ganbuno]

This is the part i like where we carefully plan and talk about what we do for the project. Only, for me, I miserably fail after this process and go home to cry.

[@bradgray123]

So glad you are keeping it stock. I was a BMW tech in 1989 and the E30 was so well built. Amazing paint. Unfortunately they were the entry level for aspiring city lawyers and financiers and they would maintain them like the Corollas they traded in, so there tended to be a lot of sad young men in the service department when you told them the timing belt had broken, the valves were bent and AUD$3500 please.

[@sartoriale2761]

Wow... That 7 series 'Highline' is something special... Never seen that one on sale a long time ago. Give me a holla whenever you are not going to do anything with it. That thing is more special than the other 7 series from Karlsruhe

[@Lasertrac]

When I was a teenager, the closest BMW dealer was 30 miles away from where I lived. I used to drive to the dealership on Sundays dreaming of one day when I could own one. Great memories.

[@eugenealymov2723]

Did you end up owning one ?

[@sam-rs8wg]

When you're in there doing the clutch, make sure you do the starter at a similar time, otherwise it is a horrible job on its own.

[@red95gts]

That e30 is like a time capsule, it’s incredibly clean! I have an E39 M5 and an E30, the clutch feel is very different between the 2 cars. The e30, even with a new clutch, releases lower than the e39. Not as bad as you describe, but it always take a few minutes to get used to the e30’s clutch after driving the e39 Bilstein B4 for a street car over the monotube b6.

[@petticlone]

Agreed. The B4 is perfect for daily drivers

[@M539Restorations]

Good to know, thanks! Project Dubai has B6 and the ride is perfection, super comfy and sporty at the same time.

[@wwgbert]

Every time I watch this channel I get on my local Craigslist and search for BMW's, I really don't need one I just want one.

[@goodlessnaren]

"This car is too nice for me" : ) Thanks for another gem Streten. Dinner tastes twice as good with quality content!

[@graemeh2]

"Really irritating not being able to drive over 150 k/h" - I tell that to the police every time they stop me in the UK but they never seem that sympathetic?

[@Ahhhdam850]

why doesn't this have more views, ive been waiting to watch a M539 video all day

[@toysandgameswithesmeeandis4096]

Ahh the beauty of being a Patreon. Love the simplicity of the e30 design, BMW got it absolutely right with this model. I look forward to seeing how this project progresses.

[@MikeS42069]

I remember seeing E30s all over in the 90s. I still don't think I've EVER seen one this clean. Beautiful car, you were a great caretaker Michel!

[@danielcraig243]

Btw, I just recently got access to a garage, and Im replacing stuff on my 2007 Honda Civic. I had never removed a bolt on a car before, but its really fun, like a big puzzle. Your channel made me believe in my own ability in working on cars

[@rfreitas3298]

Patreon the crispy BMW. I want to see this beast back in the roads

[@jonathantuke1908]

I had a 323i 1983 Manual without power steering 2door. Seeing yours brings back happy memories. I’ve owned many BMWs since Including a similar vintage 325i automatic with power steering. Both were lovely cars and very quick. But the 323i with its manual box and uncorrupted wonderful non powered steering was by far my favourite. No other car that I’ve owned since has been as much fun to drive. Whatever you do, do not change the steering rack for a powered one. It would ruin the car. And I never found it heavy or slow witted just direct and communicative.

[@danielcraig243]

Thanks for the garage update. A great way to get new viewers hooked on whats going on aswell :)

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

An incredible little 3 series in what appears to be fantastic and (rather surprising) original condition. Most in the UK of this era still running have been molested and ruined. Quite a collection of cars now....can't wait to see them all brought back to life.

[@gratiansb]

Hi Sreten! I think the best project is M539 Retorations and the way You take care of it! Congrats and thanks for the inspiration You transmit! Bye!

[@HoustonToDinosaur]

I want to see the crispy e32 brought back to life more than anything else! What a revival that would be

[@terrencemkhululigxamza2472]

At the end of the video..just wished I could see more .... of the work on the E30..🏅

[@ziorxkomtuper]

Where you noticed the lower section of the fender was bent, you are right it should not be bent. E30s have special pickup points which are used during production of the vehicle. These production pickup points are often mistaken for jacking points. When jacking up the vehicle at the production pickup point, it is highly likely to damage the car. On your car, the production pickup points are missing entirely, indicating that the car had rust which has been removed, or the pickup points were badly damaged. Likely the damaged production pickup was removed, and sheet metal was welded in.

[@ma7modabdallah19]

Guys we need to get this man a medal here , his content should be nominated for Oscars ,Never get bored watching , New Video >>>> Coooooooming up ME: My day has Been Made already !

[@TheFastgeek]

Streten posts. I click like before the first ad starts; because this is the way. This channel is also one of the few that I'll not skip ads in. Enjoy your content immensely and, what's more, it's guilting me into fixing the '91 325ix sitting in my garage. :-)

[@alexwijnans4315]

We used to put grounded fresh coffee in bad smelling containers and still use it when i buy a new used car. Works perfekt and in combination with your ozon machine... worth a try😃

[@MarbleFox162]

I love someone with a real passion. Modern BMWs aren’t the most reliable cars, but he loves them enough to look past the imperfections. I love that!

[@Roberto-lo3iw]

It's always a pleasure to watch a new episode in the evening. Just relax and enjoy nice cars, technical insights and a very friendly guy fixing cars.

[@junamoor]

I have an 2003 E46 Convertible (I know you don’t like convertibles Streten) and after watching your videos I have decided to restore it! It’s in the body shop as we speak, can’t wait to get it back. Thank you for the inspiration Sir! Keep up the good work!

[@Seede112]

Thank to your videos I've now got a 330Ci in the same color as Project Cologne. Already fixed the oil filter housing leak and waiting for new parts ( and videos )

[@Miroslav717]

E23 and E24 missing in your bmw restoration collection... Best bmw restoration videos ever...

[@motheolebelo]

what a clean example of a E30. previous owner took care of the car properly.

[@yarkop6203]

I love that front end. the body lines are spectacular

[@nickstathes5711]

All car companies should take a look at the E30. So beloved, so simple, yet such a wonderful car. Worthy of The Ultimate Driving Machine title. Awesome purchase man!

[@jimschafer9196]

Thanks for the update on the stable inventory.

[@artvandelay4736]

Where can I get myself a bunch of those carbon fibre towels? Much appreciated!

[@1234extremelyreree]

@16:53 that yellow carbon fiber towel thou! :)

[@renas8670]

Costco

[@taunuslunatic404]

Being carbon fibre they must be incredibly light, don't you think?

[@LTW530]

I love this model year. I would not trade this model year to a new design.

[@gelmibson883]

Look at these big windows. Fantastic!

[@deanw1958]

Your making me miss my 2003 745li ...dont miss the constant service on these BMWs though. Great channel !

[@kostasmour5107]

Congratulations on your pure love for bmw, you saved representative specimens of the golden era of its time, my respects. I noticed that in the e30 the mirrors, the plastic in the c pillar in the crease hofmeister kink and the lip spoiler have been badly painted in the color of the car, I hope that they will be returned to the factory matte black color. I am tuned to the channel to enjoy the quality videos of a bmw enthusiast for bmw enthusiasts.

[@verdict1163]

I love that you don't over-restore. Some people would repaint the passenger door due to those marks but that risks more filler, not matching paint, door fitment issues, and other complications. Sympathetic restoration is the way to go

[@mountainhawk9802]

i hope one day we see an E34 on this channel........i really miss my 525i E34

[@normannieder-heitmann5398]

Regarding the noisy external fuel pump; same issue here. Potensial solution: I’ve read on forums that they become noisy when the in-tank fuel pump delivers inadequate (or no) fuel pressure. I’m having the same intens whining sounds (as well as occasional fuel starvation issues) on my ‘88 520i e28 (same fuel system architecture). I’ve replaced my external pump with a new bosch unit. The whining noise (& fuel starvation) remaines the same. I guess it’s worth it to clean out the fuel tank and replace the in-tank pump while you’re at it (my next step). Congrats on your first E30! This car is in a beutiful condition!

[@jamest5149]

I used to work with someone in the late 90’s with one of these, exact same spec and colour down to the wheels (other than RHD), it had stellar mileage (250k miles+) and he drove it like he stole it everyday down country lanes… very reliable and fun.. eventually he had to weld cracks behind the front strut towers from all the pounding in ditches and pot holes, no surprise, he was ma1

[@woutersleyffers1838]

Thanks so much for talking us through all your projects. Lost count, but you're nailing it!

[@yannis3535]

Now you have to explain to my wife why im obsessed again with e30 and im looking to buy one . 😁 awesome purchase this car is just amazing and its and awesome projet ! Congrats

[@lezzbmm]

7:38 thats so fkn cool re: the professional who found the original wrinkled leather to redo the wheel in ! amazing ~

[@DashDrones]

Welcome home Marbais🎉🥳 So many updates, more please sir!

[@jbuckley2546]

Not much in life makes me envious but nearly all of your old BMW's do.

[@PhD63]

Another excellent video Streten. Your presentation and video editing skills are exemplary. Can’t believe how many project cars you have on the go and still have another IT job. Well done. I enjoy every video you put out.

[@pipschannel1222]

It's a gem! That thing looks immaculate! A real time capsule you've got there, Sreten!

[@erqadezz]

it looks amaizing in my screen, i cant imagine how good it looks irl. Good choice with steel rims they look awesome!

[@rodri7000]

That e30 is one of the best purchases ever! For sure, a car to keep, a total survivor.

[@cosimocinquepalmi5160]

Immer wieder ein Highlight wenn du ein Video hochlädst

[@sifisophakathi2803]

What a beautiful car. So simple, perfect proportions. My all time favorite car. Love that you're keeping it original

[@EnvAdam]

I truly miss these cars from when my family had them when I was young, such an odd thing that 3/4 of us had a E30 and I was the only one without because I was just too young to drive.

[@OwierJacks]

Wow that E30 looks stunning!

[@oziylmaz4728]

I feel deeply deeply sorry for E32 highline. I wish you decide to bring it back to life. No E32 series deserves to be left to die. We are waiting for the good news dear friend.

[@ButtKickersReviews]

“Carbon fiber towel” 🤣 I love this channel ❤️

[@philwa22]

I love E30's so much, stunning car and I'm glad you're doing what you do best.. keeping it OEM and taking good care of it!

[@jonniceriani]

That is the best BMW E30 I have ever seen in so great conditions. My 1989 BMW E30 was in terrible conditions, as regards both rust underneath the car and mechanical issues. This E30 was lucky to have Michel as a perfect caring owner for many years. This car is lucky to have you as a perfect car loving owner. I definitely want to sat that this E30 is the luckiest one in the world. Congratulations! 👍

[@thecaptain5026]

What a find. Makes me think back to my first car. 316i. But I loved it.

[@Beemergirl89]

Very nice example for a car it’s age and original! Rare find!

[@samal-nuaimi6699]

Thank you for the updates!

[@Spleen214]

Great work as always and can’t wait for the upcoming episodes. I don’t understand how some people have given this a thumbs down, what’s not to love about what your doing.

[@ricardoelsewhere2805]

That’s a nice E30 gem that found its way into your life. It couldn’t have found a better home.

[@MrBlaadieblaa]

The foam under the hood was probably replaced when the car was repainted. It looks like the new replacement stuff you get from BMW when you order it. It's slightly different from the original. Totally go for Bilstein B6, transforms the ride of the car. Not hard or bumpy but solid and still comfortable, perfect! I have them under my E30 touring and couldn't be happier.

[@died4us590]

New to the channel, love the old car's, they were made better, and not full of miles of wire and electronics to go bad. I feel that all newer car's look alike, not like the older car's which had more color variance than black, silver, or white. I also hate when an old car is changed with stupid mods that make the car look bad, or cause failures because they change the the way the car was designed to handle and drive. Some thing's are okay to change, like engine swaps, because many car's initially had different sized motor options. Great video's, God bless.

[@benhoog4157]

YES!! When the car came of the truck, I was thinking...keep it like it is! So yes, stay on this rims and suspension! That's true OEM ;-). For this E30, I think this car is your most precious gift because of your lovely channel. Sitting on the edge of my chair watching this project. A good friend of mine has a similar E30 320i, including this rare seats.

[@blunt3777]

Thanks for this awesome update. Your dedication and work ethic towards these automobiles is truly a fun thing to view! I'll be waiting for the next video.

[@andrewg2322]

So glad your keeping those steel rims. Id buy them for my e30 in a second

[@driftbum7477]

Resto-modding a E30 myself, can't wait to see content on this gem. Awesome work as usual

[@romeocharlie]

Man, how I miss my E30.That is a one-in-a-million find. Thanks for sharing.

[@jackhammer2485]

Having worked on an 88 E30 325i, this car is in incredible condition. Pro tip, dropping the subframe with make your work a lot easier.

[@blastingweevil2968]

that car is 1 in a million to find one that looks so good for its age it is a mint example a truly beautiful car you are so lucky ...

[@ciaranburke3243]

I'm freaking out at how good this car is, i remember them when they were new 👌

[@bertholdbuschmann2721]

I had 2 E30s, a 316 that I drove for 4 years, and a 320 that I had for 10 years. Both were great cars and really fun to drive (and very reliable, too). Now I'm driving an E36 from 93 that I had for 24 years. Technically a better car than the E30 - still, I remember driving the E30s with a smile on my face! Keep up the fabulous work!

[@MrSHWP1]

You busy little bee......I always look fotward to new episodes. Really clear in explaining things and funny as always!🤣 Keep m coming amigo!

[@benjischneider4617]

I love this E30! My first girlfriends dad had one like this, he promised that I would inherit it, but I broke up with her, so I guess that isn't happening...Technically speaking, your E30 is not all original. I has the sports seats and steering wheel, so you may as well add OEM alloy wheels and springs ;) Will make the car look amazing and you can always put the steel wheels back on for when you're feeling old

[@louisdeysel7674]

Anybody else checking notifications everyday for a new episode?😂 dig this channel👌🏼

[@GarageItYourself]

Ah, yet another pleasant start to my day with your video and some tea n toast. Really looking forward to your coming content and the engine upgrades and swaps are gonna be super cool 😄

[@hebersonhaasepinheiro3160]

You are very fortunate on getting this

[@AJGreen-cn8kk]

Here in the "great white north" you couldn't find one this nice in the late 80's! That E30 is one in a million. You're a lucky man!

[@bennyz4929]

3:35 seriously will never find an E30 in as clean original condition as this vehicle, excellent purchase!

[@holgerwittmann6376]

Inowa days these cars are worth a fortune already, tendency going up a lot more! And what a great condition! WOW, nice catch!

[@teasmuggler3729]

The E30 is deffinitely a keeper. I've got one as well 318 coupe 4-speed automatic carburator, runs perfect! Love the videos keep up the good content!

[@GentilsGarage]

Fantastic. This car reminds me of the dolphin grey 1987 prefacelift 4 door 316 I had many years ago.

[@jarrydsavage7547]

Considering Micheal has actually used it for what it’s designed for, which is driving it, and not just leaving it in the garage, he has kept it in such great condition. It’s getting rare to see these old cars in such nice original condition. Love it mate.

[@vishS14]

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!! Beautifull car, amazing!