Nefarious
12-12-2005, 12:32 PM
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526685.jpg
Old Blue
Jonas Goldsmith and his very rare ‘82 323ci
Words: Brad Harvey – daygoVR6, socaleuro.com
Photos: Jared Jurgensmeier
The BMW namesake has long been identified in the European car world as being as one of the more dominat manufacturers when it comes to tuning. Recently., BMW's popularity has grown extensively in the euro-tuning world as more and more people trade in their vehicles for an E36 or E46 chassis. Only in certain instances do you run across an older BMW that someone has put in the effort to restore and rejuvenate, so that we can remember the days before factory sequential transmissions and 18 inch wheels. Jonas Godsmith shows us that old school BMWs are just as fun and cool as the new ones with his very rare 1982 323ci.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526681.jpghttp://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526671.jpg
The enjoyment for BMWs came at an early age through his dad being an avid BMW fan himself, though Jonas first started out with an ’87 Porsche 944S, one of 63 available in the U.S. painted Diamond Blue Metallic. It wasn’t long before he got sick of dealing with the nickel and dime game with the 944, and sold it for an ’87 E28 535IS with a rare euro-spec motor under the hood. Eventually the 535IS was sold in favor of an older 2002 BMW. “I was looking for something that would be better balanced for auto-crossing,” Jonas explains. In an attempt to get ready for the ’04 Bimmerfest venue, the 2002 wouldn’t coopperate and it looked as though he wasn’t going to be able to make it. Fortunately a buddy of his offered up his rare 323CI to the event. It wasn’t long before Jonas and his dad made an offer to take the 323CI off his hands.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526675.jpg
The E21 323CI chassis is a very rare breed, as it never was imported into the U.S during its production days. What you see here is a full-blown European spec BMW that even longtime enthusiasts mistake for its U.S. based counterpart, which was the E30 3 series, launched that same year. “Most of the paper work is in German; from what I can make out the car was privately imported into the U.S. in the mid '80s.” Jonas tells me. Aside from the final touches Jonas and his dad made the car was mostly restored when they purchased it. “Most people say that half of the fun is modding the car, and I agree, a lot of the fun does come this way, but that’s what I have my 2002 for,” he explains.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526659.jpghttp://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526658.jpg
One of the biggest modifications made was the replacement of the engine. Originally, the 323 came equipped with a 2.3L M20B23 four cylinder, but was quickly swapped in favor of the 2.5L M20B25 engine giving this car a definitive sleeper status. While the engine was put together, a Schrick camshaft was added along with a lightened flywheel to help free up some extra power. An oil-cooler from an E30 found its way into the engine compartment, and a custom exhaust system modeled after an Alpina B6 was put in place of that stock piping. Gear changes are made though a factory 5-speed transmission with a set of 3.73 gears in the rear end.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526667.jpg
The factory bodylines remain untouched, as Jonas wanted to keep everything as close to the original car as possible. “Although I would like to eventually change out the front chin spoiler for something that isn’t so weathered,” he tells me. Hella H4 headlamps have been installed along with a set of clear lenses from a ’77 BMW. Jonas actually used an old trick to change the lenses from orange to clear. “The older side markers were dyed orange using sub-par chemicals, a simple sun bleaching method gives them the look of clear lenses,” Jonas explains. Three piece Epsillon 15x7 wheels that have been color matched to the body keep Jonas rolling down the road with 205/50/15 Kuhmo Ecsta Supra 712’s on all four corners. Suspension Techniques springs combined with Bilstein sport struts and shocks give this BMW its lowered stance. Suspension Techniques sway bars are also in place of the factory ones giving Jonas a better handling car for the occasional weekend autocross.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/566476.jpghttp://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/566483.jpg
Since this car is just a weekend cruiser for Jonas and his dad they kept the interior simple. Recaro seats from a euro edition 635CSI have been given the tweed treatment along with the door panels and rear bench seating. An original Hartage steering wheel made by MOMO in the ‘80s for the German tuner replaced the factory unit. VDO voltmeter and oil pressure gauges on a custom gauge cluster mounted in the lower center console help keep an eye on engine vitals. The main gauge cluster has a speedometer in MPH to meet federal standards when it was first imported to the U.S., but the tachometer , with its green to red colored RPM indicators, remains a rarity that isn't found on any of its North American counterparts. The center console has been modified with the addition of a euro rear center consol out of the same model year 528I helping hide the parking brake and give the interior a completed look. The piece fits so nicely it almost looks as though it was made for the car. One thing Jonas is looking to do next is replace the stereo system. “Most of what is there is blown or the wiring is fried, so that should hopefully be fixed this winter,” he tells me.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526669.jpg
Jonas and his dad have a great project that they have been able to enjoy over the last year. Recently they have been taking the car to various historic car shows to sit in the BMW corral and have had the opportunity to enjoy the surroundings of other BMW enthusiasts. Jonas tells me he’s not so much interested in trophies or awards as he is in just being able to enjoy this car. “This car is a driver not a show car, and I most certainly don’t treat it like one. Its really nice to have a fun car that I can just get in and drive when ever I feel like it without worrying about recent work or something,” he explains. I couldn’t agree more.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526654.jpghttp://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/566494.jpg
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year - 1982 Make – BMW Model – 323i
Owner – Jonas Goldsmith
Location – San Diego, CA
Occupation - Student
Engine –M20B2 Size – 2.5L
Engine Modifications - 2.5L M20B25 motor swap (was originally a 2.3L M20B23), Schrick cam, lightened flywheel, e30 M3 oil cooler, custom exhaust modeled after an Alpina B6, 3.73 LSD
Transmission – stock 5spd
Suspension – Suspension Techniques springs and sway bars, Bilstein sport struts/shocks, urethane bushings everywhere.
Exterior / Body mods – Epsillon 15x7 3 piece wheels, centers painted to match the body color, Kuhmo Ecesta Supra 712 tires in 205/50/15, Hella H4 headlamps, 1977 BMW 320i sun bleached clear corners
Interior mods – Hartge steering wheel made by momo, tweed Recaros out of a euro 635csi, tweed door panels and rear seat, some random stereo that needs to be professionally redone with new components, euro e28 rear center console section used to cover up the ebrake and provide an extension to the stock center console, custom gauge cluster in the lower center console which houses a volt meter and oil pressure gauge,
Quick shout outs, thanks to, quick plug – This car is a driver. Its not a show car, and I most certainly don’t treat it like one! There are no stickers, no sponsorships, no sacrifices for performance. This car is quite simply a fun car to drive!
SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS BY JARED BY CLICKING HERE (http://www.snapandshare.com/photo_album-uid-11046-fid-34231.htm)
SEE THE PHOTOS BY BRAD BY CLICKING HERE (http://www.snapandshare.com/photo_album-uid-11046-fid-35650.htm)
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526673.jpghttp://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526678.jpg
Old Blue
Jonas Goldsmith and his very rare ‘82 323ci
Words: Brad Harvey – daygoVR6, socaleuro.com
Photos: Jared Jurgensmeier
The BMW namesake has long been identified in the European car world as being as one of the more dominat manufacturers when it comes to tuning. Recently., BMW's popularity has grown extensively in the euro-tuning world as more and more people trade in their vehicles for an E36 or E46 chassis. Only in certain instances do you run across an older BMW that someone has put in the effort to restore and rejuvenate, so that we can remember the days before factory sequential transmissions and 18 inch wheels. Jonas Godsmith shows us that old school BMWs are just as fun and cool as the new ones with his very rare 1982 323ci.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526681.jpghttp://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526671.jpg
The enjoyment for BMWs came at an early age through his dad being an avid BMW fan himself, though Jonas first started out with an ’87 Porsche 944S, one of 63 available in the U.S. painted Diamond Blue Metallic. It wasn’t long before he got sick of dealing with the nickel and dime game with the 944, and sold it for an ’87 E28 535IS with a rare euro-spec motor under the hood. Eventually the 535IS was sold in favor of an older 2002 BMW. “I was looking for something that would be better balanced for auto-crossing,” Jonas explains. In an attempt to get ready for the ’04 Bimmerfest venue, the 2002 wouldn’t coopperate and it looked as though he wasn’t going to be able to make it. Fortunately a buddy of his offered up his rare 323CI to the event. It wasn’t long before Jonas and his dad made an offer to take the 323CI off his hands.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526675.jpg
The E21 323CI chassis is a very rare breed, as it never was imported into the U.S during its production days. What you see here is a full-blown European spec BMW that even longtime enthusiasts mistake for its U.S. based counterpart, which was the E30 3 series, launched that same year. “Most of the paper work is in German; from what I can make out the car was privately imported into the U.S. in the mid '80s.” Jonas tells me. Aside from the final touches Jonas and his dad made the car was mostly restored when they purchased it. “Most people say that half of the fun is modding the car, and I agree, a lot of the fun does come this way, but that’s what I have my 2002 for,” he explains.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526659.jpghttp://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526658.jpg
One of the biggest modifications made was the replacement of the engine. Originally, the 323 came equipped with a 2.3L M20B23 four cylinder, but was quickly swapped in favor of the 2.5L M20B25 engine giving this car a definitive sleeper status. While the engine was put together, a Schrick camshaft was added along with a lightened flywheel to help free up some extra power. An oil-cooler from an E30 found its way into the engine compartment, and a custom exhaust system modeled after an Alpina B6 was put in place of that stock piping. Gear changes are made though a factory 5-speed transmission with a set of 3.73 gears in the rear end.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526667.jpg
The factory bodylines remain untouched, as Jonas wanted to keep everything as close to the original car as possible. “Although I would like to eventually change out the front chin spoiler for something that isn’t so weathered,” he tells me. Hella H4 headlamps have been installed along with a set of clear lenses from a ’77 BMW. Jonas actually used an old trick to change the lenses from orange to clear. “The older side markers were dyed orange using sub-par chemicals, a simple sun bleaching method gives them the look of clear lenses,” Jonas explains. Three piece Epsillon 15x7 wheels that have been color matched to the body keep Jonas rolling down the road with 205/50/15 Kuhmo Ecsta Supra 712’s on all four corners. Suspension Techniques springs combined with Bilstein sport struts and shocks give this BMW its lowered stance. Suspension Techniques sway bars are also in place of the factory ones giving Jonas a better handling car for the occasional weekend autocross.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/566476.jpghttp://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/566483.jpg
Since this car is just a weekend cruiser for Jonas and his dad they kept the interior simple. Recaro seats from a euro edition 635CSI have been given the tweed treatment along with the door panels and rear bench seating. An original Hartage steering wheel made by MOMO in the ‘80s for the German tuner replaced the factory unit. VDO voltmeter and oil pressure gauges on a custom gauge cluster mounted in the lower center console help keep an eye on engine vitals. The main gauge cluster has a speedometer in MPH to meet federal standards when it was first imported to the U.S., but the tachometer , with its green to red colored RPM indicators, remains a rarity that isn't found on any of its North American counterparts. The center console has been modified with the addition of a euro rear center consol out of the same model year 528I helping hide the parking brake and give the interior a completed look. The piece fits so nicely it almost looks as though it was made for the car. One thing Jonas is looking to do next is replace the stereo system. “Most of what is there is blown or the wiring is fried, so that should hopefully be fixed this winter,” he tells me.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526669.jpg
Jonas and his dad have a great project that they have been able to enjoy over the last year. Recently they have been taking the car to various historic car shows to sit in the BMW corral and have had the opportunity to enjoy the surroundings of other BMW enthusiasts. Jonas tells me he’s not so much interested in trophies or awards as he is in just being able to enjoy this car. “This car is a driver not a show car, and I most certainly don’t treat it like one. Its really nice to have a fun car that I can just get in and drive when ever I feel like it without worrying about recent work or something,” he explains. I couldn’t agree more.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526654.jpghttp://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/566494.jpg
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year - 1982 Make – BMW Model – 323i
Owner – Jonas Goldsmith
Location – San Diego, CA
Occupation - Student
Engine –M20B2 Size – 2.5L
Engine Modifications - 2.5L M20B25 motor swap (was originally a 2.3L M20B23), Schrick cam, lightened flywheel, e30 M3 oil cooler, custom exhaust modeled after an Alpina B6, 3.73 LSD
Transmission – stock 5spd
Suspension – Suspension Techniques springs and sway bars, Bilstein sport struts/shocks, urethane bushings everywhere.
Exterior / Body mods – Epsillon 15x7 3 piece wheels, centers painted to match the body color, Kuhmo Ecesta Supra 712 tires in 205/50/15, Hella H4 headlamps, 1977 BMW 320i sun bleached clear corners
Interior mods – Hartge steering wheel made by momo, tweed Recaros out of a euro 635csi, tweed door panels and rear seat, some random stereo that needs to be professionally redone with new components, euro e28 rear center console section used to cover up the ebrake and provide an extension to the stock center console, custom gauge cluster in the lower center console which houses a volt meter and oil pressure gauge,
Quick shout outs, thanks to, quick plug – This car is a driver. Its not a show car, and I most certainly don’t treat it like one! There are no stickers, no sponsorships, no sacrifices for performance. This car is quite simply a fun car to drive!
SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS BY JARED BY CLICKING HERE (http://www.snapandshare.com/photo_album-uid-11046-fid-34231.htm)
SEE THE PHOTOS BY BRAD BY CLICKING HERE (http://www.snapandshare.com/photo_album-uid-11046-fid-35650.htm)
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526673.jpghttp://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/daygoVR6/526678.jpg