I am an idiot...

[Zephyr]

and most of you know it... but...
Found this 2002... complete in mechanical parts, missing cosmetics and interior.
Retirement is hard to digest, spending the day doing nothing.
Thinking of turning this to a classic hillclimb racer with period correct parts...
But since I am a compulsive buyer I may or may not want to keep it when done, so if spending for a period correct racer equals a full restoration to original spec I am puzzled about what should I do.
It will be (if bought) a winter project and probably ready for the last events of 2025 (September to November).
But havent made up my mind on what should I do... asking for that little push that will help me decide.
thanks

https://www.car.gr/classifieds/cars/view/334540894-bmw-2002

 

[Dino D]

That looks a big project but
1yr…maybe 2 no?

 

[Pond]

I would say is that it is a BIG project, so you need to be committed and be prepared for it to cost a lot of money and time.
Keeping interested is the hardest part IME, along with the constant bills. Finding parts will be difficult and probably more expensive than they should be.

But.....it is a rare car and sought after car (in the UK anyway) and should be worth the money you will need to spend.

 

[Zephyr]

Roughly calculated stock vs racer and what you save on upholstery for example you spend on homologated seats, what you save on correct instruments and dash you spend on Halda tripmasters, what you save on immaculate paint job you spend on mechanical parts and so on.
The racer concept is an easier one and the restoration to spec probably more expensive. There is also the restomod way but then the target audience on selling is very limited.

its a tough decision and it can go terribly wrong if taken without thought.

 

[DomiMik]

You're already familiar with such a project? -> go for it!

First time ever you want to rebuild a pile of metal? -> let it be!

Simple as that IMO. Not the best project to start with if you've never done anything similar before, in this case I'd rather choose something more simple for the beginning. But if you have the knowledge and/or skills and/or money, why not!

 

[Zephyr]

You're already familiar with such a project? -> go for it!

First time ever you want to rebuild a pile of metal? -> let it be!

Simple as that IMO. Not the best project to start with if you've never done anything similar before, in this case I'd rather choose something more simple for the beginning. But if you have the knowledge and/or skills and/or money, why not!

Ive done it in the past while I was still working and it went fine. I have the tools, know my way with metal and am willing to be 100% dedicated.
its all about what to end with...

 

[DomiMik]

Ive done it in the past while I was still working and it went fine. I have the tools, know my way with metal and am willing to be 100% dedicated.
its all about what to end with...

Well, what about your previous cars so far? Where they 100% stock and rather collectibles in pristine condition or did you use them as driving machines including tweaking, mods and individual stuff?

I think if you've always preferred an original car, you won't be happy with a heavily modified race car, although it may seem appealing right now. You can't get out of your own skin, as we say here...

 

[Zephyr]

Well, what about your previous cars so far? Where they 100% stock and rather collectibles in pristine condition or did you use them as driving machines including tweaking, mods and individual stuff?

I think if you've always preferred an original car, you won't be happy with a heavily modified race car, although it may seem appealing right now. You can't get out of your own skin, as we say here...

So far everything I owned was either pristine or as good as it could be, and in tip top mechanical condition. If I was not satisfied it went for sale without second thought.
Even if I build a classic racer, I will try to make it perfect and this is an issue. I may not take it to a real race just because I wouldnt want to scratch it. So you are really helping me in this, extracting answers that are in my head but I just hide them deep under the carpet of enthusiasm.

 

[AntStark]

Sorry I answered before reading your post

 

[BillyB]

You've done the restoration projects. Build a racer and have some fun days out while you can.

 

[Pond]

If you want to do it, do it, as it sounds like you at least CAN do it.
If you are thinking of a racer for ease and less expenditure, I don't think it will be easier, or cheaper necessarily, to get it authentic.
I would go the full restoration to standard spec. But after doing my 250, I won't personally be doing anything like this again.

One thing to bear in mind is age and fitness. I have realised quickly that I'm not 25 anymore, so clambering around under and in cars is becoming a real struggle. I get aches and pains in places where I didn't even know I had places!
Obviously easier if you have a proper full height car lift, which you may have?

 

[Duncodin]

I voted "sure". Isn't that the same as "Yes".

You are an idiot. But what's the point in being the same as everyone else.

So go for it. What else y'gonna do? Retired? Sit watching TV?

Originally I was going to say restore to original retail spec. But by the time I got to writing this I changed my mind. BMW has a rich racing history so a racing spec is still standard. Do it proper though. Go for it. Racing will be fun.

 

[Zephyr]

If you want to do it, do it, as it sounds like you at least CAN do it.
If you are thinking of a racer for ease and less expenditure, I don't think it will be easier, or cheaper necessarily, to get it authentic.
I would go the full restoration to standard spec. But after doing my 250, I won't personally be doing anything like this again.

One thing to bear in mind is age and fitness. I have realised quickly that I'm not 25 anymore, so clambering around under and in cars is becoming a real struggle. I get aches and pains in places where I didn't even know I had places!
Obviously easier if you have a proper full height car lift, which you may have?

Building an era spec racer is almost as expensive as a full restoration and sometimes the engine and setup cost even more just by themselves. But having a racer gives more fun. Instead of arguing over a bolt with two drunk judges me thinks its better to climb a hill just for the fun of it without pursuing first place (and how can you when your opponents are probably Alpinas or cars that were born racers).
yes, getting old is an issue, even driving a racer can be a major pain, but having one and doing your best to be fit and sane maybe is a goal at this age.
dont know... ever since I quit smoking and retired, I feel much younger and energetic. (Wish I could apply all these new powers to s€x but no... still need octane boosters to kick start me).

 

[Jam03]

Didn’t you just buy one like that and move it on swiftly?
For me, the question is whether you want to spend your time building something and tinkering with it, or buy something ready to use and spending time driving it to as many destinations and events as you can.
I think you want to build something, so go for it.

 

[Zephyr]

Didn’t you just buy one like that and move it on swiftly?
For me, the question is whether you want to spend your time building something and tinkering with it, or buy something ready to use and spending time driving it to as many destinations and events as you can.
I think you want to build something, so go for it.

It was an E21, decent condition but not interesting to drive.
I have two almost perfect cars now, mine and the missus W124 so I covered my need for show condition classics. I am just bored and all I know to do is write code, manage projects and wrech. Out of the three, I prefer the last one.

 

[IanA]

A race trim one built near me. It's on twin DCOEs but is still road registered.

 

[Zephyr]

Wow. Must be light as a feather this one. Not sure if the seats are homologated though. Or maybe they were before he stripped them. yes. Thats what I am talking about but with some more touches of luxury such as rolling up and down windows and side mirrors.
These engines are good up to 150/160hp depending on how fat your wallet is. Ideally would love a 130hp with dellortos and a 3.64 rear lsd.
And for my own reasons it would be a tribute of this specific one…. I am someway connected with the driver

 

[as400]

A great project and idea! this will keep you busy, will be interesting to follow progress and hopefully will end up with something special!

 

[Althulas]

I think you also need a realistic figure in mind and make a spread sheet of what needs replacing and doing and have at least a working estimate before going ahead. Yep your mad but my kind of mad.

 

[Zephyr]

hmm…..have I successfully managed to stay on budget on my project cars? Never.