The BMW iX: A Rare Breed in the States
First, a quick history lesson. The BMW iX (or E30 iX, to be precise) was part of the second-generation 3 Series lineup, produced from 1985 to 1991. What makes the iX special? It was BMW’s first foray into all-wheel-drive (AWD) for the 3 Series, a bold move at a time when AWD was mostly reserved for off-roaders or rally cars. The iX was introduced as the 325iX in the U.S., powered by a 2.5-liter inline-six M20 engine churning out about 168 horsepower. It was designed to handle slick roads and snowy conditions with confidence, thanks to its AWD system, which sent 37% of the power to the front wheels and 63% to the rear for that classic BMW rear-wheel-drive feel.
Here’s the kicker: the 325iX wasn’t exactly a hot seller in the U.S. BMW only brought over about 4,000 units between 1986 and 1991, making it a rare sight compared to its rear-wheel-drive siblings like the 325i or 325is. The iX was more popular in Europe, where snowy Alps and wet roads made AWD a bigger draw. In the States, it became a bit of a cult classic, cherished by BMW purists and those in snowy regions like the Northeast or Midwest. Finding one in decent shape today is like spotting a unicorn, especially since rust loves to feast on these E30s.
The Project: Battling Rust and Breathing New Life
When we got our hands on this 1986 325iX, it was clear it had seen better days. The car had that unmistakable E30 charm—boxy lines, shark-nose front, and a stance that screams “drive me hard.” But it also had some serious rust issues, particularly in the inner wheel wells, and the front fenders and rocker panels were looking rough. Here’s how we tackled the restoration.
Step 1: Rust Repair in the Inner Wheel Wells
Rust is the archenemy of any classic BMW, and the E30 iX is no exception. The inner wheel wells on this car were plagued by small areas of corrosion creeping along the seams and crimp welds—typical spots where moisture and road salt get trapped. We began by removing the wheels to fully inspect the damage.
We carefully removed the rust until we reached clean sheet metal. Safety was key: we wore masks to avoid inhaling rust dust and metal particles. In areas where the rust had eaten through, we cut out the small, damaged sections and rebuilt them by welding in fresh patch panels from a reputable supplier. To prevent future corrosion, we treated the repaired areas with a rust inhibitor and sealed the seams with high-quality seam sealer.
Step 2: Replacing the Front Fenders
We sourced new fenders, as this was more cost-effective than rebuilding the old ones. The front fenders were unsalvageable, with rust entrenched in the upper corners behind the turn signals and along the lower edges behind the front wheels—typical problem areas for E30s. With used fenders becoming scarce, we chose high-quality aftermarket replacements tailored for the E30. Installation was simple but demanded precise alignment to preserve the sharp E30 body lines.
Step 3: New Rocker Panels
The E30's structural rocker panels had succumbed to time and salt, with rust forming near the front wheel wells, likely due to stone chips exposing bare metal. We cut out the corroded areas, welded in replacement panels, and applied rust inhibitor to the inner surfaces before final assembly. A fresh coat of paint and clear coat will restore the car's crisp lower silhouette.
Step 4: Powder-Coating the Wheels
The original wheels were in fair condition but showed wear, with scuffs and minor surface corrosion. We opted for a modern upgrade with a powder-coated finish, which is tough, chip-resistant, and provides a sleek, consistent appearance. We entrusted the wheels to Adrenaline Customs in White Bear Lake for their excellent work. We selected Factory Silver to match the car’s black exterior. The process involved stripping the old finish, fixing slight curb damage, and applying the powder coat.
NEED VINTAGE SERVICE AND REPAIR?
We have experience in every field so we can accommodate any problem. Need some engine work? We got it. Suspension isn’t working properly? We got it. Got some rust that needs to be fixed? We got it. Any issue you find under the sun we can help you and get you back on the road for your next Sunday drive.
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