E46 330ci — from rusty barn find to show car in 18 months

Wanted to share the transformation of my E46 330ci. Found it in a barn in rural Lithuania — it had been sitting for 5 years with a blown head gasket. Paid 800 EUR for it. BEFORE condition: - Rust on both rear arches, front fenders, and trunk lid - Blown head gasket (coolant in oil) - Interior completely destroyed by mice - All 4 tires flat and cracked - Battery dead, no electrics working - 210,000 km on the clock AFTER (18 months of weekends): - Full respray in Topaz Blue Metallic (original color) - All rust cut out and new metal welded in - M54B30 engine rebuilt with new gaskets, timing chain, VANOS seals - New clutch and flywheel (dual mass to single mass conversion) - Full M Sport interior swap from a donor car - Eibach Pro-Kit springs with Bilstein B8 dampers - 18-inch CSL replica wheels - Full LED lighting conversion - New windshield and all window seals - Complete brake overhaul with EBC discs and pads Total cost including purchase: approximately 6500 EUR. The car is now worth around 12,000-14,000 EUR in this condition. More importantly, I learned an incredible amount about car restoration and BMW mechanics. Would love to hear about other restoration projects.