320i - Revision history

Grrrmachine at 21:16, 24 March 2013

2013-03-24T21:16:38Z

Grrrmachine at 21:10, 24 March 2013

2013-03-24T21:10:20Z

Grrrmachine at 21:09, 24 March 2013

2013-03-24T21:09:53Z

Grrrmachine at 13:35, 23 March 2013

2013-03-23T13:35:03Z

Grrrmachine at 08:16, 8 March 2013

2013-03-08T08:16:17Z

Grrrmachine at 15:38, 9 September 2012

2012-09-09T15:38:51Z

Grrrmachine at 09:57, 20 May 2012

2012-05-20T09:57:56Z

Grrrmachine at 14:30, 9 January 2012

2012-01-09T14:30:00Z

Grrrmachine at 14:40, 11 December 2011

2011-12-11T14:40:59Z

Grrrmachine at 14:06, 19 November 2011

2011-11-19T14:06:47Z

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 =Technical=
-The 320i was powered by the [[M20]]B20, a 1990cc (2.0L), 6 cylinder engine and the smallest in the M20 family, below those found in the [[323i]], [[325e]] and [[325i]]. Because of its age, the engine was fitted with both [[Jetronic]] and [[Motronic]] engine management systems during its lifetime, meaning there are a multitude of differences between a 1983 and a 1994 engine, which means very few parts are interchangeable between pre- and facelift models.
+The 320i was powered by the [[M20]]B20, a 1990cc (2.0L), 6 cylinder engine and the smallest in the M20 family, below those found in the [[323i]], [[325e]] and [[325i]]. Because of its age, the engine was fitted with both [[Jetronic]] and [[Motronic]] engine management systems during its lifetime, meaning there are a multitude of differences between a 1983 and a 1994 engine, which means very few parts are interchangeable between pre- and facelift models. There's not much it shares with its engine stablemates either; nothing can be bolted on to improve performance, and only basic engine ancillaries like the [[Charging|alternator]] and [[Starter]] are common with its M20 contemporaries.
-However, it shares the same larger 51mm struts and vented front discs as those models, while [[Touring]] and [[Cabriolet]] models will have rear discs as well.
+The drivetrain is also specific. The 320i uses a shorter gearbox than the bigger M20 engines, with a longer prop to compensate. It also uses the small-case [[Differential|differentials]] fitted to the [[316i]] and [[318i]]. However, the drivetrain is strong enough to cope with more power, so swapping the engine doesn't have to mean ditching the gearbox.
-The 320i is commonly fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automatic gearbox. These engines are known to produce 135BHP-139BHP from the factory.
+On the plus side, it shares the same larger 51mm struts and vented front discs as those models, while [[Touring]] and [[Cabriolet]] models will have rear discs as well. All models were fitted with front and rear [[Anti-Roll_Bar|ARBs]].
 =Common Problems=

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 =Common Upgrades=
-There's not much you can do to improve the performance of a 320i. The engine is strangled from intake to exhaust, and once you start looking at bolting on components from bigger engines, you realise it's cheaper and quicker just to drop an entire 325i lump in. Check out our [[Engine_swaps|engine swaps]] for more info.
+There's not much you can do to improve the performance of a 320i. The engine is strangled from intake to exhaust, and once you start looking at bolting on components from bigger engines, you realise it's cheaper and quicker just to drop an entire 325i lump in. Check out our [[Engine_Swaps|engine swaps]] for more info.
 # Consider fitting a [[Chip]].

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 =Technical=
-==Engine==
+The 320i was powered by the [[M20]]B20, a 1990cc (2.0L), 6 cylinder engine and the smallest in the M20 family, below those found in the [[323i]], [[325e]] and [[325i]]. Because of its age, the engine was fitted with both [[Jetronic]] and [[Motronic]] engine management systems during its lifetime, meaning there are a multitude of differences between a 1983 and a 1994 engine, which means very few parts are interchangeable between pre- and facelift models.
-The 320i was powered by the [[M20]]B20, a 1990cc (2.0L), 6 cylinder engine and the smallest in the M20 family. Larger M20 engines could be found in the 325i and 323i. The 320i is commonly fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automatic gearbox. These engines are known to produce 135BHP-139BHP from the factory.
+However, it shares the same larger 51mm struts and vented front discs as those models, while [[Touring]] and [[Cabriolet]] models will have rear discs as well.
-==Common Problems==
+The 320i is commonly fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automatic gearbox. These engines are known to produce 135BHP-139BHP from the factory.
 Poor performance on a 320i can usually be attributed to the engine not being [[Basic_M20_Servicing|serviced]].
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 Have the [[Fuel#Injectors|injectors]] cleaned professionally. Using an injector cleaning fluid is not considered helpful.
-Check the earth connectors on the suspension turret and under the inlet manifold
+=Common Upgrades=
-)    [[Z3_short_shifter_conversion|Z3 Short shifter conversion]]
+There's not much you can do to improve the performance of a 320i. The engine is strangled from intake to exhaust, and once you start looking at bolting on components from bigger engines, you realise it's cheaper and quicker just to drop an entire 325i lump in. Check out our [[Engine_swaps|engine swaps]] for more info.
-)    Clutch stop (look in the U.S. web sites for details)
+# Consider fitting a [[Chip]].
-if you fit both of these modifications it 'aint half a lot more fun to drive
+# Fit a [[320_to_325_throttle_body_conversion|325i throttle body with 320i modified inlet manifold]] to keep a reasonable low torque. Don't fit a 325i manifold unless you want all top end power and no pull low down.
 =General Info=

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 This is the car that [[325i]] owners make fun of, but 320's are as smooth as silk and don't go sideways at every corner.
+[[Image:320i.jpg|300px|right|]]
 =History=

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 The SE trim level equipped the car with some basic cosmetic options, including [[Interior|interior]] upholstery and [[Steering_Wheels|steering wheels]], plus foglights. Bumpers and valances were colour-coded, and some electric items such as a [[Roof#Sunroof|sunroof]] and [[Doors#windows|rear windows]] were installed. However, the actual SE package changed from year to year, depending entirely on what accessories BMW wanted to include.
-Most importantly, SE cars were entitled to optional extras from the Motorsport list, thus offering LSD, Sports Gearbox and Suspension options to the vehicle, as well as Motorsport body kits. This meant that a 320i SE could be equipped to an extremely high level, far beyond that available to a standard 320i.
+Most importantly, SE cars were entitled to optional extras from the [[Motorsport#M-Tech|M-Tech]] list, thus offering LSD, Sports Gearbox and Suspension options to the vehicle, as well as Motorsport body kits. This meant that a 320i SE could be equipped to an extremely high level, far beyond that available to a standard 320i.
 Because of the relatively low power of the [[M20#M20B20|M20B20]] engine, very few 320i SE were equipped with mechanical upgrades, making the SE a primarily cosmetic upgrade.

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 ==320i SE==
-At some point during the E30 production, BMW introduced a trim level known as SE, for Special Equipment, which was only offered to 6-cylinder models (For the [[316]] and [[318]], this trim level was called [[LUX]]). This SE package makes the 320i SE a genuine BMW model, which should be shown on the vehicle registration document. The SE trim level was available on all four body styles - [[Saloon#2-Door|2-door]], [[Saloon#4-Door|4-door]], [[Touring]] and [[Cabriolet]].
+At some point during the E30 production, BMW introduced a trim level known as SE, for Special Equipment, which was only offered to 6-cylinder models (For the [[316i]] and [[318i]], this trim level was called [[LUX]]). This SE package makes the 320i SE a genuine BMW model, which should be shown on the vehicle registration document. The SE trim level was available on all four body styles - [[Saloon#2-Door|2-door]], [[Saloon#4-Door|4-door]], [[Touring]] and [[Cabriolet]].
 The SE trim level equipped the car with some basic cosmetic options, including [[Interior|interior]] upholstery and [[Steering_Wheels|steering wheels]], plus foglights. Bumpers and valances were colour-coded, and some electric items such as a [[Roof#Sunroof|sunroof]] and [[Doors#windows|rear windows]] were installed. However, the actual SE package changed from year to year, depending entirely on what accessories BMW wanted to include.

←Older revision		Revision as of 09:57, 20 May 2012
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	2) Fit a [[320_to_325_throttle_body_conversion\|325i throttle body with 320i modified inlet manifold]] to keep a reasonable low torque. Don't fit a 325i manifold unless you want all top end power and no pull low down.		2) Fit a [[320_to_325_throttle_body_conversion\|325i throttle body with 320i modified inlet manifold]] to keep a reasonable low torque. Don't fit a 325i manifold unless you want all top end power and no pull low down.

−	3) Fit an adjustable pressure regulator, but I know the 325i owners don't like them. They do however improve a 320i with the above mods. Site it back by the throttle cable bracket, on the inlet side of the engine, and make sure all the hoses and clips are in good condition	+	3) If you must fit a cone filter - build a heat shield. However the best solution is a standard filter box with a good free flow panel filter (Pipercross or K & N) then drill your front grill in line with the air pick up pipe. 10mm holes are fine just where the bottom of the grill fins are blanked off (you will understand when you look at the grill)
−
−	4) If you must fit a cone filter - build a heat shield. However the best solution is a standard filter box with a good free flow panel filter (Pipercross or K & N) then drill your front grill in line with the air pick up pipe. 10mm holes are fine just where the bottom of the grill fins are blanked off (you will understand when you look at the grill)

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 ==Suspension==
-) Fit [[E30_Bush_Renovation|all new BMW rubber bushes]] front and rear. If you don’t do this, the rest is a waste of time.
+) Fit [[Bushes|all new BMW rubber bushes]] front and rear. If you don’t do this, the rest is a waste of time.
 )    Fit a good lowering kit such as Koni but only with a 30 or 40mm drop.

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 During its production run, the 320i was available in all four E30 body types, at the following times:
-* 1984-1991 - 320i   [[Saloon#2-Door|Coupe]]/Saloon#4-Door|Saloon]]
+* 1984-1991 - 320i   [[Saloon#2-Door|Coupe]]/[[Saloon#4-Door|Saloon]]
 * 1984-1993 - 320i   [[Cabriolet]]
 * 1988-1994 - 320i   [[Touring]]