E30 Zone

Hi chaps, back with an E30 after a couple of years away, and got me a really low mileage 318i in mint condition that drives like new.

Although it feels like an old friend their are a couple of things im a bit unsure of.
Firstly, it seems to take a lot more steering input to get round the bends. Do the steering racks require more turning than most 'modern' cars?
I dont remember my old tourers feeling like that.
It might also be to do with the PAS which feels heavier than im used to.

Plus, its riding on 14" steels with big ol' balloon tyres. Although very very comfy over bumps etc, its seemed to make the handling a bit squishy and wallowy. Again not like I remember my tourers on 15" BBS' which always amazed me at how well they handled.

Im thinking of changing the original 4 spoke steering wheel for a lux 3 spoke leather jobbie, mainly to improve the feel but also as I think the thicker rim will improve the steering sensation.

what are your thoughts on my thoughts?

I would be looking at all the rubber bushes,they rot over time as well as use,so nice new one's will improve steering feel.

Steering is low-geared by modern car standards,I read that an E36 rack makes a difference,but you will need to seek out advice about instalation.

Steering is ridiculously undergeared - over 4 turns from lock to lock. E36, E46 & Z3 rack swaps are all quite popular.

As far as the wheels & steering wheel, I done exactly what you've listed. Upgrading to 15" BBS improved the ride no end and I changed the 4 spoke poverty spec wheel for the leather SE/Lux wheel. Both mods made everyday driving considerably more pleasant.

There is definitely a noticeable difference between the 14s and 15s on standard sizes (less if the 14s are stretched etc). But it's well worth checking out any rubber bits, they're probably getting on!

thanks guys, thats given me a bit of hope going forward.

ill check the rubbers throughly, the car has only covered 30k and everything feels tight as the proverbial but perhaps a few have perished as mentioned.

No rear ARB on your 318i, which accounts for some of the wallowing at that end.

i see. can one be added? im a bit naive, have owned three tourers previously and presumed salloon would handle at least as good, if not better.

Even the most lowly touring has suspension equivalent to a 325 saloon, and the 325 touring shares alloy front control arms with the M3. Better aero. than a saloon as well!
All the mounting parts are there for the ARB, so one can easily be fitted.

is it a recommended upgrade, regularly carried out?

can i find ARB's at standard places like GSF?

ive found a pair of 2nd hand ARB's (apparently front touring ARB is than standard salloon?) and am trying to gauge exactly how many rubbers etc I need to buy, looks like a fairly pricey adventure..

anyone got a link to some good sources? also, are brand new ARB's a better option?

Welcome back, the old blue one is still going strong Jamie, now has about 83k on it. The arm twiddling is noticable if you been driving more modern stuff. I would have though second hand ARBs would be ok and worth checking GSF/ECP for rubbers and comparing costs with BMW.

Get your name down for a set of these:

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=208635