325i or convert my 320i?

Post Tue Feb 21, 2006 10:00 am

I have a '89 2 door 320ise, thats in excellent shape. No rust to speak of, 88K, very tidy car. However, I would like a 325i Sport.

Should I keep the 320i and spend the money on converting it, or should I sell and buy a 325i?

I don't really feel confident to swapping the engine, gearbox & diff myself. How much is it likely to cost me to buy the parts and get it fitted?

Stuart.

Post Tue Feb 21, 2006 11:04 am

Hi mate the swop is pretty straight forward. But if you are like me and i dont really see myself doing a swap, getting dirty, hurting myself etc. I would look for a nice 325i instead.

Post Tue Feb 21, 2006 11:10 am

FlappySocks wrote:I have a '89 2 door 320ise, thats in excellent shape. No rust to speak of, 88K, very tidy car. However, I would like a 325i Sport.

Should I keep the 320i and spend the money on converting it, or should I sell and buy a 325i?

I don't really feel confident to swapping the engine, gearbox & diff myself. How much is it likely to cost me to buy the parts and get it fitted?

Stuart.

with no rust to speak of
i would convert

now days thats the most vital part is findintg a non rusty shell

engine transplants are easy esp when using a 325 lump

will drop straight in and hook up

Post Tue Feb 21, 2006 11:33 am

So what am I going to need?

Engine, manifold, exhaust, gearbox, LSD, new ECU chip.
(I already have a 325i Throttle body)

Anything else? The other thing, is my car doesn't have ABS, or rear discs. Still worth doing?

Post Tue Feb 21, 2006 3:17 pm

as said rear disks would be good, front struts are bigger on 325. Insurance in UK may not like you too, but if you insist the best bet for a conversion would be to find a rusty but complete donor, otherwise unless you are a mechanic/DIY freak dont bother. fair amount of work.

spend the time looking for a good 325 and as you already have a car you can wait for the perfect one even if it takes months.

mrlee

Post Tue Feb 21, 2006 3:19 pm

just thought about it a bit longer, you would be foolish if you really do want to convert not to go for a 2.7, you can use bits of youe existing engine and it would probably cost the same as a 2.5 conversion.

mrlee

Post Tue Feb 21, 2006 7:02 pm

FlappySocks wrote: Should I keep the 320i and spend the money on converting it, or should I sell and buy a 325i?

Stuart.

Dear Mr Flappy,
If you want a sport, buy a sport... You may regret farting about with engine conversions - teething trouble after conversion etc. There are some very gifted folk on this zone who do lots with engines and it is easy for these mechanically minded people. I love reading about their exploits and have respect for their ability and patience. But a genuine sport is a real item and a potential classic car. Buy now while stocks last.

As you rightly say no rear discs (also rear anti-roll bars??) etc etc... on the 320i. The costs are already mounting up. I like Mr Lee's idea of 2.7 conversion and this may need a brake upgrade anyway - even if it was a 325i.

325i Sports are not cheap but there is less hassle in just buying one than converting a 320i. If the 320s a good one why not sell it and buy a sport?

Just my opinion sir, and good luck with any decisions you make.

toby