E30 n00b

[Sidrick]

Hi guys.

I'm Scott, I'm 21 from Aberdeen, Scotland.

I've just bought an E30 2dr 316i Lux from my work; I pick it up on Wednesday. Although it's not my first BMW - I've had 2x 316i E36, an E36 320i and an E28 528i - it is my first E30

I work for a German specialist garage, so know that the car's been well looked after. It's recently had a new camshaft and tappets, so it's free from the infamous 'ticking' associated with high mileage M40s. It's calypso red, and mintier than mint bodywork-wise.

Anyhoo, as I said, it's my first E30 so I'm not too clued up on tuning/modding this model. What I've been thinking of is:

Lowering 40mm
16" Alpina rep. Alloys
M3 spoiler
Euro plates
Subtle backbox and induction kit(for the noise rather than any slight gain)
Perhaps the E36 M3-look rear lights, although I've never seen these fitted - so I'd be delighted if anyone could link me to a pic.

Feel free to tell me your thoughts on these mods.

I'd also be happy to recieve advice on tuning an E30:

What mods does the M40 316i respond well to?
What engine conversions are feasible for a mechanically competent enthusiast.

I'd like to sort out the brakes, because for the size of car, solid, small front discs and rear drums seem a little concerning.
Any links to guides/advice on upgraded fronts and rear disc conversions would be appreciated.

Sorry to write a bit of an essay for my first post, but I figured you guys would be the best to ask ;)

[hammoj28]

Hey and welcome mate. I live up that way, huntly area when im not at college in glasgow.

Car sounds great and the plans sound good too. Not too keen on the e36 style rear lights tbh. Alpinas look great on any e30! You cant loose. Should look good. Any pics??

I need to get myself some euro plates too!

[Conan]

drop a 2.5 in it

[rchadha]

anyone whos after custom number plates or should i say show plates..drop me a line..20 + PnP

[Sidrick]

Hey and welcome mate. I live up that way, huntly area when im not at college in glasgow.

Car sounds great and the plans sound good too. Not too keen on the e36 style rear lights tbh. Alpinas look great on any e30! You cant loose. Should look good. Any pics??

I need to get myself some euro plates too!

Hey, thanks for the warm welcome.

I wasn't sure about the lights either, but I'll remain undecided until I see them fitted to a car. I fancy something different from the smoked items most seem to have though.

Alpinas rock! I wasn't sure to go for 16"s or 17"s. I assume 17"s would catch the bodywork on full lock, and I'd also like to keep the car quite subtle

As for pics, either Wednesday when I get it, or more likely the weekend once I've had a chance to give it the valet and polish treatment

drop a 2.5 in it

That's not far off what I had in mind.

As requested, I'm open to anyone pointing me in the right direction

[Taylor325i]

Hi mate and welcome to the Zone.

Here's a pic for you.





Taylor.

[Sidrick]

I'm pleasantly surprised with those

I think those lights with a slight tint to them so that they don't stand out too much against the darker calypso red, would give me the look that I'm aiming for

[Nelly]

Hello mate and welcome to the Zone, 17" Alpine reps will be fine with a 40/40 drop - they wont catch the arches at all but 18" will.
A 2.5 will go straight in and plug to the exsisting loom in the engine bay, get your self the bigger front struts (51mm) from a 2.5/Tourer/Convertible and a pair of rear trailing arms with the disc breaks - all this should give you a lovley looking motor and all onto a Lux model as well in Calypso Red - you are so onto a winner already.

Speak to "Ant" about a chip for the ECU and "Dips" about exhaust systems

Neil.

[Sidrick]

Hello mate and welcome to the Zone, 17" Alpine reps will be fine with a 40/40 drop - they wont catch the arches at all but 18" will.
A 2.5 will go straight in and plug to the exsisting loom in the engine bay, get your self the bigger front struts (51mm) from a 2.5/Tourer/Convertible and a pair of rear trailing arms with the disc breaks - all this should give you a lovley looking motor and all onto a Lux model as well in Calypso Red - you are so onto a winner already.

Speak to "Ant" about a chip for the ECU and "Dips" about exhaust systems

Neil.

EXACTLY what I was looking for mate!

I've done an engine conversion on a mk6 escort(2.0 mondeo engine) and found the biggest problems to be - engine mounts and ECU compatibility.

I assume(corrent me if I'm wrong) swapping a 4-pot for a 6-cylinder will again pose a problem with engine mounts.
In this particular example conversion do you retain the same gearbox?
Is it just a case of swapping ECUs, kinda plug and play? - I've never seen this when swaping completely different engines!

Although, if I got a complete donor car as opposed to just the lump, then many of these 'problems' could be overcome without too much difficulty

[Brianmoooore]

[

I assume(corrent me if I'm wrong) swapping a 4-pot for a 6-cylinder will again pose a problem with engine mounts.
In this particular example conversion do you retain the same gearbox?
Is it just a case of swapping ECUs, kinda plug and play? - I've never seen this when swaping completely different engines!

Although, if I got a complete donor car as opposed to just the lump, then many of these 'problems' could be overcome without too much difficulty

The engine mounts should be got with the engine. Fit to the front crossmember OK - It's got various holes in it.
You'll need a six pot gearbox and prop with a six pot engine.
E30s have an engine loom complete with ECU that is completely seperate from the body loom. Get the loom complete with engine. Doesn't even need to be unpluged from the engine.
Donor car is the best way to go as you'll get the vented front brakes, stronger front struts and rear discs as well.
If your feeling really adventurous, go for the M50 24V engine from the E34 or E36.