From VW to BMW....My 316i

Mon Apr 02, 2018 1:32 pm

I'm in the process of starting a new project - an E30 with a M52 engine conversion and thought it would be useful to share my progress and get some input from you guys at the same time.

Anyway, after being into the VW scene for years, I got bored a around five years ago and sold everything I had VW related including a mint Mk1 Campaign (sadly before prices went through the roof), loads of parts I collected over the years and so on.

Here are some photos of some of the previous cars I had....

Quite sadly, the VWs I had were more about the "scene" rather than being modded for performance and handling.

After leaving the VW scene, I then bought an e46 330i, which I loved. In terms of performance and reliability, it was spot on.

The E46 kept me happy until a couple of years ago when I decided that it was time to start a new project, but this time a BMW.

The original plan was to buy a 325i sport. Having viewed a few examples, I found they were not described accurately and were either really rusty or generally abused. There were a couple of examples in High Wycombe that I viewed which were really bad and put me off buying a 325i sport completely.

Anyway, after going to a few shows and speaking to a few guys that have done the conversion, I then decided to get a lower spec E30 and use the money I save to put a M52 engine into it. So after a bit more searching, I came across this car last year. It is a 316i at the moment, but the body is superclean. It looks like it has had some paint previously so there is no rust anywhere. The interior is mint as well, but will probably be replaced at some point with some sport spec front seats.

Here is a pic of what it looks like at the moment.

So far, I have just rebuilt the brakes, done a few little bits and bobs and then parked it up over winter.

I've just bought a low mileage E36 328i as a donor vehicle. Just waiting for the weather to get better so I can start stripping it down and remove the engine.

Will post some updates soon hopefully!

Mon Apr 02, 2018 2:37 pm

They look really cool motors and I love the direction you are taking as well. I run a 330ci sport and what can I say?
I think you chose well in buying a non sport with a good body as all the rest can be added later and a good choice with the 328 as a donor.
Doing it this way YOU know exactly what has been done and how as well.

Mart.

Mon Apr 02, 2018 7:23 pm

never go to high wycombe to view a sport!

Mon Apr 02, 2018 7:37 pm

Welcome and good luck with your project !

What area roughly are you located ?

Lots of good advice here but especially check out the wikipedia found at the top of the home page.

Mon Apr 02, 2018 8:46 pm

Thanks guys.

I'm located near Windsor. A couple of the sports I saw in Wycombe were tempting, however I'm glad I decided to walk away! I don't really have the skills to do any serious body work so a rust free shell was the priority.

The Wiki pages are a great source of information and the M52 guide has been really helpful. I've spent a fair bit of time over the last few months researching the conversion using different websites so hopefully should make it easier

Mon Apr 02, 2018 8:59 pm

I am selective on geographical areas, I think that is a diplomatic statement, glad you have found a good car to base your project on. Lots of advice around, go do it and enjoy !

Fri Jul 06, 2018 11:04 pm

Loving the Mk1 Campaign and Mk1 Cabby

I'm in a similar situation as yourself. In the process of selling my 20vt Corrado to make room for an E30.

Any more pics of the 316?

Sun Jul 08, 2018 8:53 pm

Thanks Nolly. The Corrado must be fun with a 20vt!

What direction are you planning to go with your E30? I will try to post some more pics of mine up soon.

Mon Jul 09, 2018 9:48 pm

Rinx wrote:Thanks Nolly. The Corrado must be fun with a 20vt!

What direction are you planning to go with your E30? I will try to post some more pics of mine up soon.

It sure is fun with the 20vt!

I'm keeping my eyes open for a 318is, not particularly bothered what condition as it will be a project. The plan would be to keep it original but things may change

Wed Jul 11, 2018 11:22 am

Nolly wrote: I'm keeping my eyes open for a 318is, not particularly bothered what condition as it will be a project. The plan would be to keep it original but things may change

Nice, I started of my E30 career with a 318is (its all on my build thread) and loved it, defo not a very powerful car but it goes alright and the only way I can describe it is that it's very "chuckable" when screaming through the revs!

I look forward to your progress mate