E30 Zone

Hi guys,

been offered a reasonably low mileage 98 Coupe for good money my way. It is an auto. Drives lovely. Assuming it is the later steel lined block on these.

I have read a few times that the 325i manifold frees up some power with a spacer plate for the throttle and a re-map to take advantage of the additional air flow.

Has anyone yet performed this to one of these on here and can they back up the power increase claims?

Also does anyone know the part number for an E36 325i LSD. I understand the gearing on these is better for getting up the gears without spannering the motorway cruising speeds/revs?!

Other than the engine being a little more fragile than earlier/later straight 6's is there anything else major to be aware of on the car other than the usual corner to corner checks............?

Thanks for your time and feedback.

Davey

For an auto, its nice to see evidence of the gearbox oil being changed. They're "sealed for life" but a gearbox specialist will be able to fit a new filter screen and fresh oil. I recently had this done on my E36 and felt a noticeable difference - a lot smoother through the gears.

Check the car cooling system is in good order - you don't want to cook a M52 block. A later E36 shouldn't have any rust if its been well maintained but check arches, sills, where mudflaps join if fitted and around the bootlid. Make sure the suspension is in good order - bushes, balljoints and springs often need replacing.

I've never done the 325i job myself but have seen enough to know that with a remap 220bhp+ is possible. A remap by itself is always good on these and should see you reach 200bhp - the M52 is quite a lazy, torquey thing. There's a chap on the E36 coupe forum who can provide all the parts needed for the conversion - can't remember his username though!

Nice one man. Thanks for the info!