Auto options?

[aceraf]

Hi all,

As I plan on keeping my touring for a very long time, I was just wondering what options I have in terms of power.

It's currently a 325i Sports Auto, and I love the auto box as a manual round where I live would just do your head in. I love the ease that the auto gives in town driving, and traffic is no longer tiring (and we have alot of traffic here!).

I would however like more power in about 1 and a bit years time (will turn 25 and thus insurance should no longer be an issue).

I would however prefer to keep this touring as an Auto if possible.

I suppose the obvious option would be a turbo or super-charger, but I was wondering what other engine/box conversions could be done that would enable me to keep this touring as an auto? I would prefer something bigger (2.8, 3.5, 4.0??) as I intend on gas converting any conversion that is done.

That brings me onto my next question, which is how do turbo/super-charge engine's respond on gas?

I await your wisdom

[daimlerman]

My only regret with my 2.7 is not building in a switchable autobox.I feel that a 2.8 auto would be the almost perfect E30.

[Jhonno]

Drop in a 3.5 M30 and auto box from a 5 or 7..

How can insurance be an issue?! Im younger than you insuring an S50'd E30 with no problems at all, and not expensive either

[aceraf]

Drop in a 3.5 M30 and auto box from a 5 or 7..?

I never heard of anyone using the m30 with an auto so presumed it couldn't be done. Will it be hard to get everything lined up with the auto box? How much custom stuff will be needed? Also do you know if it's a 4 or 5 speed box?

How can insurance be an issue?! Im younger than you insuring an S50'd E30 with no problems at all, and not expensive either

Depends on area alot of the times as well as previous claims. some old lady switched lanes on the approach to a round-about in Jan '06 making me smack into her (at about 10mph at most, as i was slowing for the roundabout).

Despite my insurance company being adamant that I was not at fault, they took so long with sorting out the claim that the other party filed a CCJ against me, so the insurance company had to admit liability and thus losing me 2yrs NCB. That also means that all future insurance policies (for 3 years) I have to declare this accident as my fault!!!

I would've been paying peanuts right now if it wasn't for that stupid old lady!

Worst thing is, it happened in my old red 316i and the only damage to my car was a broken kidney grill and yet she made a £1300 claim!!! Who says the old one's are innocent!

My only regret with my 2.7 is not building in a switchable autobox.I feel that a 2.8 auto would be the almost perfect E30.

Alot of people rip the auto out at first opportunity, however for people who actually use their cars more in towns, and still want to have some fun in them they really are a great option.

What sort of BHP and Torque figures can be got out of a 2.8 build?
I'm currently loving the sound of my car with the newly fitted fullScorpion S/S exhaust, and an overhaul of the current engine along with a 6-branch could possibly be an option aswell.

[Pete-M]

I'm interested in dropping a bigger motor in my auto 325i and was wondering if the E32/E34 3.5 auto uses the same gearbox as the 325i.

Only wondering because the ZF4HP22 in the E30 is visually the same (bar the tranfer box) as the ZF4HP22 in my Range Rover. If that's the case, and the E32/34 uses the same 'box then it'll possibly save a world of pain when it comes to the swap, no clutch / prop / linkage / bellhousing issues to contend with.

I'm probably missing something hugely important, but maybe, just maybe...