converting 316i 91

[ice_wheels]

hows it going everyone new here so lookin for bit of info and advise.
just bought a 91 316i. my buddy has a 325is 87 chrome bumper model for parts for me so taken interior and that.. so my Q are?
1,will the back diff, Disc brakes etc fit into mine.
2,how big of a job we talkin for a heart transplant, ie loom the same r different ..
please help thanks

[Jos]

Welcome to the zone.

Always nice to start with some questions

1) Diff is a straight swap, the 325 has a larger diff but it actually is the same width and mounts are the same. Rear discs - little harder to do, you have to replace the rear trailing arms as the hubs are mounted to them. Also the handbrake cables will need changed over. My suggestion would be to take the entire rear axle in 1 piece and replace your subframe bushes while you are at it. Take the front struts too as the 325 will have vented discs.

2) Provided you have the complete engine, I don't think there would be any problems with the swap, just change the looms over with it. The only place that the loom connects to the rest of the car is at the fusebox, so look and see if the plugs are the same. Few others on here will be able to advise better I suspect but it should be a straight swap.

[ice_wheels]

thanks for the help jos. hopefully this info will get me closer to 91 325is..

[Brianmoooore]

You'll come across minor differences in the body under the bonnet. Air filter bracket and mounting for water resevoir are two that come to mind, but nothind too insurmountable.
What jos said about the engine loom connecting at the fusebox might confuse you a little. He means the big C101 plug and socket on the bulkhead just inboard of the fusebox, not the box itself.

[ice_wheels]

cheers all info welcome. details are good too