4 door 325i 1990 = Autox car?

[scottie137]

All,
Hi there, new to the forums and have been trying to do some research on here. I have the opportunity to buy a 1990 325i four door with a few aftermarket mods for failry cheap ($1800 ish). It has 125K on the odometer but is (reportedly) in great shape inside and out. The question is, if this was to be turned into a dedicated track/auto-x vehicle, how would it stack up?

1) Anyone know what scca class it might be in?
2) How much weight reduction is possible and how low could I get it without fabrication, just removing parts like the back seat, ac, etc?
3) This car apparently has some type of "chip"? Not sure what manufacturer, but what is the normal hp bump with a basic EM chip?

I am a nooby to the BMW world, completely. I currently drive a 2004 WRX and had Miatae before that. Thanks for any help?

[DaveCN]

D class for now. Look at the SCCA encycloped . . err, rulebook for what different mods are allowed in what classes.

FYI, the 2 door and four door cars have the same wheelbase and are identical save for the door setup. Some like the 4 door as stiffer with the b-pillar.

[thornsby004]

same wheelbase? i pulled a drive shaft from a 4 door and it is longer than my 2 door one? is the drive shaft different length even though same wheelbase?

[scottie137]

So are they competitive in D stock?

[RobertK]

same wheelbase? i pulled a drive shaft from a 4 door and it is longer than my 2 door one? is the drive shaft different length even though same wheelbase?

They are the same unless one of your cars is an automatic and the other is a 5 speed.

When I did my 5 speed swap I used a driveshaft from a 2dr 325e and it works just fine.

[track6]

1) Anyone know what scca class it might be in?
2) How much weight reduction is possible and how low could I get it without fabrication, just removing parts like the back seat, ac, etc?
3) This car apparently has some type of "chip"? Not sure what manufacturer, but what is the normal hp bump with a basic EM chip?

I am a nooby to the BMW world, completely. I currently drive a 2004 WRX and had Miatae before that. Thanks for any help?As mentioned, the car would start in D stock. Mods beyond muffler & shocks would move it into a street or prepared class. www.scca.com (http://www.scca.com) for a solo 2 rulebook with classing info.

Again, if you want to stay in stock class, you are limited in legal reduction. If you move out of stock, a lot is possible. Rear seats & rear belts, AC, single 2.25 exhaust instead of a dual exhaust, sound deadening, trunk tool kit, glove box, and you're well on your way to a 2500 pound car with full street capability. My car is an '87 sedan 325i 5 speed that I bought just for track/autox use. All I've done so far is to remove the AC, convert to single exhaust, and remove about 10 pounds of tar. The car weighed 2680 with 1/4 tank of gas. Still has a full trunk (spare, jack, trim panels, tool kit, etc.) and full interior.

There are chips available, depending on the computer you have. Lower the glove box, remove the trim panel, & read the last three numbers on the silver ECU box. It should be something like 380 or 173 or similar. Once you have that, you can find a chip.

Is the car competitive? As much as a 15-20 year old car can be. There is a definite weight advantage, but an equal power disadvantage. Other cars in DS are the 330ci, the Integra type R, and (I think?) the WRX. All good cars in their own rights.

Can the E30 compete? How good a driver are you?

[scottie137]

As mentioned, the car would start in D stock. Mods beyond muffler & shocks would move it into a street or prepared class. www.scca.com (http://www.scca.com) for a solo 2 rulebook with classing info.

Again, if you want to stay in stock class, you are limited in legal reduction. If you move out of stock, a lot is possible. Rear seats & rear belts, AC, single 2.25 exhaust instead of a dual exhaust, sound deadening, trunk tool kit, glove box, and you're well on your way to a 2500 pound car with full street capability. My car is an '87 sedan 325i 5 speed that I bought just for track/autox use. All I've done so far is to remove the AC, convert to single exhaust, and remove about 10 pounds of tar. The car weighed 2680 with 1/4 tank of gas. Still has a full trunk (spare, jack, trim panels, tool kit, etc.) and full interior.

There are chips available, depending on the computer you have. Lower the glove box, remove the trim panel, & read the last three numbers on the silver ECU box. It should be something like 380 or 173 or similar. Once you have that, you can find a chip.

Is the car competitive? As much as a 15-20 year old car can be. There is a definite weight advantage, but an equal power disadvantage. Other cars in DS are the 330ci, the Integra type R, and (I think?) the WRX. All good cars in their own rights.

Can the E30 compete? How good a driver are you?

Nice reply, thanks! As for chips I believe it is already chipped. I would most likely be gutting the car and it would be for track/auto-x use only. I doubt this car would be in stock class for long, if ever. As for how good a driver I am, lets just say that even a 20 year old car's capabilities would exceed my driving skill for awhile yet...

[84318i]

So are they competitive in D stock?


Doubt it. I ran in DS last year with a different car and can't imagine e30 325is coming even close to the top .

[putnampunk]

A 4dr can nevAr be as competitive as a 2dr!!!! LAWL!

[TomC]

A 4dr can nevAr be as competitive as a 2dr!!!! LAWL!

Why not? If you gutt the interior, they probably weigh the same.

Plus they've got some pillar or something for a little more support.

[EThirD]

Why not? If you gutt the interior, they probably weigh the same.

Plus they've got some pillar or something for a little more support.

Come on now, sarcasm son.

[putnampunk]

Why not? If you gutt the interior, they probably weigh the same.

Plus they've got some pillar or something for a little more support.

You are forgetting about the heavy sarcasmz included.

[TomC]

Sorry. I'm not too good @ reading ppl online.