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Thread: e30 interchangeable parts

  1. #1
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    e30 interchangeable parts

    I am looking at an 86' 325. I'm not sure if its an E or I or neither, or if that's even possible. I haven't been in the e30 game for a couple years.

    To catch you up to speed, I have a 89' 325is that is just sitting, needing smog work and a lot of body work. I figure I can get this second car to drive around in as I get my IS back into shape. My end-game plan is to consolidate these two rides into one nice clean e30.

    What parts on these two cars are interchangeable. I figure most everything will, but my main concern was body panels and suspension and lastly, transmission. I will be googling my ass off in the meantime, I appreciate any input.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *googling*

    What I've already gathered is that the standard 325 badge equates to an E model. Luckily I've found myself a two door E to use (hopefully, not sure if its manual or not). I guess the question that it now comes to is if its worth taking the 325is motor and swapping it into the 86? This would give me a perfect body and a manual transmission, which is all that I've wanted out of my girl.
    Last edited by Smatchimo; 07-25-2012 at 08:39 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

  2. #2
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    You can move the engine from the 89 to an ETA car. Some mods to the car's wiring (or to the engine harness) will be required.
    The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
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  3. #3
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    how about the bumpers from the 89?

  4. #4
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    According to equate975's buying guide post (See the E30 noobs thread, because I can't post links yet), he says the bumpers from an 89 onto a pre 88 car won't work without some extensive modification.

  5. #5
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    Bumper swap requires plastic trim for the corners, the right bumper shocks for the bumpers, and a different front valence (the sheetmetal behind and below the front bumper).

  6. #6
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    uberpanzer is offline 4 banger's RULE!!! BMW CCA Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by Smatchimo View Post
    body panels and suspension and lastly, transmission
    Some body panels are direct swaps, others require some serious modifications. The front and rear of the cars changed enough during the 'facelift' that not everything is 100% swappable with basic tools. Tail lights are different as well. Suspension should be 100% swappable. Trannies will go back and forth. Cooling systems are different, as the M20B25 motor's set-up was altered/improved in '88. Not sure if the '87 B25 set-up was the same as the B27 set-up was (which is what the '86 would have), as I've never gotten THAT far into the cooling of the Eta versions, mainly wrenched on B25's. But I'm pretty sure the improvements made in '88 (that would be on your '89) are directly swappable when you have all the parts (mainly hoses IIRC) to the earlier cars.

    I can't thing of much in the interior that isn't swappable, so you should be fine in there as well.
    Metal Bumpers Are For BEEETCHES!!!!! "King of Lean" - Retired

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  7. #7
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    The cooling layout is based on model year, not engine. The 1987 325i used the same cooling layout as the earlier models, with all 1988 cars using the improved layout with the expensive 'T' hose and metal pipe across the front of the engine. The earlier layout is fine if you replace the motor mounts and hose straps before either fails.

    The manual transmission are mostly the same, with a slight change in the casting where the shift lever brace mounts.

    Late cars with airbags had an anti-dive knee brace instead of cardboard trim under the instrument cluster. Otherwise the interiors are very similar.

  8. #8
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    So are suspension parts interchangeable amongst the e30?

  9. #9
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    So are suspension parts interchangeable amongst the e30?

  10. #10
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    So are suspension parts interchangeable amongst the e30?

  11. #11
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    So are suspension parts interchangeable amongst the e30?

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by cutchemist42 View Post
    So are suspension parts interchangeable amongst the e30?
    Yes
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  13. #13
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  14. #14
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    Ugh, I just realized it posted 4 times. It kept saying it was a server timeout.

    So when it comes to interchangeable suspension parts for the most part, does that include rear springs?

  15. #15
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    unless you like metal bumpers, you should try to find an '88+ car. I know a few hardcore individuals have fitted plastic bumpers to early cars, but an extra $1000 now would save you a ton of work.

  16. #16
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    Fitting plastic bumpers to early cars is not that hard. It will take a good bit of work, but it is extremely possible. It has been done many times.

    Suspension shouldn't have any problems swapping over.

    As for the manual transmission, should be fine, but be sure to swap your diff too. Automatic cars came with 4.10 diffs and will make your car have a really short gear ratio.

    Interior pieces should all be direct swaps, unless you're swapping from a 4 door car to a coupe. Door cards won't fit, carpet is slightly different and requires a little trimming. Rear seats fit but are slightly different. The front seats will bolt down fine but the 4 door e30s didn't have the swing forward capability. You can still get in, but you have to adjust your seat every time someone needs to sit in the back.

    The tachometers will need to be swapped, unless you enjoy freaking people out by revving way past your redline.

    Hope this helps!

  17. #17
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    I got a question, would a 1985 318i tail light fit in a 1990 325i convertible?

  18. #18
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    Converibles uses the older rear lights thru out the e30 production period .

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  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hoolie
    Converibles uses the older rear lights thru out the e30 production period .
    No. Convertibles are face lifted in 91 model year and are produced through 1/93 for us market. Mine is a 92 and is a facelift car.
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  20. #20
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    Would carpet from an 85 coupe fit an 89 coupe?

  21. #21
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    No e30s, again :(
    Carpet from coupe to coupe should.

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by superj View Post
    Carpet from coupe to coupe should.
    I have my eyes on a parts car that has sport interior, what looks like startec lights (but for early model). The unibody is borked, I need a lot of little things off of it. If only I had another space in my garage!

    Fenders from early model probably don't work with late model because of the bumper change, right?

    Any ideas for where to keep a parts car until you've stripped it? Would pick-n-pull agree to pick it up and let me harvest everything I want before they unleash the public on it?

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mahalaleel View Post
    I have my eyes on a parts car that has sport interior, what looks like startec lights (but for early model). The unibody is borked, I need a lot of little things off of it. If only I had another space in my garage!

    Fenders from early model probably don't work with late model because of the bumper change, right?

    Any ideas for where to keep a parts car until you've stripped it? Would pick-n-pull agree to pick it up and let me harvest everything I want before they unleash the public on it?
    The front fenders are the same, rear are different.


  24. #24
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    No e30s, again :(
    and I don't think they will let you do that.

    maybe rent a storage place for a month and then have pick n pull pick it up from there when you are done
    No e30s again.

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