BMW E30 325i mods for daily driving

[JacquesR]

I was very close to doing a m52 swap but the m20 engine in my car has just over 100,000km to it and is running great so I thought I'd stick with it to save me some hassle as I'm not really prepared to do an engine swap.

I use the car as a daily driver and on weekends take it out with mates and we drive along windy roads etc, so I'm curious about any modifications I could make that'd improve handling and preferably low-end and mid-range power to allow me to accelerate better out of corners and make cruising around more enjoyable.
Unfortunately it has the 4-speed automatic transmission, in the future I might look at swapping it out for a manual trans.
I have the stock OEM 14" basket-weaves on and I don't have a large starting budget so I'll be saving as I go.

I'm a bit of a noob to this so excuse my ignorance.
Cheers.

1991 model

[Gasman M3]

The good thing is there is a lot of aftermarket support for these cars. Almost too much to choose from.

Have a look at the GRM project car. https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/pr...991-bmw-318is/ It is a 318is. Other than the engine mods everything basically applies to the 325. They cover suspension, brakes, subframe, etc. The articles articles good start to give you an idea where to start.

[tomstin]

Also, there is a book "101 Performance Projects for your BMW 3 Series 1982-2000" by Wayne Dempsey of Motorbooks Workshop that will give you some ideas.

I had the opportunity to visit Melbourne, one of my favorite places in the world.

[chefpeterlevine]

I have the same car.
1990 4 door. Auto. 19 years in the seat.
I drive it daily. 294k on the clock. All OEM+
Its a little beast. Nothing wrong with it at all.
A pleasure to drive.

Next move (before the picnic)
Manual swap
5th timing belt
Head gasket

See you there




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[superj]

wow, that's awesome. 19 years of ownership

[smittyatl]

That auto transmission is killing you. M20 really likes to live over 5k rpm.

[Tzantushka]

Welcome!

With 100k km on the clock - the car is only a baby.
Remember it's a 29 year old car so it's never going to match more modern vehicles.

You're lucky you have the 325i - I have the 320i.
A chip with help with some performance.
And @smittyatl is right, you need to be 5k rpm plus before the fun begins - these engines are great in upper rev band.
Just make sure all the baseline maintenance is done
- timing belt
- value clearances
- filters, fluids, plugs etc

A manual swap will give you more fun & flexibility.
Just keep that in mind if you have commute in Melbourne peak-hour.

With handling refreshing your suspension components is a
Bilstein & H&R is a tried and true combination.
We have a few local suppliers e.g. Clickable Automotive that look after us Aussies.

Finally, pics. We love pics.

[superj]

suspension mods really make it fun. I don't mind the stock engines, even the m10, but the suspension modifications really make the cars a joy to drive

[smittyatl]

suspension mods really make it fun. I don't mind the stock engines, even the m10, but the suspension modifications really make the cars a joy to drive

Suspension (stay fast) upgrades are way easier and cheaper than drive train (go fast) upgrades.

[chefpeterlevine]

That auto transmission is killing you. M20 really likes to live over 5k rpm.

I'm collecting everything I need for the manual swap. Its gonna happen before winter is over!!
Its been killing and scaring me for 19 years.
Its not broke and has been a strong worthy tranny.
Gimme that shift knob!!

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[John Adkins]

+1 for the performance chip; I love my chip, but the HR/Bilstein combo is just too harsh for my tastes.