E30 320i advice needed

[Taffs]

Hi Guys

New to the Forum so not too sure where to post my question.

Driving an E30 320i Auto, looking to increase the power on this but not too sure how to go about doing this, mechanically challenged.....
Any recommendations??...The car seems sluggish so i mainly use 1 2 3 on take of rather than taking of in D drive.....
Its been to Tune Tech but im still not too happy....Appreciate other advice on this that's cost effective.

Thanks in Advance

 

[Nic_s]

Well... it's a 320i. A lot of guys say they use the same amount of fuel as a 325i, but only has a little more power than a 318i. That's just the way it is. A 5 speed box would improve the feel of the car. :thumbsup:

 

[///MALCOLM]

The E30 and E36 320 have similar issues, heavy on fuel and delivers less power than expected. I had a E36 320 manual once upon a time - and all I did was keep her up to scratch - serviced regularly and changed oil often. Its not a 325 so just enjoy the 320 power available. :thumb:

 

[Taffs]

Thanks guys, appreciate the responses.
Saw this coming though as Ive heard other people talking about the same thing.
Well, good thing is that this car is 1 owner and meticulously kept so id probably think of putting this out there in the market for a good deposit on a new beemer.....

 

[Raybimmer]

Taffs
Is it a plastic bumper model ?
Also at reef you lose torque which the auto needs .
Years ago my 320i manual did about 215 km/h going up to jhb , was as pleased as pie .:thumbsup:
Then a 325i m20b25 12 valve motor should fit ( distributor cap on front of cam ) .
Then a 5 speed box .
Then diff to 3.64 or 3.73 or 3.9 to replace your 4.10 diff .
Otherwise sell the car and buy 325i e30 . You may be lucky and have about R10K to pay in , a bargain for the extra performance and torque .

 

[XMAX]

STROKER KIT.

I havent seen anyone mention a stroker kit. Will definitely up the power. the e30 320 isnt a fast car, even for Tunetech to work on, its not the best base to start from..

my advice, if the car has a great body, either engine and box swap out, or box swap out with a stroker kit. Dont sell it cos a decent body e30 is very hard to find at a cheap, reasonable price, and the difference youd have to pay for a e36 is going to be quite high (for a decent 325 or 328).

I also know of a 320i with a turbo that runs circles around C 55 AMG's, E 55 Amg's and M3's. Consider it, a turbo might be the power jump youre looking for, if you can.

 

[jacques50]

Get a manual gearbox in there, you'll be surprized

 

[bmtroubleyou]

I beg to differ with wht everyone says,
I own a E30 320i auto and she sits behind a 325i like no problem it must be cause it only has 60 000 on the clock I bought the car last year dec 15 from a old lady and the car stood still for 12 years but I had only to replace the water pump and petrol pump and new tyres, I drive on a full tank of petrol 800 kms if I use 123 and D I get about 550 kms per tank, here in sea point I drag on the promenade with golf 5 gti and whip there asses in a rolling start. BUT if you want more omf put a 2.7 or a 2.9 motor and get a 5 speed manual

 

[Raybimmer]

If a 320I sits behind a 325i then whats wrong with the 325i ?
I have owned both 320i and 325i manuals , the 325i was faster .
The 323i chrome bumper crank can fit the 320i , will give about 15 kw more , and a bit of torque as well .

 

[Taffs]

Thanks for all the valuable advice ppl....appreciate it.
Sorry for not responding earlier, didn't look at this thread and the responses.

No longer need to tweak this Beemer as i upgraded so gave the car to my parents, hope they keep it in a good condition which im sure they will.

Driving the E46 2004 320i Individual Sapphire Black Steptronic!!!.....Love it!!!!
Will post decent pics soon......

 

[XMAX]

Guys, This is Taffs car.

Wow, This car is awesome man. Its a good thing that you didnt take the car im driving now. This is too cool.

Now fill us in on some specs.

and that sexy backside

 

[Taffs]

Thanks XMAX

SPECS HEY......Here you go

2004 320i Individual Sapphire Black
104000kms FSH/Motorplan until end Oct, will be extended when i have the moolas
Sunroof
Black Leather Interior

Sure you guys know about the rest of the standard features that included in these individuals. Will post more picks when i have some time.....

 

[Muney]

Congrats bud! A very nice upgrde you got there! :drool:

 

[Taffs]

Thanks Muney.....

 

[Clifton]

Howzit guys, I need advice on the same topic. I have recently purchased a 87 320i auto at a bargain price. The car really lacks performance and that's where I need some help.
Firstly, I do not want to do a complete motor swap, I want to use the 2.0 block and get the best possible performance out of it. So basically its going to be the internals that will be changed. I'm aware that a 323 crank can be used but I want to go a step further and was wondering if I could use the 2.5, 2.7 or 2.8 crank on the 2.0 block. Does any one know if this is possible?

 

[Raybimmer]

2.5 or 2.7 crank does not fit .
The 323 crank and a good head /branch and exhaust will give you a nice increase . ( about 115 kw at flywheel and about 200/210 n/m I expect )
If this was a late 88 or newer motronic you could chip it as well , I am not sure if you can chip the earlier motor - if yours has the distributor on the left hand side of the block .

 

[wikk3d88]

I beg to differ with wht everyone says,
I own a E30 320i auto and she sits behind a 325i like no problem it must be cause it only has 60 000 on the clock I bought the car last year dec 15 from a old lady and the car stood still for 12 years but I had only to replace the water pump and petrol pump and new tyres, I drive on a full tank of petrol 800 kms if I use 123 and D I get about 550 kms per tank, here in sea point I drag on the promenade with golf 5 gti and whip there asses in a rolling start. BUT if you want more omf put a 2.7 or a 2.9 motor and get a 5 speed manual

Im sorry, but no. A healthy E30 325i will run far away from a 320i.

 

[Clifton]

Ok so I guess I gotta settle with the 323 crank. Now can I just swap the crank or is there other changes that need to make this work like changing pistons and/or conrods. And any idea how much a 323 crank would cost?

 

[Raybimmer]

To find a 323i crank in good condition is a mission . If you find one the seller should let you have it checked at a reputable engineering company . If the crank has been ground ( cut ) and is now undersize then you need oversize bearings .Welding the crank and then grinding to the standard size becomes expensive , you may as well find a 325i motor and drop it in then .

According to realoem the con rods ( 130 mm ) are the same 11241278194 .

 

[Twinz]

Taffs...congrats on the new car :joy: