Discussion: Breaking down each improvement that the E30 M3 has over the base E30

[2mAn]

So Ive been thinking about this lately and Im sure theres a boring thread about it on S14.net or something buuuuut.....

I was thinking about each part that the Motorsport division added to the M3. This includes the bumpers, the flared fenders, the c-pillar, the spoiler, the undertray, and even the trim that fills the gaps between the hood and fenders, the bumpers and the grille. We're not even getting into the motor, drivetrain or brakes yet either, so theres those too

If you split each of them up, what was the individual benefit that one change brought. I can go into more detail, but Im hoping this can get us started. Im going to update the list below to reflect the benefits

Differences between the M3 and regular E30

Body
- Windshield, Bonded vs rubber seal & lockstrip
- Bumpers, and side skirts
- Seals between bumper & grille, and hood & fender
- Box Flares
- Different, thicker C-Pillar
- Rear Wing

Suspension
- Offset front control arm Bushings = added caster
- Aluminum control arms = less unsprung weight
- Strut mounted sway bar tabs
- 5 lug hubs with larger bearings

Drivetrain
- S14 motor = better weight distribution + a whole lot more

[E3o's_r_us]

il buy ur e30 for 1500

[2mAn]

il buy ur e30 for 1500

gtfo

[McGyver]

il buy ur e30 for 1500

gtfo

This is a great start.

[djjerme]

This is a great start.

This thread has legs!


But seriously - are we talking the road car or the DTM car.

The DTM car I am sure had a lot of functionality built in to each mod, but the road car was a little "dumbed down" so that most drivers wouldn't kill themselves and to add some creature comforts.

[2mAn]

This thread has legs!


But seriously - are we talking the road car or the DTM car.

The DTM car I am sure had a lot of functionality built in to each mod, but the road car was a little "dumbed down" so that most drivers wouldn't kill themselves and to add some creature comforts.

Im more focused on the general, rather than the specific, so I guess the road car

[djjerme]

Well, I think I kind of get what you are looking for.

-The flared fenders seems rather easy, it was in order to get more tire under the body without modification (i.e. rolling/pulling the fenders.) If you look at the DTM cars, they were A LOT lower than the road cars, so getting those big a$$ meats to tuck nicely under the car required significant flaring.

-The front windshield difference in mounting would have been due to what is considered more important for road car vs race car. In a race car, they were probably going through windshields often, so replacing them quickly took priority hence the bonding of them vs the rubber and lock strip regular E30's received.

-The front suspension changes in geometry is a whole 'nother subject that will probably go for days. Mainly speaking of the different swaybar end mounts.

[CorvallisBMW]

Front suspension geometry was different, improving on things like camber, roll stiffness, roll center, etc.

Also the raked rear window was actually designed to clean up airflow over the rear wing and increase downforce.

[2mAn]

The flares seem very straightforward. -> More tire without creating drag

The bumpers were probably designed to clean up the air flow into the engine bay and under the car.

Im guessing that was also the idea behind the seals between the fenders and hood

The main thing Im trying to to do is to itemize what specifically was improved using the M3 parts, ie: want to use bigger/ wider wheels -> M3 fenders, or now, any number of flare options out there. etc

[djjerme]

Are you trying to decide what improvements to do on your own car - or is it purely hypothetical?

Because there is a lot of changes that happened to the DTM cars the longer they were raced. If you find some of the threads about upgrades and suspension changes during their factory backed racing careers.

That being said, there is also some stuff they couldn't do, due to rules and what not, which we may be able to get away with nowadays in various classes.

[M-technik-3]

As mentioned all the upgrades were done so the factory could race with them installed on race series.

[TobyB]

I just like the DTM rear suspension mods... they're brilliant...

t

[Emre]

Front suspension geometry was different, improving on things like camber, roll stiffness, roll center, etc.

Larger hubs/bearings/brakes and 5-bolt wheels. Aluminum suspension arms.

FAlso the raked rear window was actually designed to clean up airflow over the rear wing and increase downforce.

It's not a big secret that BMW was "influenced" by the design of the 190E, which came out several years before the E30 M3. The thicker c-pillars, raked rear window, and raised trunk lid were all lifted from the 190E. Ditto for the front and rear valences/bumper-covers.

[reelizmpro]

You are talking about a lot of little things that are seeminly trivial on a street car but add up on a race car. All redesigned by BMW Motorsport and sold through BMW. That's why the car is so special. It's purpose built to be modified using factory parts.

[bmnut2002]

Well, I think I kind of get what you are looking for.

-The flared fenders seems rather easy, it was in order to get more tire under the body without modification (i.e. rolling/pulling the fenders.) If you look at the DTM cars, they were A LOT lower than the road cars, so getting those big a$$ meats to tuck nicely under the car required significant flaring.

-The front windshield difference in mounting would have been due to what is considered more important for road car vs race car. In a race car, they were probably going through windshields often, so replacing them quickly took priority hence the bonding of them vs the rubber and lock strip regular E30's received.

-The front suspension changes in geometry is a whole 'nother subject that will probably go for days. Mainly speaking of the different swaybar end mounts.

Actually, the windshield on M3s was bonded in to add additional stiffness to the chassis.