Converting RHD to LHD

[markt51]

Im considering picking up a touring that is already in the US. As cool as RHD is, its just not practical. Drive thrus, toll booths, passing slow traffic etc would just suck.

So my question is, what parts are needed other than the dash, and the under dash goodies(mounts etc) to convert it? Im guessing converting a RHD to LHD would be alot easier and cheaper than the other way around.

[slammin.e28]

You would basically need an entire LHD parts car to make sure you get EVERYTHING.

[markt51]

Ive got one sitting in my garage :)

[delatlanta1281]

Is a lot of work...

[slammin.e28]

Wiring harnesses are probably specific. RHD I think has pedal linkage so the booster stays on the left side of the engine bay.

Even into the door with the mirror control, wiring, etc. Hood pull? Depends on how far you want to go with it. There will be holes in the fire wall needing plugged up, and opened up. Steering rack will need swapped, thus hoses.

I'd leave it RHD. I'm lazy. Plus, the down time of the car. You'll want to drive it. If you're like me, you'll get it all apart, then loose interest, and it'll sit in your driveway for years until you either sell it or get back to it, after forgetting where you left off.

[markt51]

Yea i know its alot of work, but i have the money, and kind of the time lol. Its just hard to find a LHD touring, and i just missed a 324td LHD e30 touring on ebay i probably could have snagged for 11k :(

[delatlanta1281]

I would wait for another lhd if you have the cash. Unless you can pick up an rhd for less than 4 or 5 k.

[haggardfab]

ts a LOT of work to do, and 3x that amount to do it nicely.. youll basically need to completely strip both cars from the B pillar forward.. not to mention e30 body harness' are one piece headlight to taillight so thats a huge project in its own..
then you have to figure in the filling the no longer used holes in the firwall and repainting it..

you should probably hold out for a LHD

[nando]

just get a LHD touring. they made tons of them, I wouldn't rush to find one. the market is inflated and there are going to be more and more of them as they become eligible for importation. BMW made them all the way until 1994, the supply is only going to keep increasing for the next 5 years.

[SmokeE30]

There are plenty of LHD tourings here in states already I wouldn't want a RHD one personally, but I also wouldn't want to do all that work when you could just pick up another one that's LHD to start with. As stated before you would pretty much have to dissasemble both your car an another parts car entirely to swap everything over and then reassemble.

[rturbo 930]

Not worth the hassle of converting IMO.

[Old city bimmer]

For what you would spend -you are better of getting one imported. It's not that difficult to bring one over.