Boosted 325ix

[AWDjunky]

I want opinions...Is it worth turbocharging a 325ix?

I'm asking because I want to know if the drivetrain will hold up to the boost.

I was so excited about this build but I have been very discouraged by a few bimmer owners.

[nomansland92]

I'm currently building a turbo iX so yes its completely possible and theirs a few members on this forum that have turbo iX's also. As for the the drivetrain goes, well do not expect it to hold up if you plan on dropping the clutch over and over with 300+ whp. Id suggest getting the front drive shaft lengthened so it doesn't strip the transfer case. the only other weak point is the front diff but if you drive it respectfully it will hold over 300whp no problem with a good clutch. Theirs few iX's that make 400-500 whp but that starts getting very expensive.

[AWDjunky]

Thank you. I've seen the builds here and I like them a lot. I'm just worried that the drivetrain wont hold with 500+hp. I also have to do a manual swap to it. Does anybody know of a stick e30 325i or is being sold? lol

[nomansland92]

You need a 5spd from a ix and the transfer case.

[AWDjunky]

You need a 5spd from a ix and the transfer case.

Haha I know. I was asking for the 325i so I dont have to deal with the AWD. I have a 5speed trans from an IX in mind I can get for $300. Maybe if I am persuaded enough I will go through with it.

[fresh_TD]

Your going to need more then just the trans..you need transmission, transfer case, transfer case mount, shifter assembly, clutch and flywheel, complete pedal box with clutch master and lines, clutch slave and lines..you need all this to complete the swap

Sent from my GS4 Active

[The Dark Side of Will]

I thought both auto and manual iX's used the same trans mount.

Yeah, he'll need that stuff too, but the only things that are specific to the iX are the trans and T-case.
So all the other stuff can come from a RWD car.

[EyExR]

I think the pedal boxes are different on early vs. late models as well.... Anyway, I know the late model manuals are a single piece pedal box that needs to be cut out or you have to pull the entire steering column. A total bitch! Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong...

[imwhyteyo]

pedal boxes do change between early and late, but do not differ between rwd and ix, the only differences in that aspect are the transmission rear halfs themselfs. also, the transfer case has to be specific to the transmission your using as well, iE: auto vs. manual. in a sense you could use your rwd transmission but you will need to dissasemble the housings and re-seal them in order to get them to mate. otherwise all your other rwd parts will fit your IX. as long as your donor swap matches your current ix, the pedal box wont be an issue.

[nando]

I think the pedal boxes are different on early vs. late models as well.... Anyway, I know the late model manuals are a single piece pedal box that needs to be cut out or you have to pull the entire steering column. A total bitch! Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong...

you don't have to cut out the pedal box. automatic and manual airbag pedal boxes are the same part, so all you need to do in that case is swap pedals. if you have a non-airbag, just swap the whole thing. either way, it's not difficult.

again, there's no reason to touch the pedal box on an airbag car. just swap pedals. the box itself is the same on both.

and yes both auto and manual ix's use the same mounts.

[The Dark Side of Will]

in a sense you could use your rwd transmission but you will need to dissasemble the housings and re-seal them in order to get them to mate.

While this would work, the 260 is assembled in the rear case half and then has the front case half dropped over it. Swapping rear case halves involves basically taking the transmission completely apart, which requires a press and is a bit of a pain.

Swapping 260 front cases is actually quite easy, however.

[nando]

the ix tailshaft isn't the same either, so you can't just swap cases.

also, if you have the rear case half, you likely have the rest of the transmission anyway..

[furwolf]

Thank you. I've seen the builds here and I like them a lot. I'm just worried that the drivetrain wont hold with 500+hp. I also have to do a manual swap to it. Does anybody know of a stick e30 325i or is being sold? lol

This car came with 168 stock. So yes, 500+ is going to cause some problems. If you can afford reliable 500hp, maybe you can afford an upgraded driveshaft, some tougher gears for the front diff, stronger front halfshafts, etc.

-FW