Newly acquired '89 325ix questions!!

[Mariorestrepo]

Hey guys, I just bought my first e30. A silver 1989 325ix automatic.

Now like most of us, I would like to make this car manual and I've seen threads regarding the parts necessary for a successful swap.

My question is, although, somewhat different. Since it is a whole lot easier to acquire a RWD swap, is it possible to make an ix RWD? Is it worth it? Would it be killing the whole AWD experience?

To be completely honest I think the AWD is beyond awesome, but I love the e30 in general so I wouldnt mind just making her RWD if it were possible just to make her manual.

Any opinions welcome!!!

Thanks!!

[Ether-D]

Welcome!
This has been asked a number of times before. The answer is usually "If you want a 5-speed RWD, but have an auto iX, just sell the iX and buy a non-iX 5-speed. But if you want a 5-speed iX and you have an auto iX, then look for the parts and swap it."

[nando]

if you want a manual RWD E30, sell the ix and buy a manual RWD E30.

there's a whole number of reasons why you don't want to do a RWD swap to an ix.

[Mariorestrepo]

I hear you guys, thanks!

I hear that theres a difference in the shock towers on the ix compared to the other e30s?

What are they referring to exactly when they say that?

What are the perks of owning an ix?

Excuse the silly questions, its just that theres a whole lot of people who are advising me to get out while I can.. I wanna know why they feel that way.

[325ixa]

ix


not an ix

[flyboyx]

Hey guys, I just bought my first e30. A silver 1989 325ix automatic.

Now like most of us, I would like to make this car manual and I've seen threads regarding the parts necessary for a successful swap.

My question is, although, somewhat different. Since it is a whole lot easier to acquire a RWD swap, is it possible to make an ix RWD? Is it worth it? Would it be killing the whole AWD experience?

To be completely honest I think the AWD is beyond awesome, but I love the e30 in general so I wouldnt mind just making her RWD if it were possible just to make her manual.

Any opinions welcome!!!

Thanks!!

first, welcome to the forum.

second, this question gets asked here about 2x a month. go to the search function and read up a bit on the subject. you will quickly realize the futility of the original querry. after that, if you have questions, we will be happy to answer them.

[Mariorestrepo]

Pros and Cons on the towers. Which ones best for what and so on?

[nando]

they are designed for AWD or RWD. there's no pros/cons. except that the geometry would not be good for RWD.

seriously, if you want RWD, buy a RWD car.

[z122643]

they are designed for AWD or RWD. there's no pros/cons. except that the geometry would not be good for RWD.

seriously, if you want RWD, buy a RWD car.

What he said...

[Mariorestrepo]

the AWD is awesome. I want AWD im just asking questions simply because I dont know the answer to them,

[nando]

we aren't busting your balls too badly. don't worry, you'd know if we were, lol.

as for the people telling you to "get out", ignorance mostly. with proper maintenance these things are tanks. grease your splines, keep the CV boots in check, make sure the TC seals are good, matching tires, and never, ever tow the car on two wheels.

[Mariorestrepo]

we aren't busting your balls too badly. don't worry, you'd know if we were, lol.

as for the people telling you to "get out", ignorance mostly. with proper maintenance these things are tanks. grease your splines, keep the CV boots in check, make sure the TC seals are good, matching tires, and never, ever tow the car on two wheels.

Thank you sir!!

[Mariorestrepo]

@Nando been reading your build for the past hour and a half. Beautiful build!!

[Q5Quint]

See if you can find good prices for:
the front diff,
front driveshaft,
front half-shafts
front hubs/wheel bearings
transfer case/ VC
Oil pan.


The ix is a great car, and as good as any e30 no doubt. The awd is amazing, but.... they are rare. As with all rare things, the replacement parts start to get.... expensive. Not because they are expensive of course, but just because they are harder to find.

I would never butcher an ix into rwd e30, or even do a manual swap at this point. The parts are worth too much.

A hint- I bought my ix for $900 with a blown head gasket and broken timing belt. Even if the engine was trashed it was a deal because the transfer case is worth.... $700-$900 used and I would still be in the clear. You can find them rebuilt for around $1500.

Keep her looking tidy and clean - if you want a rwd car you can find one for less than your transfer case is worth.

[Mariorestrepo]

See if you can find good prices for:
the front diff,
front driveshaft,
front half-shafts
front hubs/wheel bearings
transfer case/ VC
Oil pan.


The ix is a great car, and as good as any e30 no doubt. The awd is amazing, but.... they are rare. As with all rare things, the replacement parts start to get.... expensive. Not because they are expensive of course, but just because they are harder to find.

I would never butcher an ix into rwd e30, or even do a manual swap at this point. The parts are worth too much.

A hint- I bought my ix for $900 with a blown head gasket and broken timing belt. Even if the engine was trashed it was a deal because the transfer case is worth.... $700-$900 used and I would still be in the clear. You can find them rebuilt for around $1500.

Keep her looking tidy and clean - if you want a rwd car you can find one for less than your transfer case is worth.

Thanks for the info!