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318i to 325ix conversion

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    #1

    318i to 325ix conversion

    Hey folks,

    Just registered to this forum today after spending a couple of days reading posts from this site and a couple of others. I have a 318i cabriolet and i just purchased on ebay a 325ix. Since BMW never made a cabriolet ix, i was thinking that it would be pretty cool to put the drive train of the ix on the iC. After reading through the posts, it has become apparent that i will likely have to cut off most of the front end structure and weld it to the convertible. I have the equipment (mig, tig, and a plasma cutter) and the technology, but i was wondering if there is anyone out there has done an ix conversion who could offer advice? Unfortunately for me, the ix is an auto which is not my favorite. My cabriolet is a manual but i know that trans wont work either. So, in summary....looking for advice on making the conversion and likely will be looking for an ix manual trans ans xfer case. Thank you in advance for your time;)
    sigpic
    Gigitty Gigitty!!!!

    88 cabrio becoming alpina b6 3.5s transplanted s62
    92 Mtech 2 cabrio alpinweiss 770 code
    88 325ix coupe manual lachsilber/cardinal
    88 325ix coupe manual diamondschwartz/natur
    87 e30 m3 for parts lachsilber/cardinal(serial number 7)
    12 135i M sport cabrio grey/black
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    #2
    It would seem easier to me to turn the iX into a convertible than to convert a 318 into an iX. just my 2 cents

    Comment

      #3
      how good are your welding skills? wiring? replacing almost every part of the car?

      you will need to cut and weld the transmission tunnel, the front shock towers (basically everything past the frame rail). You would need an entire ix engine, drivetrain, front and rear suspension, and if you really want it to be an ix - you need the ABS computer and sensors, the brake MC/booster, front and rear subframes, coolant hoses, PS res bracket, and god knows what else. There are so many small parts that are unique, I get burned everytime I assume they should be the same. The wiring harness is even slightly different (body and engine). The carpet, driver's seat and center consoles are also unique.

      basically - it's possible, but totally not worth it. you could probably do an M3 convertable replica (like Vlad's) for less and it would be worth more. It would also look better. :p
      Build thread

      Bimmerlabs

      Comment

        #4
        Originally posted by smcdermott326 View Post
        It would seem easier to me to turn the iX into a convertible than to convert a 318 into an iX. just my 2 cents

        Yeah, weld in some chassis renforcements, barce the body, and then hack off the roof and a, b, and, c pillars, graft the vert sill and front windshield w/a pillars, then you'd still have to swap doors, and thats something i'm not even sure on (doorsill/rocker)

        Comment

          #5
          no, basically you'd still have the same problem - the chassis of a convertable is probably even more different than the ix is.
          Build thread

          Bimmerlabs

          Comment

            #6
            I'll take nando's word on it. I'd suggest the OP does too.

            Comment

              #7
              so... you want to take two of the most unique-chassied e30s and mix-and-match them?

              now... s38 + vert + ix drivetrain = you will be my hero
              1989 cirrisblau-metallic 325i

              Comment

                #8
                Originally posted by SpecM View Post
                so... you want to take two of the most unique-chassied e30s and mix-and-match them?

                now... s38 + vert + ix drivetrain = you will be my hero
                +1, know that it will be work, but worth it, and if you give up half way through then read my sig and give me a call :nice:

                This place is like catholic school, 2/3 of the students smoke weed on a daily basis, but the faculty seems to convince the outside world that drugs are just in the other schools, the resident pot dealer thinks he's cool because he has the originality to call anyone he doesn't like a homosexual, and most of the little children follow him like sheep, then there's the few with brains, you hardly ever hear from them, perhaps don't even know they exist, but they get all the sh!t done.

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