Swap, 325is→318i

[savannah996]

I bought a 87 325is 5sp (totaled) and I am swapping all the good stuff to another E30, (1984 318i 5sp). I have a couple E28's and E36 but I wanted to see what all the fuss is over E30's. LOL So im rebuilding one. Its gonna stay mostly stock where I can. I know there are those that would want to see me do a M30/50 build but IM NOT! (this time).

So any advise on tech issues I might have would be helpful!

[jlevie]

Your only challenge will be dealing with C101.

[e30jake]

The suspension on the 325is will be a little beefier than on the 318i, so you may want to consider swapping that over with the engine. I haven't done this myself, but I can't imagine swapping in another engine that came factory will be too difficult.

[FredK]

Looks like a fun project! The early 318i is lightweight and will be a good slug of fun with a stock M20.

As e30jake said, the 325is suspension is beefier, with 51mm strut tubes vs. 45mm strut tubes, and the rear disc brake trailing arms are a worthy upgrade from the rear drum brakes on the 318i.

The issue will be connecting a round C101 to the rectangular plug C101 as found in the 318i. I think you should be able to get a pinout by searching r3vlimited for "rectangular C101".

[savannah996]

Thanks guys, I plan to swap all brakes and suspension. The donor car has Bilsteins also. I know the rear suspension arms are different, but im planning to swap the whole rear subframe and I can do the subframe bushings too if the PO didnt already. (It was a well maintained 325is).

[savannah996]

PS. real,oem says the front subframes have different part numbers. Are they really different?