How rigid/solid is the e30 chassis? My previous car was an Toyota mr2 MK1 nd that thing was very tight. I'm looking into buying an e30, but I have never driven one, so I don't know. I know the e36 chassis is very regid, but that is a newer design (maybe improved/stiffer)
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What do you want to hear?
Go drive one for yourself.
"It's like a koala bear crapped a rainbow in my brain."
R.I.P. Harry Goz aka. Captain Murphy
"My ride, My ride, she don't beg, steal, cheat, or lie,
My ride, My ride, and our relationship is classified." -
Re: e30 Chassis Stiffness
Are you trying to pretend you know something, but actually don't? ;)Originally posted by cavernicolaComment
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what does this mean??Originally posted by nandoComment
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People think they are stiffer because of the pillar design.Originally posted by e30 gangstaComment
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haha, well, I haven't driven one so I don't know. What I mean by stiffnes is that on some cars when you put on aftermarket wheels that are bigger than the original (15" or 16" on the e30 for instance) you can feel the chassis twisting over bumps and stuff. Would the e30 be comparable to say, a Mercedes 190 series or a volvo 240? BTW, I don't think that many ppl are even aware of what chassis stiffness is as it is a somewhat subjective thing. But, there are tests that can be done to determine a chassis' lateral and longitudinal resonant frequencies. A higher frequency is usually better. I am interested in the e30 because its rwd, lightweight, 6 inline cylinder engine. I want to to build an e30 with a turbo and a good suspension setup to kick rice ass. :twisted:Comment
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A 15-20 year old 150k+ mile e30 chassis isn't particularly stiff. It's not fox-body mustang bad, but it definetly flexes under load. Big wheels and grippy tires will exacerbate this. Compared to cars of the same vintage, it's actually pretty decent, The E30 M3's are stiffer than the standard cars, as the windshield is actually a stressed member.
Nothing a strut tower bar and a cage can't fix though.
If I had the time/tools/talent, I'd actually like to sit down and see if I could design and fab up some subframe connectors for the e30, I think it might actually help the car.
-CharlieSwing wild, brake later, don't apologize.
'89 324d, '76 02, '98 318ti, '03 Z4, '07 MCS, '07 F800s - Bonafide BMW elitist prick.FYYFFComment
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Something could probably be made up similar to the X brace that is put on E36 M3's, would just take a bit of work to design/fab. They say with the aftermarket X brace for the e36 you don't even neet an upper strut bar.Originally posted by CharlieComment
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From someone that owns an e36 and has installed an xbrace, I will confirm that it makes a very noticeable difference. I'm not sure that the e30 has as many attachment points, but it would be an interesting project as well.Originally posted by cheades
-CharlieSwing wild, brake later, don't apologize.'89 324d, '76 02, '98 318ti, '03 Z4, '07 MCS, '07 F800s - Bonafide BMW elitist prick.FYYFFComment
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The X Brace does make a good differance on a e36. I noticed no differance with strut bars on though, even before the x brace. The X Brace isnt aftermarket, its actually a factory part off a M3 Lightweight. Very interesting project for a e30. I crossed over from a MKII MR2 and the E30 seems only slightly less rigid. E30 and E36 feel about the same to me, stock for stock and in good condition.'94 325is
'91 318is
'87 325isComment
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On my '89, no wreck that I know of, the passenger side door sticks when corner of the car is jacked up. I can still open it, but there is definitely some flex there. Has anyone tried seam welding these cars, and did it make a noticable difference?Comment
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Yes. You need the glass, low profile seals, and glue. It stiffens the body and provides and aerodynamic advantage becasue the seal is almost flat.Originally posted by nandoAdam Fogg- '88 M3
Common sense- It's the new 'gifted'Comment
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