Bimmer mag: The “is” mystique

[leegf]

hopefully not a repost? what an article -- makes me seriously want an unmodified (or rather lightly modified) 'time capsule' car







Motoring down the same section of road that we enjoyed in the 318, I immediately notice the M20 six’s additional power and refinement. Where the M42 has just 134 hp and 127 lb-ft, the M20 has 168 hp and 164 lb-ft, with those peaks arriving at 5,800 and 4,300 rpm, respectively. It’s noticeably more powerful, not to mention far more refined. In fact, the 2.5-liter M20 inline-six is an absolute gem of an engine, creamy smooth in its power delivery and with an eager character that permeates the entire car. Revved to its horsepower peak of 5,800 rpm and beyond, it emits the mellow, raspy growl that can only come from a BMW inline six.

Power vs. agility

Riding on lowering springs, the Saylors’ 325is doesn’t lean quite as much as O’Rourke’s 318is, though the difference in overall handling isn’t all that great. One big distinction is the feel at the front; with 1,507 of its 2,844 lbs. over the front axle (where the 318is places just 1,405 lbs.), the 325is turns in less sharply than its lighter sibling. It’s not that the 325 isn’t nimble and responsive, only that it’s less so in direct contrast to the four-cylinder model. It’s carrying another 102 lbs. over the front axle, and it feels like it.

http://www.bimmer-mag.com/issues/113/articles/the-is-mystique

[Pac1373]

If I had the money to buy a survivor in that shape, of have one restored to "Brand new" I would.

perhaps a moderate drop, maybe wheels. but it wouldn't go past that for me.

do like unmolested cars.

[ZekeTheSneak]

Nope. I like cars low. lol. Now a dtm restored m3, count me in.

[Northern]

If its a clean car, then tastefully modded. wheels/coils/5lug/brakes/24v etc.

If not a clean car, then do what you want.

[GillesBigCowboy]

A nice article... I am going to need new shocks in my vert and I was considering trying the stock sachs... I have never actually driven or rode in an e30 with sachs

[RUFFLZ]

really enjoyed the article, thanks for posting op.

[jlevie]

I have, once it is painted, what would qualify as a "time capsule car". It is an 87 325is that has been restored to like new stock condition. I've been working on it as time permits for the last year of so. Major work completed so far includes complete suspension rebuild, motor rebuild, new seat leather, various electrical parts replaced to fix problems or get rid of faded switches/lights, brake system refresh/rebuild, and all new A/C parts. The only place I didn't use OE parts is in the suspension. I prefer the M3 offset cab's and I used Koni SA shocks. The car sounds and drives like it did when it was new and the interior looks like a new car.

The handling in the stock configuration (with everything fresh) is really quite good. Certainly much better than it needs to be in street driving. And I'm comparing that to my Spec E30.

[fronton]

If its a clean car, then tastefully modded. wheels/coils/5lug/brakes/24v etc.

If not a clean car, then do what you want.

Tasteful mods include wheels, coils, 5 lug, brakes and an engine swap???? What else is there besides chalkboard paint and a blacked out grill?

Tasteful mods are factory options that the car did not originally have specked. These include IS or mtech lips, leather sport seats, smileys, plastic bumpers, euro weaves...

Beyond that level, the grey area (for purists) of "tasteful mods" includes z3 short shift, switching diffs, 5 sp conversion, billy sports/HR springs, non-airbag wheel...

THEN, you get into engine swaps, huge rims, coilovers and BBKs, which would never be tasteful to a purist.

I don't think it matters how clean the car is or not to begin, you should always do what you want with it, but I don't think your 'tasteful mods' are tasteful to most e30 enthusiasts. But then again, this is R3v, not BMWCCA.org so maybe I'm in the minority on this one here. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate a good engine swap (I have one), just saying that is not generally appreciated as a tasteful mod to a clean e30.

[leegf]

Tasteful mods include wheels, coils, 5 lug, brakes and an engine swap???? What else is there besides chalkboard paint and a blacked out grill?

Tasteful mods are factory options that the car did not originally have specked. These include IS or mtech lips, leather sport seats, smileys, plastic bumpers, euro weaves...

Beyond that level, the grey area (for purists) of "tasteful mods" includes z3 short shift, switching diffs, 5 sp conversion, billy sports/HR springs, non-airbag wheel...

THEN, you get into engine swaps, huge rims, coilovers and BBKs, which would never be tasteful to a purist.

I don't think it matters how clean the car is or not to begin, you should always do what you want with it, but I don't think your 'tasteful mods' are tasteful to most e30 enthusiasts. But then again, this is R3v, not BMWCCA.org so maybe I'm in the minority on this one here. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate a good engine swap (I have one), just saying that is not generally appreciated as a tasteful mod to a clean e30.

i think you hit the nail on the head. you are the kind of person i would want to buy a car from :)

[Wh33lhop]

A nice article... I am going to need new shocks in my vert and I was considering trying the stock sachs... I have never actually driven or rode in an e30 with sachs

Skip them, unless you are at stock height and want cheap ride quality and nothing else. Snag some Konis if you want a great all around shock.

[straightsixe30]

I think a lot of people forget to remember the engineering brilliance and thought that goes into an OEM car, after all who knows the car better than the people who built it.

[fronton]

I think a lot of people forget to remember the engineering brilliance and thought that goes into an OEM car, after all who knows the car better than the people who built it.

Technology does improve but I agree that 100% stock e30 is a wonder to behold, and probably better than 90% of 'upgraded' e30s.

[M-technik-3]

On fresh suspension and so forth a stock car is great but I would be doing OEM H&R's almost immediately.

Stock car was great but as enthusiast's we know we can't resist the urge to molest/modify.

[Northern]

Tasteful mods include wheels, coils, 5 lug, brakes and an engine swap???? What else is there besides chalkboard paint and a blacked out grill?

Tasteful mods are factory options that the car did not originally have specked. These include IS or mtech lips, leather sport seats, smileys, plastic bumpers, euro weaves...

Beyond that level, the grey area (for purists) of "tasteful mods" includes z3 short shift, switching diffs, 5 sp conversion, billy sports/HR springs, non-airbag wheel...

THEN, you get into engine swaps, huge rims, coilovers and BBKs, which would never be tasteful to a purist.

I don't think it matters how clean the car is or not to begin, you should always do what you want with it, but I don't think your 'tasteful mods' are tasteful to most e30 enthusiasts. But then again, this is R3v, not BMWCCA.org so maybe I'm in the minority on this one here. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate a good engine swap (I have one), just saying that is not generally appreciated as a tasteful mod to a clean e30.

Wow, I need to stay the hell away from puristville.

Enjoy your bottlecaps. I'll take my huge rims, tasteless 24v, etc.

[SubDad]

Technology does improve but I agree that 100% stock e30 is a wonder to behold, and probably better than 90% of 'upgraded' e30s

.

Thank you thank you thank you.

I've got a 100% stock eurospec '86 320i. I'm keeping it stock for a base-line comparo with all those lowered turbo-ed units with stretched tires.

You can have more fun driving a slow car fast than a fast car slow, but people look at me like I have a clam growing out of my head when I say I don't want to slam it, or re-engine it or what-not.

A discrete super-charger for low-end torque might be interesting though... and my 325is was way faster.

Sorry, what was the topic again?