Make an ix out of a 325i

[rzerob]

I bought a 325ix for winter purposes to get me through until spring. It is in rough shape, but was only meant to get me through the winter. After driving it through the snow and back and forth to work. I have come to realize I need to keep this ix in my life.

I made a deal with the ix, that if it made it to spring I would fix her better than new. So I finally got a chance to really look over the car and was really taken back by how abused, neglected and overall how bad of shape it was in.

I had already came to the conclusion that I would need a parts car. But after really getting to look it over the only things that are really good on my ix is the power train. The body is in need of every panel, almost an entire floor, core support, and pretty much everything that would be the body of the car. The frame is salvageable with some work but also in really sorry shape.

I know anything is possible with enough time and money. And I am not afraid to weld in new metal and replacing panels but it would be a lot cheaper and easier if I could just get a shell and transfer what I needed from the ix into the shell and turn it into an ix.

I assume I would need the power train, wiring harness, all the differentials, transfer case, strut tubes, and a lot of the suspension to make this work. Has anyone done this before? Is there anything I need to be aware of that would hinder my endeavor? Is there anything different between the chassis of an ix and a standard I or is? Would I be able transfer this into my choice of a sedan or coupe? Touring?

I have read a few things about similar questions, but most of the responses are it is too expensive to buy all the ix parts, well I have the ix so that point is moot.

[nando]

you're going to have to chop off the entire front of the ix frame to weld it to the rear of a RWD E30. it's not a matter of bolting on parts.

it would be easier to explain the things that are similar than list all the differences. I don't think this idea makes sense in the least. it would make more sense to repair the chassis and probably cost less, or find another ix chassis that needs less work.

[rzerob]

Thanks nando. I was hoping you would respond to this post. You are like the resident E30ix guru, so if you say it's not a good idea I know it is not time or cost effective. I had to ask, because if it was possible then it would be the easier route. But now that I know that it isn't possible without major fabrication and a lot of work, I can give up on the idea and see what my real options are. This car has shown me I have to have an E30ix in my life, they are awesome. Thanks again.

[Lance Racing]

I've seen rust free ix chassis purchased out of the Pacific Northwest and go back to the East Coast for these kinds of projects.

Seattle: Home to Rust Free E30s! Yea!

[nomansland92]

Ya like said before, that would be a project way over what it's worth. There's rust free ix's around but there getting expensive.
Good luck with the project.