325iX vs 325is for restomod

[Kershaw]

Yes that is what I said. The transfercase is a limited slip differential. You'll get 3 tires rotating the same at all times. You can launch like crazy. I launch at 5000rpm on dirt and grass at rallyx and instantly take off. Rwd will just sit there over 2500rpm.

[Julien]

IXs are actually a lot better than most awd vehicles in the snow. Really the only thing better from a drivetrain perspective is 4x4 with lockers. IXs have 2 limited slip viscous differentials that can lock up 100% .

front diff is open afaik. rear and transfer case are viscous.

[varg]

When you get to the "mod" part of restomod the iXs seem to get expensive quick. From what I've seen online the drivetrain has some weak points that won't take the abuse your average turbo M20 dishes out let alone something really powerful. When people mention Nisse Järnet's iX while talking about AWD E30s it must be mentioned that his car is a complex build and is pretty much a custom AWD drag car which just so happens to look like a regular E30.

[nrubenstein]

The problem with an iX is that it's even harder to find one that hasn't rusted to shit.

[Kershaw]

Julien, this is for you

[Kershaw]

The difference in driving style is even more pronounced on dirt


https://www.flickr.com/photos/sphill...2065800134.jpg
My street ix



Not being a pansy about it in the snow


IXs are actually a lot better than most awd vehicles in the snow. Really the only thing better from a drivetrain perspective is 4x4 with lockers. IXs have 2 limited slip viscous differentials that can lock up 100% .

[Julien]

continuing with my thread derail:

[Julien]

Although I do hear ix's are amazing in the snow, if you want snow-plowability go with one of these :)



Don't be too scared of IX specific parts, read my build thread above, they're not to hard to find. Based on feel and desirability i'd go RWD. If you want something a little different, get an ix.

[Kershaw]

Wow, we've got some scaredy cats up in this thread. Afraid to do a little more maintenance. My suggestion is to drive both and see which one you like better. Yes, the steering input is definitely heavier on awd. Yes, it does add 143lbs. Yes, awd parts are getting harder to come by and more expensive. But if all these things put you off the ix, you might as well drive a miata because they're true in a miata to is comparison as well. Or an ix to m3 comparison, except the weight.

Even better than just driving either, see if you can autocross both models. In rwd you can almost never put your foot flat to the ground unless you're running tires so fat they're actually slowing you down. It's light and airy. You're constantly dancing the back end around. In awd you have so much grip you can hammer down the throttle all the time. Your biggest enemy is understeer of course. You are going to get pulled through the turns. It's a quite a large difference the driving feel between the two models.

The biggest issue is finding an ix with as little rust as possible. But that's true for any e30. 88s are the best year, imo, because they come loaded with all options except heated seats which were actually optional.

[101]

I have both and also agree with the above. IS > IX for a resto. IX fender flares and Euroweaves can make any non-IX E30 look pretty close to a true IX.

All E30's should be sleeping when salt is around.

IX parts are getting pretty expensive (think front axles, control arms, strut housings, etc). Some of us are now hoarding parts to keep our beloved IX'es going. :)

[Perculator00]

E30 Choice

Go with a 325is/i and if you want more period correct & ultra low mileage then it could be a premium. I was quite amazed what that Delphin Grey late model is coupe got on BAT if anyone saw that. 20k!!

That car was listed in MD that sold a few years ago I was too late to the race.

Not to Hi-Jack the thread at all but just to throw it out there my project is ready to go on the market soon(sorry guys non BMW related. I own an E30 late model and love it to death)

Stick with the more basic RWD

[stonea]

As someone who owns both of them I'm going to have to recommend going with the 325i. If you wanted to just do a simple restoration then either one, but if you want to modify it then you are kind of forced to go RWD.

*Also the ix parts can be expensive, but I've spent much more on my 325i than my ix just because of mods.

[wintershade]

as already mentioned above, awd e30's are too complicated, too fragile, and the parts are too expensive for what you want to do.

I guess that pretty much settles it. Not a single vote for the AWD -- geez. I guess I better go modify my WTB post and change it to an iS. Glad we got that settled.

i would NEVER drive any e30 in the winter salt. awd or not.

Ah yes, steel wasn't galvanized back then.... Probably a super noob question here, but couldn't you theoretically treat the steel somehow to prevent rust? I guess this build will be more of a summer car.

[Zeemz]

i would NEVER drive any e30 in the winter salt. awd or not.

This!!! It would be one thing to take one out in the snow in places out West where they don't use salt, but back East absolutely not. I still wouldn't do this in a nice rust free E30 in the snow to begin with.

It is sad not to drive an iX in the winter as they are awesome and a lot of fun in the snow. Don't buy or build a $15K+ iX (or any regular E30) and then drive it on the salty roads. If you want to use it like that, buy a cheap one that already has some body issues and then drive the piss out of it and not worry about painting it.

[estoguy]

I'd go with the is for reasons mentioned above. Don't forget too that the ix will be heavier as well, because of having AWD... and I agree with the above assessments of it as well. There is a user here with a sig line that calls the ix "the most hateful breed of E30" LOL