I'm reading up on the chassis stiffness of E30 325i/is, E30 325iC, E30 M3, and E30 M3 Convertible and how they compare. I'm interested in seeing how they compare. How much stiffer is the M3 than the 325i/is? How much stiffer is the 325i/is than the 325iC? What did they do to make the M3 chassis stiffer?
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How much stiffer is the E30 M3 chassis than the standard E30?
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I don't believe that the M3 is any stiffer than the regular e30s because it uses pretty much all the same basic architecture other than the quarters, fenders, bumpers and roof line/trunklid which shouldnt effect things enough to matter.
The cabrio is much looser than the hardtops because there is obviously no roof to reinforce the chassis, the rockers are enlarged to help combat this. There might be a stiffer floor pan, but I am not sure.
If you are only going to buy an M3 because its "stiffer" save your money and just build up a coupe. You will save lots of money and it will handle just as good.:: PNW Crew ::
'87 325 4dr, '74 2002
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Originally posted by browntown View PostIsn't the windshield a structural member or something on the m3?
-Erik
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As for that rear window thing, I'd be interested in hearing if it added anything to unibody stiffness, as that whole rear window assembly is somehow joined to the unibody. I see th obvious seam on the roof of mine, and I haven't taken the time, but I do need to follow it down the C pillar, as I get a little water dripping into the trunk on the driver-side inner fenderwell.
Anyhow, that window is bonded to a part that isn't directly the unibody, it's not even steel IIRC.
It's not how you handle the good times, but the faith you keep in the bad that defines you.
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Regular e30s can use the thinner M3 bonded windshield and gasket. It is only twice the price. And because the glass is a structural element, it sometimes crack if the shell gets stressed/hit.Brake harder. Go faster. No shit.
massivebrakes.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Massiv...78417442267056
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Sounds like a great mod ! not lolMtech1 v8 build thread - https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...d.php?t=413205
OEM v8 manual chip or dme - https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho....php?p=4938827
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Originally posted by Massive Lee View PostRegular e30s can use the thinner M3 bonded windshield and gasket. It is only twice the price. And because the glass is a structural element, it sometimes crack if the shell gets stressed/hit.
But yes, some P.O. got someone to shoehorn a standard screen in with a standard gasket. Idiots.
It's not how you handle the good times, but the faith you keep in the bad that defines you.
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These cars aren't what I'd call rigid and the difference between an M3 and 325is is negligible. Jack up one end of either and open the door and you'll see what I mean. When I jack up one end of my 993, the whole side of the car rises.1995 Porsche 993 6 speed
2001 BMW M3 6 speed - DD
2001 BMW 530iA Sport - Hers
2005 KTM 450EXC 6 speed
Gone:
1988 BMW M3 2.5 EVOIII Clone
1988 BMW 325is x2
1985 BMW M635CSI 286hp
2001 KTM 400MXC
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HAHA My thoughts exactly. e30 was a mass produced compact semi-luxury sport saloon, not a Porsche. e30s are ridgid compared to lots of stuff. When I would offroad my Ranger, with one front wheel on a rock, u couldnt open either door! Now thats lack of ridgidity01 325Ci
87 325iS w/ M30B35 swap
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Hey, they're way better than my old E21. I couldn't even open the door when I jacked one side of the car up.
My point was that these cars are flexible enough that any difference between an E30 M3 and "regular" E30 is unnoticeable.1995 Porsche 993 6 speed
2001 BMW M3 6 speed - DD
2001 BMW 530iA Sport - Hers
2005 KTM 450EXC 6 speed
Gone:
1988 BMW M3 2.5 EVOIII Clone
1988 BMW 325is x2
1985 BMW M635CSI 286hp
2001 KTM 400MXC
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