BenEvans 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 hey all, not to sure if this post should be here but here goes. i wrote off a e30 325 manual coupe and all its parts are fine it was just the chassis that got F**ked. i then went and brought a e30 320 auto because it had everything my last car was lacking. for example this new 320 had just been resprayed in diamond Schwartz it had new shocks all round etc. so i figured at the time i would swap over the manual gearbox to start, followd by either the 325 engine or a later M50/52 model. i have been told of a few other parts that i should swap over because they are just better. stuff like: 51mm struts sway bar if anyone can add to this list and let me know what i should change or what is different between the 325 and 320 that would be great! as i am currently selling parts off the car i don't want to sell anything i can better my new car with. also they are both facelift. Cheers Ben Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jamez 2147483647 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 I did the exact same swap, first off i changed just the engine and gearbox, you can get away with doing this but it doesn't drive that well i have since swapped the suspension and sway bars and i have found that's given me a nice car, only other thing to do now is swap the diff as the 320i auto came with a 4.4 diff which makes for very short changes and not the best fuel efficiency on the motorway. other than that, nothing else is needed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrantiC Report post Posted May 30, 2009 (edited) Yeah diff is a lower ratio and medium case, vs the small case in the 320. I think the entire rear subframe has the bigger / stronger 325 rear axles too.. Battery in boot conversion possibly ? There isn't too much differences other than suspension and engine. Edited May 30, 2009 by FrantiC Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
APT 195 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 Yeah diff is a lower ratio and medium case, vs the small case in the 320. I think the entire rear subframe has the bigger / stronger 325 rear axles too.. Battery in boot conversion possibly ? There isn't too much differences other than suspension and engine. What are the advantages of the battery in boot conversion ? Apart from less weight over the front? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forrest 35 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 ^ Looks mad racer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BenEvans 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 cheers mate, much appreciated. also to what extent of the suspension was swapped. cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrantiC Report post Posted May 30, 2009 Rear trail arms, If you wanna use the 325i rear halfshafts, Just pull the entire rear ends and put it in the 320 straight from the 325i (subframe, trail arms, sway bar, diff, axles etc). Replace all mounts and bushes while you swap so it's mint too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites