E30 low cost but worthwhile upgrades

[montokboy]

I just got a 1986 325e and was wondering what sort of fairly priced upgrades I can do, it was bought superchipped. I would like to upgrade the suspension (Blistein, from what I heard, don't know which model), a stress bar for the front, and new brake calipers, rotors, and pads.

Also, if anyone has had experience with a squeaky door (driver's side) during driving and if there is a DIY remedy for it.

thanks everyone
Sean

 

[Ryan Stewart]

First thing you need to do is take out that superchip, and burn it. Then after stomping on the remains get a Jim C chip from turnermotorsport.com. It is the ONLY chip for the Eta.

The squeak should be remedied by replacing the gasket that seals the door, its just not tight enough. Its not cheap though, like $70.

Suspension isnt cheap but definately a worthwhile mod. I would do searches in all the E30forums on suspension. Narrow it down to a few choices and then ask questions. ON suspension opinions are like ... ....everyone has one.

Also 2 nice looks upgrades is Hella or Cebie H4 lenses in place of the abismal lights that come in these cars. The other is Euro bumpers. I know it seems like I am beating this to death but I hate the US bumpers and everything they stand for. Plus its another chance to mugg my car. You can get the bumpers cheap if you get used, ask if interested.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/325e/poster.jpg

 

[mikev]

Get yourself a nice big can of WD40 and spray it all over the doo hinges and general area a couple of times and thy squeek shall disappear well worked on my sunroof

 

[South Africa E30 driver]

I think that if you want some nice mods that are cheap, but on the looks side you can't go wrong with a nice set of rims. As for performance, maybe a new chip, and exhaust, or a set of lowering springs and some sport shocks

 

[rjp325i]

The only chip to use on an eta engine is the Conforti chip. As for suspension you have several choices and it gets down to what you prefer in the way of handling, looks and price. You can go with H&R OE Sport springs (1" drop) with Bilstein HD struts/shocks or H&R Sport springs (1.3" drop) with the shorter Bilstein Sport Styruts/Shocks. Also available are H&R Race springs, a more dramatic drop but camber plates are recommended which drive up the cost. Similar setups are available from Eibach and others. I went with the OE sports and HD Bilsteins with Eibach front stress bar. If you require control arm bushings, get the offset ones for the E30 M3. Sway bars are also available in various thicknesses and from several makers. I went with Eibach. Sway bar mounts can be a problem if you use very heavy bars and could require additional reinforcing of the mounting hardware. Rear shock mounts are a constant concern with all E30s. An upgrade to E36 or E46 cabrio mounts is worthwhile and fit with no mods necessary. For more money you could upgrade further to urethane billet mounts. I tried upgrading to the E30 cabrio mounts first but they only lasted 6 mo and 7000 mi before one went south. I'm now using E36 cabrio ones with no problems (E46 mounts were not in stock and I needed the car). Your choice in rims is rather limited due to th 4 bolt setup. It is recommended by the tech experts in Bimmer and the Roundel that the suspension changes for performance purposes be done before the wheel upgrades but few people ever do it in that order. How much you want to do and fit in a budget is largely a matter of how much you can do yourself.