M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: sngl13b on July 04, 2009, 08:10:03 PM

Title: awd 318is
Post by: sngl13b on July 04, 2009, 08:10:03 PM

has any one done an awd swap using the stock 4cyl,with like a ix trans or any other kind of awd swap???

Title: awd 318is
Post by: Deftones on July 05, 2009, 05:12:35 PM

here in italy i've seen a gravel rally car made with a 318is 4dr e36 with 325ix transmission and a mercedes supercharger, making 250hp, it was just a demo car but doesn't run bad. i think it's cheaper to buy a 325ix directly, you also have more power!

Title: awd 318is
Post by: papercutout on July 06, 2009, 12:46:27 PM

Sounds an aweful idea - lack of torque = fail IMO.

Title: awd 318is
Post by: DesktopDave on July 06, 2009, 02:32:47 PM

There's no cheap way that you could run that iX half shaft through the oil pan.  If you want to rally I'd suggest an A4, WRX or Lancer Evo...they're twice the car for less money than you'd end up spending on something unique.

AWD is totally overrated IMHO.  Kills the steering's feel.

Title: awd 318is
Post by: JoeDellio on July 06, 2009, 03:23:21 PM

AWD on a BMW just doesnt seem right to me. I still have my AWD talon (roughly 330AWHP) , and the m42 (even though its weak) is still more fun to drive and handles better. The AWD is great for putting massive HP to the pavement, especially in the rain, but I can still get them all to break loose with a blip of the clutch.

Title: awd 318is
Post by: DesktopDave on July 06, 2009, 07:01:00 PM

That's the same thing I think when I see a brand new AWD 530, X5 or X3 driving by.  I'm happy they're successful sellers, but count me out....they're no fun at all.  I'd love to pack a few of those options into my e30 though.  I wonder if an adjustable steering column would fit in a 318?