Basic Performance mods on a 320i

[ScottMc]

Anyone have any advice on performance modifications to a '89 'British' spec 320i?

I don't want to undertake an engine transplant or fit turbos/superchargers/Nitrous but what modifications can i perform on the car?

Also what power gains can i expect from these? and what is the maximum power which can be got from this engine.

Can engine parts off other E30s with the M20 engine be fitted to my 320i? or is this too much hassle?

sorry if this has all been answered before - i'm new here!

 

[OreoGaborio]

post your questions again, but this time in a scottish accent... then i'll help ya

just kiddin bro...

what kinda engine is in there an m10?

 

[jb318iS]

theoretically, a 'British' spec 320i would be an m20, the same as an Australian one....

your basics are always, higher flowing air filter(better flat panel or cone), exhaust and then possibly a chip.

then the larger AFM would help too, if you wanted to do the swap.

 

[bichmgnt]

Based on the posts I've seen and the articles I've read (of course I'm just regurgitating here) an exhaust won't make much difference if you haven't modded the engine. I would say a chip is the easiest performance gainer followed by the high flow air filter and then exhaust. If price isn't much of a consideration you might get an extrude hone intake for about $550 US that would also be fairly easy to install and makes a big difference from what I'm told. If it's an M20 engine you can probably do a lot. Go to Ireland Engineering's website at http://www.bmw2002.com/ and check out the Tech Articles. Theres a couple short and sweet articles about basic and not so basic mods and their relative effect on performance.

Have fun!

Steve

 

[mikev]

I have a 325i with some very minor mods. sports exhaust, chip and air filter / induction very worth while mods to do as they get the power up to current 325 spec (dunno bouth the 320) with a lighter body pulls very low 7's to 60mph (as the guy in the civic R found out today these are simple and not TOO expensive to do and should give you enough extra power to make a differance. Oh year fill up on optimax from shell its more expensive but will garantee extra horses and better throttle response.

 

[ScottMc]

thanks guys. i found a guy on ebay selling copied ecu chips today. really cheap to buy! anyone with any experience with these?

 

[nadroj]

scott where did you find these chips on ebay b/c i looked

 

[jb318iS]

just remember, you get what you pay for. its ebay, who knows what you are getting, research it fully first.

the only prob with the 320i is that it is seriously underpowered for its weight. you could consider building the motor up to 325i specs, or maybe a swap....thats if money allows of course.

that said, the stuff we mentioned will help a little.

 

[ScottMc]

this is the auction on ebay. i mailed the guy and he says it is a copy of the original chip. I'm thinking of buying one since it doesnt seem too much money to have wasted if I dont see any power gains. if i buy it i'll book my car in for a rolling road tune up to see what improvements there are over standard.

BMW Alpina E30 / E34 chip

"This chip is for the e30 6 cylinder engined 320, 325 and 327, as well as the e34 5 series 530i, 525 and 525e. it is a superb quality chip unused and ready to ship. Expect gains from 12hp - 16hp with total removal of the flat spots associated with this engine. view full fitting guide here; http://www.e30zone.co.uk/techn/chip.htm This chip retailed at £595, buy here for a fraction of the cost, if you need more info please email me at jayson@e30gumball.co.uk"

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2426606288&category=32094

 

[rjp325i]

Here in the States the Jim Conforti chip from Turner Motorsport in Ames, MA is probably the most popular. Currently it is available for $199 U.S. This chip yields the largest power increases throughout the power curve.

 

[Pink_Floyd]

About the guy selling chips on eBay i found the same guy 2 days ago on my own and ordered an AC Schnitzer chip for my '92 325i. I know its a copy but I'm not concerned at all as he has very positive feedback and there is no loss in a digital replica as there is with actual replica car parts... If its a copy of an ACS chip, it will do the exact same thing the original will do, so I'm very happy