bmw
 

i have been offered a late 80s bmw 318 is this something that will bolt in easily instead of a ford lump or would it be a mission? just its been offered to me for nothing!!!!

I'm no expert as I've not built mine yet but here's my outlook on it

I'm using a BMW V8 and from everything I've read and researched, engine wise you can choose whatever you can fit in the space and marry up to a gearbox and diff.

The problems arise if you want to deviate away from the sierra/MX5 donor for hubs/uprights etc as that needs modifying the suspension.

I'm sure I read some threads about using the 3 series Hubs but I'm not sure they ever got completed.

I'm sure someone with a bit more experience will add some more insight soon tho :)

3 series is a possiblity there has been one bmw build/conversion by a member here but im not sure if its been IVA'ed or what bmw was used

i would depend if you just want to use the engine and box or go for a total doner option this would require some redesign work

as far as i know there are no bmw conversion plans about yet and im not sure whats actualy do'able in the way of useable parts

personaly 3 series bmw's would be an ideal doner option for kits of today
there is plenty of them all over the world, rwd, cheap pattern parts and fairly basic construction

There is an article in this months CKC mag on BMW engines for kitcars.

E36 3 series BMW Locost:


Front strut modification to suit double wishbone (that does not involve welding as per GKD mods, which wont pass Australian Road rules)


On the beam and torsional testing jig you can see how the arms etc sit.


The aim of this car was to use as much BMW gear as pratical. So have used BMW rear wheel bearings with custom casing to make them bolt on, using BMW drive shafts unaltered, BMW rack, BMW front lower ball joints, Steering column, etc etc.

The biggest problem is that its a damn big engine even in a 355 high x 1118 wide frame.

Build diary: http://www.ozclubbies.com.au/index.p.../page__st__360

Cheers,
Taffy