Still on alternative donors.
 

Still on the subject of alternative donors, i had a quick look at the product range of the bmw. Some pretty heavy weight stuff in the line up without going away from the 4 pot range, I realise the sierra is here for the moment but its nice to know there are other worthy contenders,

http://www.bmwe21.net/320is/specs.htm

Bob

The uk never had a 2lt model that made that much power, the 2lt uk models from that time produced about 130bhp, the 2.5 170bhp, the m3 215bhp and m3 evo 240bhp

There was a 318is which was 136bhp too, they all had very tall bulky inlet manifolds though

Still a very good alternative to a sierra though

If i had a big pit of money i would be putting an m3 engine in mine, used to have a 1997 m3 evo and absolutely loved it, with 321bhp i reckon it would make an incredibly fast roadster :D

the problem is that it would be a crime to destroy a nice E30. E36 on the other hand, 2.8 straight 6 all ali engine 190bhp out the box.

In its day
 

No one in their right mind would have destroyed a sierra when they were in there hay day. I was talking about a few years down the road and am quite sure when these are old hat they will change hands for small change like the mx5.

just my 2pc

Bob

plenty of ropey e30's worth destroying.

TT

yeah a couple of boy racers by me have some that could do with being taken off the road! lol

It would be a crime to chop up a decent e30 or any m3 but as said there are PLENTY of ropey ones out there! they generally have intergalactic mileage though when they get down to donor car money

E36 Compact is the same as the E30 underneath.

TT

Will mercedes ever be players in this????????

Bob

The problem with BMW as a doner is the same as the sierra and thats the front uprights. It's massive for what it has to do on the roadster and will require a fabricated bracket for the top ball joint. One way round it could be to make a new 5 stud hub for the mx5 upright or use a granny hub in the sierra upright. The rear bearing carrier is ideal as it would bolt to the current fabricated rear upright with little fuss.

I decided using an e36 (twin cam 140 bhp) was the way to go,and now its almost finished.I will admit that developing parts and overcoming the various problems making it fit the chassis almost took their toll financially, but when you lift the bonnet and see BMW emblazened on the rocker cover it's been well worth it.

Any chance of some pics to show how you have overcome the problems, im sure lots more people would go bmw route if they new what problems they may encounter and how to overcome them

Here you go, not quite a 4-pot but a BMW lump all the same!

Bmw
 

The 318iS would be the engine of choice for me, I had one about 8 years ago. It was fitted with a K & N induction kit and it sounded awsome especially driving through the tunnel in town. unfortunatly it's life was ended under the crash barrier on the Autobahn between Osnabruck and Bielefeld on black ice. The engine is rock solid as long as it's warmed up properly before you press the loud pedal. i think the 320iS was produced for Italy instead of the M3 because of the Italien tax rules but a solid engine if you can get hold of one.

Have you got any pics of the bmw build yet, would also like to see them

omg thats a huage lump !!!

I have looked into this engine weight thing. Its not as clear cut as the written word would have you believe. A rover v8 is pretty much supposed to be around 318lbs , this would disagree, http://www.v8register.net/subpages/v...dimensions.htm.

Some of these weights advertised are complete with all ancillaries, some are just long blocks and others are inc fluids ect so I think you have to find out for yourself. I will be weighing my unit with all its stuff fitted just so I know what i have. Also some of the engines have massive cooling systems which is all extra weight.

Bob