BMW 325si Rear Suspension

[GizmoJoe]

Hi folks...

I recently helped a buddy strip a parts car for his "baby", an '89 325 BMW.
He only wanted body parts and gave me the complete running gear.. straight-6, 5 speed, front and rear sub-frames and many computers.

I was wondering about using the rear assembly for a T... not the one I'm building though. It's taking long enough now to consider changing anything major.

I know nothing about it's gear ratio and such. But then again.. I do have the complete drive-train.
I know some have taken that model of BMW and dropped a small-block Chevy in them, which must drive BMW owners mad.

Thoughts? Comments? Medication for me???

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[ruggs]

Gismo,

 

[ruggs]

Gismo, The number one rule of Hotrods is that there are no rules. If you study everything and try to fiqure out the ups and downs of it all you could make it work, just do the homework. JMO.......Ron (ruggs)

 

[GizmoJoe]

Gismo, The number one rule of Hotrods is that there are no rules. If you study everything and try to fiqure out the ups and downs of it all you could make it work, just do the homework. JMO.......Ron (ruggs)

Oh, I agree!
But another rule is if someone else has used something before.. pick their brains to see if it was a good or bad idea and why.

 

[ruggs]

Oh, I agree!
But another rule is if someone else has used something before.. pick their brains to see if it was a good or bad idea and why.

I agree also however, someone always has to be first. I can see the potential but, maybe thats why my projects take so long to complete.......Ron

 

[GizmoJoe]

I agree also however, someone always has to be first. I can see the potential but, maybe thats why my projects take so long to complete.......Ron

I struggle getting time at mine so taking on a new one is crazy... But you know how it goes.. parts land in your trailer and ... more insanity ensues.
I was going to build a Tudor but a bunch of bucket parts fell into my lap and the direction changed.

I'm considering the whole drive-train for a phaeton but.. directions change.....

 

[Youngster]

I agree there's no reason not to use it. Hot rodders are the greatest problem solver on the planet. With the restrictions your DMV has put on you it would be a real challenge. I say "Go for it!" I'm not familiar with BMW's but that might be a little wimpy for a SBC. Maybe think a small v6 or 2300 Ford or an S-10 or ??? Duffy Livingston used a similar IRS out of a Datsun years ago. The report was that it drove and handled like it was on rails.

Ron

 

[GizmoJoe]

Good to know about the Datsun. Thanks.
I have a 2.8 V6... Plus the BMW inline 6.
And like I said... I know of (on-line) projects with mild SBCs being dropped in the BMWs so power shouldn't be a big issue. They pop the original 6's up to well over 200hp without the rears blowing up.

It looks quite straight-forward (if that can be said). I was fortunate enough to see it assembled and to take it out.
A set of decent coil-overs and 3 mount-points and the thing is set. Maybe easier (from what I see) than some Vette or Jag setups.
And it even looks easier than a conventional rear axle... No big alignment and fabbing of 4-bar or ladder bars, etc.

But it's just another piece in the pile of parts I am gathering, for now.

If the DMV wasn't such a pain I'd get the MVR program at the community college where I work to build something for a long-term project. But that's not reasonable.

 

[ruggs]

I give, the potential is there but how many of us really have the time to start something new. I need to finish what I have and then think about new projects ( if i was only 30 years younger and had the knowledge and tools that I have now).........Ron

 

[GizmoJoe]

I give, the potential is there but how many of us really have the time to start something new. I need to finish what I have and then think about new projects ( if i was only 30 years younger and had the knowledge and tools that I have now).........Ron

Agreed. I'm not giving up hoping to start new stuff but I'm getting to the point of wanting to actually finish something before I shuffle off this mortal coil!

Thanks for the input "Rons".

 

[Leon renaud]

I think it was either Street Rodder or Rod and Custom in the 76 had a bunch of "concept rods"drawn to be built with Gas Saver mini motors one was a 23 T with all datsun drive line the rear looked a lot like this one!Hopefully someone here remembers the issue because the "concept drawings showed some really nice "Alternative" Ts

 

[GizmoJoe]

Interesting... thanks.

 

[blownt]

PA (Paul Abernathy) an old timer on the other board has built MANY MANY toys and play things using Datsun, Nissan, Toyota and other import parts. I really dig how he did his sedan/coupe rearend. BTW the tailight housings are I believe old tub washing machine legs. He's a hillbilly from Arkansas if case ya don't know.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad249/blownt/PA10.jpg

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad249/blownt/PA11.jpg

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad249/blownt/PA12.jpg

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad249/blownt/PA13.jpg

 

[GizmoJoe]

WOW! ilot: That spring setup really makes it interesting!!!!
And the lights top it off. Use what ya got!

Thanks for that.
The more I look at this BMW rear assemble the more I go.. "hmmm.. maybe I should".

 

[fluidfloyd]

WOW! That spring setup really makes it interesting!!!!
And the lights top it off. Use what ya got!

Thanks for that.
The more I look at this BMW rear assemble the more I go.. "hmmm.. maybe I should".

Gismo,

Just looking at that BMW unit I tend to think it would be pretty easy to use it in a T bucket. There are several ways to attack it depending on how much time, money and ability you want to throw at it. As for strength, as long as you don't get stupid with torque I don't see a problem. If the tread width will work for you then you could just build or modify the a-arms cross member and install it as originally designed. Get a spring catalog from MOOG (NAPA etc) and start researching what will fit and carry the weight you need, If you want to build new tubular A-arms then you could dulicate the factory units and use custom springs and an external mounted shock or you could use coilovers. You could also change the design of the A-arms so they worked more like the '63-'82 Corvettes. Many choices to think about. The only big ticket item would be longer or shorter half shafts in the event the width was way off for your car. Looks to me to be a Gift Horse. Don't look it in it's mouth!

Have fun,

George

 

[fluidfloyd]

He's a hillbilly from Arkansas if case ya don't know.



blownt...

I to am a hillbilly from Arkansas and sometimes I even admit.

George

 

[GizmoJoe]

Thanks, George.

No.. not interested in stupid torque. I have the complete drive-train from the beamer.. they ran around 164hp but people chipped and cammed them to over 200 without changing the rear end.
I won't be doing that. Neat straight six though.

Interesting info. I never really thought about modifying the width, if needed.
I do know there is a large amount of upgrade/hop-up stuff for this unit.

I'm not looking in it's mouth.. just wondering where to ride it and what feed it likes!

I have an S-15 drive-train for the bucket now so this will most likely be for another build (if I get that far!), unless I get some powerful urge to put this in.
That may happen... who knows.

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.

Joe

 

[gotmark73]

I have an 07 328 and the car will stay with any stock non ZO6 vette, I can't imagine it in a little light roadster. I would put 3 2bbl webers on the side of the motor and a lake pipe on the other side and go to town with it.

Mark