Re: E30 Rims, Brakes, etc (plus a couple more new ?)

["David Stern" <sternsys@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Grant,

Thanks for all the great information.  Chances are that when I finally
acquire "that perfect" BMW, I'll probably stick with whatever comes on them
until I feel up to changing things.  Where I live, there are just about two
or three used BMWs for sale in the entire area (the "real" north of
California).  I'm looking for a 325ic and there is one, a 92, but they want
more than I can afford (they want $16k; I can do $10k max.)  Is it true that
the 92 is really an "is" with a convertible top?  The guy told me it had an
"is" motor, suspension and it did have the wheels.  He said that in 92, BMW
started throwing all they could of surplus parts into these due to the new
E36 models arriving soon thereafter.

Also, do all convertibles have a gap underneath the rear lip where it meets
the boot?  This one had a brush insert covering it and lifting it up exposed
a clear entry into the passenger compartment.  Is this a source for leaks
(gushers?)  It sure let a lot of outdoor noise in.

Well, thanks again.

David Stern

> E30 tires, rims, brakes are all questions that come up quickly
> when you start pushing the car.
>
> E30 tires and rims is the LAST question you should answer.  Brakes
> are the first.
>
> SCCA ITS seems to be where a lot of people want to end up with their E30
> after enjoying it for a bit of time on the street.  You have to run the
> stock
> brakes in ITS and a max of 14x7 rim for the E30 325is.
>
> Now if you don't care about ITS, but you don't want to change from 4 bolt
> to 5 bolt,
> go with the KVR 11.6 inch 2 piece rotor with AP 4piston caliper.  You will
> need at least a 16 inch rim with caliper clearance.
>
> Don't want to change the brakes, and just want "cool" big rims...I won't
> answer that one.
>
> If you want big bearings and massive stopping power..change over to
> E36 coil-overs with Steve D's Movit Porsche TT brakes.
>
> There are bigger brakes available, but they won't work nearly as well under
> street
> conditions (rain, snow, dust, etc) and you won't have to rebuild them every
> year
> like the race calipers.
>
> Biggest tire on a non M3 E30...probably mine during insanity time
> 255/50/16s (rear only)
> 245/45/16 in front (no front fender rolling..big spring rates).
>
> I now run 245/45/16 on all 4 corners.  The 255 creates too much drag on a
> car with
> less than 300hp.  The 245 width helps during competition for better braking
> and stick in the corners.
> 225/50(45)/15s are probably the best combo I have seen for basically stock
> E30 325s.
>
> Grant
> gwells@domain.elided
> '87 E30 "LTW"
>
>
>

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