Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - The big BMW e30 Touring Project! Advice needed esp on aero!

320touring · 10-19-2010, 09:46 AM

Right,

I'm in the slightly unusual position of having an almost Blank Canvas to work with here..

Background

The Bmw e30 "touring" is a compact estate car built from 1988-1994. It was not exported to the US, so i'm sure it'll look odd to most folks!

The car I own was bought in 2005 for £300, and then thrashed heavily for the following 5 years. Its been used to move engines and soil, rallied round many a backroad and taken to Kiev in the Ukraine for fun..

I love this car- it's a joy to drive in a spirited manner, yet pleasant on the motorway just nursing along. I cant get enough of the RWD experience, and I intend to keep this car for quite some time.

It failed its MOT (roadworthyness inspection) in April this year and has been sitting with its ass in the air and rear beam off since then.

I'm getting bored with the Saab, and need to get moving on this project again.

Essentially I'm in a position to make this car an effective an frugal daily driver

There are some caveats I have,a nd I'll lay them out below- but I'd like your ideas (wild as they may be!) to be expressed! Even better would be some photoshopping to show what you mean

These pics show the general front/rear profiles of the car shape

Front Profile
http://www.bmuu.com.au/Home/Photos/3...%20Touring.JPG

Rear Profile
File:BMW E30 Touring rear 20080625.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Things I dont want to change (unless you give a great reason!)

1. No Kammback (i'll entertain an extension of the rear spoiler though!) this is due to insurance issues I forsee

2. It'll be powered by the original 6cyl 1990cc 12v m20 engine. Fuelling IS open to discussion, i have an LPG kit sitting here

3. It must remain identifiable as an e30- part of the appeal are the looks of the car. Certain tuing companies like ALPINA/HARGE have produced "cowcatcher" fronts for this car- they may form an ideal starting point for an airdam?

4. It must maintain full functionality for load carrying/passenger transporting

I think that's about it..

I'm particularly interested in ways to reduce the Cd of the car- its pretty horrific from standard.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to your ideas!

Neil

10-19-2010, 09:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
320touring Master EcoModder Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: scotland Posts: 1,434 The Mistress - '88 Bmw 320i Touring SE Team m8 Last 3: 27.17 mpg (US) Germany Beadle - '91 Mercedes 300td (estate, N/A) 90 day: 24.63 mpg (US) The Bloodylingo - '05 Citroen Berlingo Multispace Desire 90 day: 39.77 mpg (US) Shanner Scaab - '03 Saab 9-5 estate Vector 90 day: 26.19 mpg (US) Clio 182 - '05 Renault Clio RS 182 182 90 day: 31.73 mpg (US) Thanks: 90 Thanked 95 Times in 79 Posts	The big BMW e30 Touring Project! Advice needed esp on aero! Right, I'm in the slightly unusual position of having an almost Blank Canvas to work with here.. Background The Bmw e30 "touring" is a compact estate car built from 1988-1994. It was not exported to the US, so i'm sure it'll look odd to most folks! The car I own was bought in 2005 for £300, and then thrashed heavily for the following 5 years. Its been used to move engines and soil, rallied round many a backroad and taken to Kiev in the Ukraine for fun.. I love this car- it's a joy to drive in a spirited manner, yet pleasant on the motorway just nursing along. I cant get enough of the RWD experience, and I intend to keep this car for quite some time. It failed its MOT (roadworthyness inspection) in April this year and has been sitting with its ass in the air and rear beam off since then. I'm getting bored with the Saab, and need to get moving on this project again. Essentially I'm in a position to make this car an effective an frugal daily driver There are some caveats I have,a nd I'll lay them out below- but I'd like your ideas (wild as they may be!) to be expressed! Even better would be some photoshopping to show what you mean These pics show the general front/rear profiles of the car shape Front Profile http://www.bmuu.com.au/Home/Photos/3...%20Touring.JPG Rear Profile File:BMW E30 Touring rear 20080625.jpg - Wikimedia Commons Things I dont want to change (unless you give a great reason!) 1. No Kammback (i'll entertain an extension of the rear spoiler though!) this is due to insurance issues I forsee 2. It'll be powered by the original 6cyl 1990cc 12v m20 engine. Fuelling IS open to discussion, i have an LPG kit sitting here 3. It must remain identifiable as an e30- part of the appeal are the looks of the car. Certain tuing companies like ALPINA/HARGE have produced "cowcatcher" fronts for this car- they may form an ideal starting point for an airdam? 4. It must maintain full functionality for load carrying/passenger transporting I think that's about it.. I'm particularly interested in ways to reduce the Cd of the car- its pretty horrific from standard. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your ideas! Neil