325ic to icX conversion. - Page 3 - United Bimmer Community

**htp.bmw** · 11-28-2005, 09:21 PM

yea im not sure how the new oil pan would do with one oil sump

**bex325** · 11-29-2005, 02:59 AM

again... the engine is the same, oilpan is virtually same design, just with the driveshaft running through. the problem is with the strut towers. take a look at the engine bay of the ix and you can see that they are almost vertical compared to the rearwards cant of the rwd cars.

I'll say it again though... the main problem is not with the front suspension, its with fitting the transfer case into the Cabby chassis, the additional cross-bracing would probably get in the way.

If you do still consider it, you will need at least: front subframe, control arms, strut towers, ix tranny (regular getrag 260, but different casing), transfer case, and more.

IMO i think it would be cool to do, but really why? the cabby is already the heaviest e30, and the ix is the 2nd heaviest, so by combining them youd end up with a car that weighs as much as an e36, and come on we all know that that isnt very good now is it? (jk!)

I recently went through the same issues with regards to trying to make my cabby an all-purpose car (track, road, etc.) but i realized that it makes more sense to leave the cabby as is for summer cruising, and modify the coupe for the track. it makes much better financial sense, and the end result is better. But i do have a plan to get top-down fun combined with trackability... Im going to Deutscheland next summer and picking up a Baur TC (which did come in ix versions...)

to sum up:

ic + ix = heavy! = not good + expensive = not worth it IMO

(woah long post)

**htp.bmw** · 11-29-2005, 10:42 AM

alright thats what i wanted to hear from this post bex325 i appreciate your input, i didnt realize how different the strut towers. I have found one that needs some tlc surface rust (frame is still good) for a grand so im gonna look into that.

**xsperf** · 11-29-2005, 07:35 PM

in that case, just get some really nice studded snows, believe me they'll work

**jybute** · 11-29-2005, 07:39 PM

Ill give him $50

craig · 11-29-2005, 07:49 PM

seriously tho... i have a three car garage(well my parents anyway) and am willing to store it. only one spot is taken... it would have to drive on dirt tho... so that wouldnt work so well. anyway.... good luck with finding an IX.

**austin** · 12-03-2005, 08:48 PM

iX's are garbage. if you want awd, buy an audi. sure its awesome when it works, but it will go bad. my iX did exactly what almost everyother did: the splines on the front axle stripped out. there are ways to prevent this, but the car will end up being a money pit. as far as a conversion, the shock towers on 2wd versions are slanted back, and the iX towers are straight up and down. also, the rear brakes are different. the engine itself is the same though

**TJsBimm** · 12-03-2005, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xsperf

in that case, just get some really nice studded snows, believe me they'll work

winter tires they will do wonder's believe me! You won't have to do all that crazy expensive shit to your ride and you'll be able to keep it at the same time!!!!!

**hamann318is** · 12-04-2005, 12:21 PM

The engine's oil pan and dip stick are different on the IX, and the shock towers are completely different. If you actaully got it done, it would weigh way too much.

**e30cabrio** · 12-14-2005, 08:53 AM

If you could get an ix the was damaged in back (cheaply) you could cut the front end at the shock towers and have it welded in BUT it would be really expensive and iffy on the structural rigidity factor. Cool idea but most likely very expensive to do right.