325ic to icX conversion. - United Bimmer Community

**htp.bmw** · 11-28-2005, 05:16 PM

Alright so I want to convert my convertible to 4 wheel drive for the winter because im working at a ski resort and it seems to be the only way I can get there besides selling my car and buying a 325ix or some SUV but I dont want to loose my car.

from what I understand, I need a new transmission and front drivetrain from a 325ix including front suspension and a different oil pan

Is this possible?

besides the oil pan being different I believe that the engine is the same.

Please give me some input, I dont want to loose my convertible I like it too much its raining today and the top is not leaking in the rain.

thank you ahead of time for your input

Casey

**komodo** · 11-28-2005, 05:22 PM

Haha, are you serious about the conversion? If so you'd probably be one of the few in the world. I'm guessing it'd be pretty expensive too.

Also your weight balance would be horrible, especially with all the convertible parts in the rear also.

I'm sure it's possible though.

**DEATH2000** · 11-28-2005, 05:24 PM

Sadly, it may just be cheaper to buy a 325iX than to buy all the nessary parts. I know ur in shop so u can do the labour for cheap/free, but the cost of a tranny, front drivetrain, new front suspension isnt worth the effort.

**c1apton** · 11-28-2005, 05:28 PM

The cost of conversion would be outrageous even if you did it yourself. Keep the car but buy some old 4x4 pickup and save the car for better "top down days"

**komodo** · 11-28-2005, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c1apton

The cost of conversion would be outrageous even if you did it yourself. Keep the car but buy some old 4x4 pickup and save the car for better "top down days"

Best idea yet.

**htp.bmw** · 11-28-2005, 05:33 PM

im not on great terms with my family right now so putting a car away for the winter is out of the question. i told them i wanted to get a 4 x 4 vehicle and they said sell the bmw convertible I know it would be expensive but is it possible, and it wouldnt offset the weight that much I mean im putting in front wheel drive essentially and it would do pretty well I assume

**htp.bmw** · 11-28-2005, 05:34 PM

I like the convertible too much, I dont want to sell it

**DEATH2000** · 11-28-2005, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htp.bmw

I like the convertible too much, I dont want to sell it

Then dont, just store it at a friends house or something.

**htp.bmw** · 11-28-2005, 05:44 PM

it would be awsome to have a car that is that rare, the convertible that can go anywhere. ill consider storing it at a friends house or selling it for like a dollar to a friend then buying it back but is the conversion possible yes it could be expensive but I could find a totalled one and buy it cheap and transfer most of the things off of it. 300k on the car now so a engine swap is in the making anyway and I have another engine so that takes some of the cost away

**c1apton** · 11-28-2005, 05:48 PM

I can't blame you for not wanting to sell the car -it's a nice ride, but what's more important car or job? (sorry to sound like a parent

) I had to part with a 930 Turbo to afford audio school but payback has been tenfold. I'm not pushing "sell the car" but weigh out the pros vs cons. It's one of those big crossroads in life (and it only gets worse from here

just kidding)

**komodo** · 11-28-2005, 05:49 PM

I just realized.... a 325xic is kinda an oxymoron.... convertible top and all-wheel drive.... hah, ironic.

**htp.bmw** · 11-28-2005, 06:11 PM

so all you guys are pushing sell the car, i dont want to loose the bmw but i might have to, what do you recomend i mean i want a 325ix maybe. I thought you guys would have been supportive of having a cool mod

nick_318is · 11-28-2005, 06:14 PM

It would be cool, but its just not practicle it will certainly cost a bunch of money, and if your going to spend that much to do it why not just try find a 325ix to buy and use for the winter?

**htp.bmw** · 11-28-2005, 06:19 PM

true, ill start looking if you gus come across any please tell me

**c1apton** · 11-28-2005, 06:24 PM

A cool mod would be great if you had the finances to afford to do it. From the sounds of things that's not the case. Do it later when you have the time & fund$. Your idea is killer!!! If you made it a project where you can dedicate the time & energy to detail, the car will turn out that much better. Don't force things because of current circumstances - that's all we're saying

**bex325** · 11-28-2005, 07:29 PM

yah its pretty damn hard to convert a convertible or any non-ix e30 to awd, as the fron shock towers are different. Also i think it would be next to impossible on the convertible b/c of the additional cross-bracing present to stiffen the chassis.

Save your money and buy an ix or a subaru or something, then spend a few bucks a month and put the cabby in storage for the winter.

**DEATH2000** · 11-28-2005, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htp.bmw

ill consider storing it at a friends house or selling it for like a dollar to a friend then buying it back

Sold for $1........

craig · 11-28-2005, 07:42 PM

ill give you 2 dollars! lol

**DEATH2000** · 11-28-2005, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shpuz

ill give you 2 dollars! lol

I said SOLD for $1. But if u must..... I bid $2.50

craig · 11-28-2005, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEATH2000

I said SOLD for $1. But if u must..... I bid $2.50

DARN! ill bid 5$.