AWD E46 M3

raceMpower95 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-06-2005, 01:38 PM

ok, i had a crazy idea, and im not sure if would work, or if its been done before. i was thinkin about trying to swap an E46 M motor into an E46 325xi, in order to create an AWD M3. then obviously continuing by swapping in M suspension, tranny, interior parts, etc... im just lookin for opinions on whether or not that would work and if its been done...

nefarious79 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2005, 01:10 AM

two words transfer case.

have fun trying to integrate that into an M3 and realize that you have to use the 325i tranny, that you are stuck with those gear ratio's. wouldnt be worth it and you would lose power through the driveline and cornering ability would drop like a rock.

raceMpower95 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2005, 08:09 AM

yeah, u have it backwards though. im not trying to put the drivetrain from the 325 into the M, but put the M motor into the 325...

nefarious79 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2005, 09:53 AM

In order for it to be AWD it needs to have a transfer case, the transfer case has a different transmission. I can send you the links to Realoem.com to look at the pics, but in no way will an M3 tranny bolt up to a transfer case. So you would have to have the driveline out of a 325xi or 330xi, in order for it to be AWD.

NSM · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2005, 10:14 AM

325xi tranny with an m motor would be worthless supercharge the 325xi and forget the m motor

RedBarron · #6 (**permalink**) 11-07-2005, 11:31 AM

If you did that a AWD M3 would be slower becuase of the drive train loss.

Chet · #7 (**permalink**) 11-07-2005, 11:54 AM

It sounds like a really good idea if you just want to do it just for the hell of it or for self satisfaction.
But.... If your goal it to have a All-wheel bmw that makes lots of power then you should look into FI for the XI.

hammerfang · #8 (**permalink**) 11-08-2005, 07:51 PM

if u really want an all-wheel drive sports car, sadly bmw is not the place to go, their AWD systems (at least in the e46) are not up to par with the competition, plus i've heard alot of stories of the awd system breaking, so im now even sure how much more power u could add before u'd break something

A3vwJetta · #9 (**permalink**) 11-09-2005, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBarron

If you did that a AWD M3 would be slower becuase of the drive train loss.

let alone the added weight you are gonna face too

///Milo · #10 (**permalink**) 11-09-2005, 08:23 PM

good idea, sadly its not practical though

hammerfang · #11 (**permalink**) 11-23-2005, 09:12 PM

i believe there is talk about making the next generation m3 in an all-wheel drive version

sjpgoalie · #12 (**permalink**) 11-24-2005, 11:55 AM

Whats wrong with rwd? I'd take rwd over awd any day

raceMpower95 · #13 (**permalink**) 11-25-2005, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjpgoalie

Whats wrong with rwd? I'd take rwd over awd any day

i would too, im not saying i would ever do this, i was just wondering if anyone ever had. i never said it would be practical. lol. anyway, thanks for the info...

sjpgoalie · #14 (**permalink**) 11-25-2005, 07:17 AM

Nah its ok I see where your coming from. Its not a bad idea if bmw could make it practical.