ITB BMW 2002 vs 320i

[captdanh]

Hi all. I am considering either buying or building a 2002 or a 320i for ITB.
I would like some thoughts on which would be the better of the two? I would also like some opinions on whether or not either of these 2 cars can run up front in ITB?

Thanks,

Dan

[mlytle]

Originally posted by captdanh@Sep 26 2005, 11:34 PM
Hi all. I am considering either buying or building a 2002 or a 320i for ITB.
I would like some thoughts on which would be the better of the two? I would also like some opinions on whether or not either of these 2 cars can run up front in ITB?

Thanks,

Dan

61245

2002's win in the marrs series itb class regularly. one is currently sitting as the series leader with one race to go.

marrs is a very competitive series.

[ed325its]

The 2002 properly prepared will be very quick. However, I would consider the E30 318i. There is a lot of knowledge on how to set-up the E30 and will be very quick and very forgiving. It will also be easier to find a quality car to build. I previously raced this car in ITB and it was consistently a podium finisher in the NERRC and NARRC series. I believe it can still win in the class.

[Knestis]

I'd LOVE to have a bunch of 318s or 320s to race agains in ITB. I'd tend to think that the '02 is getting old enough that it's going to be increasingly hard to source parts. The 318s are getting really affordable and are at the right age where there are lots of parts cars around, but they aren't old enough to be "vintage." I'd go that route, if it were me.

K

[JoelG]

my $.02: the 320 has all the disadvantages of the '02 without any of the advantages.

320i (e21) disadvantages in common with the '02:

1. rust
2. few donors (see 1)
3. same crappy suspension

'02 advantages

1. classified at a very favorable weight
2. 2.0L motor

I'd like to see more e30 318i in ITB. Right now I think the 318i isn't great choice because of its weight but maybe that could change.

year/model/weight/engine size/CR
68-76/2002/2280/2.0L/9.0
77-79/320i/2460/1.8L/8.8
80-83/320i/2510/2.0L/8.1
84-85/318i/2395/1.8L/8.5

All 4 use pretty much the same engine -- M10 in BMW jargon.

You can see why the '02s are the most popular BMW in ITB :)