BMW E30 3 Series

Step Drift : BMW E30 3 Series

Make/ Model: BMW E30 3 Series (much of this info also applies to the larger E28 5 series pictured drifting below) 316, 318, 320, 323 and 325 available. Early cars were Carb, later cars EFI and had the "I" tag applied.Engine: Early cars were Carb, later cars EFI and had the "I" tag applied. 316(i) Engine is underpowered, 320(i) and 323(i) aren't the best either. The pick of the bunch would be the 318(i) and the 325(i), making 100hp and 170hp respectably. 318 has just enough poke to be fun, 325 has ample power and torque to play with and is great fun!Standard Differential: Clutch Type LSD offering only 20% lock, available on "Sport" Models, otherwise cars are fitted with open diffs
All models were available in 2 Door (not 5 series) 4 Door and 5 Door "Touring" versions. The Touring BMW's had slightly stiffer stock suspension. 318IS was available later on and offered a 16v engine with 140hp and LSD as standard. Various trim levels available.

Good
* Good to learn the basics in.
* Very cheap to buy and run.
* Chassis is excellent, very enjoyable and rewarding to drive.
* 325i requires little work to be a reasonably competative drift car.
* Abundance of spare parts and reasonably cheap to maintain and run.
* Touring is practical as well as effective.
* Lots of aftermarket parts available.
* Effective engine swaps available.

Bad:
* Steering rack has 4 turns lock-to-lock and this requires accurate and quick steering, can catch * you out easily (E36 rack swap can cure this).
* Drift oriented aftermarket parts are rare e.g Pillow Ball Uppers etc.
* Electrics are poor.
* Stock LSD is very poor, can be improved with more clutch plates or weld an Open Differential for cheaper results. Older cars getting rusty now.

By http://www.driftworks.com