Phen's 1974 BMW Bavaria (3.0S)

[THE Phen]

Better than you'd expect. When I did the valley run with Jess and two Miatas, I was keeping up decently until the steeper hills came. It doesn't have the power with the Weber carbs that it would if it still had the Zeniths. The Webers are 32/36mm and the Zeniths are 35/38's.

Suspension-wise, if I can find the upgraded E12 sway bars, it'll be set. Stock sway bars are aren't super small, but the little upgrade is a big difference. Hell, just going from the economy tires that the car came with to the BF Goodrich Traction T/A's that are on the '72 alloys was a HUGE jump.

 

[bazooka joe]

nice work phen!

 

[THE Phen]

Found this pic today... thought it was pretty neat.

 

[AzteCypher]

Are you going to go for a lower ride height at some point in time?

 

[THE Phen]

It is lowered...

Short of doing a full suspension component swap, or something stupid like cutting springs, that's the lowest it's going to go. There aren't many companies who make aftermarket suspension bits for these cars. Luckily several of the pieces are shared between model lines, or are at least close enough that you can make them work with limited modification. Downside with those parts is that you have to do both sides if you need to do that.

These B&G springs that I have stiffened up the ride quite a bit. Couple those with the tires that are currently on it, and it's not the soft, cushy ride that it used to be. Bigger sway bars and it'll be set.

 

[AzteCypher]

Oh I know it's lowered just wondering if at some point in time you were going to look into going lower but your reply above explains it. Are you going to sport the BBS wheels? I think they give the Bav a sportier look.

 

[THE Phen]

I agree with you. In order to run those, I have to do something about the studs. They're a little on the short side, and the lug nuts only use like 2 threads all around. Not too comfortable with that. Haha.

Ideally, I'd like to find a set of the 16" BBS from a slightly newer car. See below for an example:

That was a sweet car to ride in. 17 way power Recaros, fuel injection, same suspension I have.

 

[AzteCypher]

Short wheels are not good. Very nice example of Bav. That car seems to sit lower though? Bigger wheels eating up the gap?

 

[THE Phen]

Yeah, it could just be an illusion. I'm not sure what size tires he has either. My car's on 195/70R14's...

 

[AzteCypher]

Ah, 14's might do that.

 

[THE Phen]

Was talking with my buddy last night. I may be doing all of the trim pieces around the windows and such in matte black. I know it looks good on Jeff's car (his is gloss), but I'm a little hesitant. Worst case, he is getting a chrome powder in today... we could re-powdercoat the pieces.

 

[PrinceValorum]

Is that all there is to chroming things? I thought it was an extensive process.

 

[THE Phen]

There is a lot more to it, for sure... But I'm not paying for that. Plus it's heavier.

 

[PrinceValorum]

Plus it's heavier.

That's not the first thing I'd worry about with that car.

 

[THE Phen]

Just how much do you think it weighs? It's lighter than an MS3...

 

[PrinceValorum]

That's not exactly saying much.. It's definitely heavy for a car of that era.

 

[THE Phen]

Eh... complete opposite.

1974 BMW Bavaria - 3120 - 3263 lbs (depending on options)
1974 Jaguar XJ6 - 3960 lbs
1974 Mercedes 350 SEL- 4839 lbs
1974 Chevy Camaro LT - 3697 lbs
1974 Chevy Monte Carlo - 4070 lbs
1974 Ford Galaxy (small engine) - 4196 lbs
1975 Ford Granada (2door 6cyl) - 3400 lbs


So... compared to other European cars of the era (and similar size / class), it's moderately lighter. Compare it to American cars of the era (both similar class and others) and it's a LOT lighter than other cars of the era.


I mean... I could compare it to an economy car like I did above. Sure, it's going to be heavy compared to that.

1974 Honda Civic 4 door - 1742 lbs
1979 Toyota Corona - 2359 lbs
1977 Toyota Celica - 2425 lbs

 

[PrinceValorum]

Ahh, see, only the last three would be in my consideration for desirable cars from that era.

 

[o0n8]

the forth one down on the first list would be my choice.

Noticed there isn't any interior shots.

 

[AzteCypher]

I'd take the Shaguar. +1 on the interior shots. Just curious.