Same with 1600, early cars had mounts and no rear sway bar. Might have been Hoffman’s attempt to reduce the price in the US.
I saw the 18mm bar (or maybe the 20mm) referred to as the “tropical” option on one parts list (Real OEM or Max). I get the tropical radiator, but tropical sway bar?I believe an 18 mm rear bar was another factory option as well.
I saw the 18mm bar (or maybe the 20mm) referred to as the “tropical” option on one parts list (Real OEM or Max). I get the tropical radiator, but tropical sway bar?
I have a stock rear in my attic, but put STs on and it handles so much better. When I got the stock sway, I thought the box was empty. STs are not only thicker, but clearly have much more metal in them.
@Gransin - Love that car, btw! Looks really nice.
Hello Gransin
My 3.0 CSA automatic shifted also very hard when I got it.
After changing oil in the transmission twice (drove some kilometers) and cleaning the metal filter inside it shifts very smooth.
Also the oilpan was removed and cleaned from inside.
Regards Ulrich
Hello GransinThanks Ulrich, so there might actually be some hope to get it smoother! We had planned to change the oil anyways but as always when it's spring/early summer there's so much to do and so little time.
Do you remove the oilpan to access the metal filter?
My e3 Bavaria (1972) had front and rear sway bars when I got it. 19/16mm. I am going to st bars 28/22mm. I may sell my original ones.Chris one theory was they had to take them off during shipping for some strange reason to strap them down but they CLEARLY were designed to have them as all the mounts and holes are there for an easy install (like the sway bar was originally there then taken off). I wonder if 3.0S owners have them on and not missing? Anyone care to elaborate? Or ANY non-imported e3's to US, e3 2800's etc.
Sorry, I'm going to break this forum trying to quote. Christoph- thanks for sharing this. Also, lean is retro cool.Sway bars: This is what the German options lists say.
Series 1 - 2500 F/R optional, 2800 F optional, R standard
Series 2 - all models F standard, R optional
Series 3 - all models F standard, R optional until early 1974
It seems the people at BMW realised the front bar did help the roadholding whereas the rear one had an effect, too, but not a good one. Instead, with the rear bar the inner rear wheel tends to lift off and slip on hard cornering or wet surfaces. As the E3 evolved from sporty to comfortable during its lifespan, and more so after the oil crisis, there may have been no need for the rear bar anymore.
Please do not take it as an offense but instabilities from the rear axle usually come from tired shock absorbers and/or old bushings. If the rear suspension is sound, it is possible to go much faster than any speed limit allows even on winding motorways.
Cheers, Christoph
My car has Borg Warner transmission. I even got the sealing for the oilpan direct from BMW.
You can find all Parts at realoem.
Now it shifts like a modern car...nearly
Ulrich
@Gransin - So, about those fog light brackets…I have 139s I need to mount, too.
Hello all,
@Gransin: Congratulations to your fantastic car. It looks outstanding, and its history makes it almost unique. Is it true the 3.0 S went to Portugal first only to be shipped to Finland afterwards? Very few cars went to both countries, anyway, but one that has a history of both is unbelievable. And that rustproofing sheet, wow.
The upholstery seems to be great, too. Hardly any fading to yellow visible which is quite common with the silver-grey cloth. Never mind the Series 3 trim rings on the steel wheels. Caps & rings look great on any E3, and more so against an upscale colour like Atlantik. Please take very good care of your front wheelarch trim. They get torn very easily, especially with the 7x14 wheels and wide tyres.