1986 325is - Why not eligible to race spec?

#1

I just purchased a 1986 e30 325is. Curious as to why it is not eligible to race in the spec e30 series? Anyone have insight? Seems that 1987+ is OK but not 1986? What gives?

#2

I didn’t think that there was an “is” in '86, but as long as all the bits are right, the car will be legal. And, an argument could be made that some of those “bits” don’t even have to work. For example, you have to have ABS, which I think was an option in '86 but standard on an '87. If your car doesn’t have abs you could potentially put the pieces in place without necessarily getting it working.

Of course, after you’ve ruined a few tires you might gain some additional motivation to get abs working.

Note the difference between build date and model year. Lots of model year '87 were built in the last quarter of '86.

#3

9.3.2.1. Any BMW E30 car that was imported to the United States through a franchise BMW
dealer, may be used in Spec E30 competition, if the Spec E30 approved engine and
drive train have been installed.

You have what you need, but you will want to make sure you have the correct ECU. The reason it reads that way is because those were the years that the “i” motor were available.

There is no requirement to have anti lock brakes that I see as some chassis came with and some without. You are better off without. CB

#4

If its really a 1986 it is probably an ES with the ETA motor. If you put the right engine and ECU in you are ok

#5

Yea, I see all kinds of model emblems on BMW’s…for a while it was stylish for folks in Europe to put “Bavaria” emblems on the trunks of all kinds of BMW’s…some I guess because they were in Bavaria and some because the Bavaria was a US only model. It caused all kinds of problems for people looking for parts for a 1985 BMW Bavaria…

I would not worry about the 30 year old ABS, once you have had it malfunction you will be more than happy to learn how to drive without it. It really is just another failure point, and the brake system is pretty important.

Al