BEST way to lose car-weight? (please don't post "go on a diet," etc.)
What is the best way to take weight off my car? I have a 330xi, and though the 4-wheel grip helps, the added weight is not good for performance. What are the heaviest parts of the car that can be changed/taken out?
(excluding the spare-tire, the Second i take that out I will need it--murphy's law)
thanks!
(excluding the spare-tire, the Second i take that out I will need it--murphy's law)
thanks!
1 - 20 of 23 Posts
The factory seats weigh 127 lbs and you can pick up new seats that only weigh about 50-60 lbs. Even though you don't want to remove it, the spare tire weighs about 23lbs.
Seats are pretty expensive though. I'm not sure what else is a high weight component that is not important in some way to the car.
If you are looking for a performance increase, have you thought about a cold air intake or exhaust system? For the price of the seats, you could easily pick up a nice CAI from Dinan and still have money left over (not to mention you will pick up more performance this way than removing 60 lbs).
Seats are pretty expensive though. I'm not sure what else is a high weight component that is not important in some way to the car.
If you are looking for a performance increase, have you thought about a cold air intake or exhaust system? For the price of the seats, you could easily pick up a nice CAI from Dinan and still have money left over (not to mention you will pick up more performance this way than removing 60 lbs).
I'd bet there's a good 40-60lbs of sound deadening material on the e46. Of course you'd feel like you were in a tin can if you removed it all. 
Make your interior look like this
![]()
![]()
![]()
Just looking through my Sparco cataloge, the lightest seat they make is the "Rev C" at 10 lbs, The heaviest model is the Sprint seat at 17 lbs. I assume that is seat only, and not mounts. I'll bet the Sparco mounts are lighter or equal. Do this and you will have removed 107lbs (assuming 127 for the factory seats) and get a much more supportive seat in the turns. Remove the insulation, replace trim with Carbon Fiber, get rid of radio/speakers, A/C, back seat, and you will have shed a lot of weight from your top heavy Xi. Just modify the supsension for a cheaper and less hassle free way of improving your car. Get some SSR Competition wheels too
The factory seats are actually a total of 127 lbs for both. I didn't know Sparco's seats were so light! The seats I was talking about were Cobra Daytona Seats (58 lbs total). I got the stats about the seats from the May 2002 Eurotuner magazine.
post above- edited
Here is what the catologue said
http://www.sparcousa.com/sizechart_seat.htm
:dunno:
Notice how much lighter the Carbon Fiber models are compared to the Tube frame models....
Evo C- 9.8-10.5 lbs
Here is what the catologue said
http://www.sparcousa.com/sizechart_seat.htm
:dunno:
Notice how much lighter the Carbon Fiber models are compared to the Tube frame models....
Evo C- 9.8-10.5 lbs
Ackster said:
Emission mentioned this before, but you could always drive with a 1/4 tank of fuel . Weight is hard to work with, which is why most people go for lots of power instead. But then again, that's not easy on the E46 either . If you're looking for significant weight decrease, it would be ambitious unless you're making a race car. By the time you do all that, you may have bought yourself another 330xi
. Weight is hard to work with, which is why most people go for lots of power instead. But then again, that's not easy on the E46 either . If you're looking for significant weight decrease, it would be ambitious unless you're making a race car. By the time you do all that, you may have bought yourself another 330xiI don't know if the space saver that comes with the 18" wheel option is less weight than the full size spare but it's most likely is.
I'm sure you could get one from the dealer that should fit perfectly in your car . . . and it's OEM :thumb:
I'm sure you could get one from the dealer that should fit perfectly in your car . . . and it's OEM :thumb:
Yes, it is MUCH lighter
Alan F said:
Cool !!! So my post will actually help 330guy achieve his goal without giving up anything :thumb:
It's good to know !!
It's good to know !!
nate328Ci said:
On top of everything else, replace glass with plexi and acid-dip all the body panels
Remove the front windows. You have to open them on the track, anyhow.
Just find out what lightening measures were put done to the M3 CSL and custom fab. them for a 330Xi. Lot of Carbon Fiber :thumb:
Kaz said:On top of everything else, replace glass with plexi and acid-dip all the body panels
the power window motors and regulators probably weigh more than the glass itself.
Nick325xiT 5spd said:Remove the front windows. You have to open them on the track, anyhow.
Did you say Carbon Fiber? I just ordered a set of these:
![]()
How come they don't offer them for the coupe:dunno: ? As if the trim pieces aren't light enough (at least the center console pieces), I'm wondering if these are significantly lighter?
Kaz said:Did you say Carbon Fiber? I just ordered a set of these:
![]()
damn, that will look sweet kaz. i actually thought about CF pedals instead of the alum to keep a semi-stock look. i dont think i could spend the money for the trim however... but it will look awesome
Kaz said:Did you say Carbon Fiber? I just ordered a set of these:
The coupe parts are harder to make since the doorpull part is full of curves. UUC says they're working on it, or rather working with the people who make em, I suppose.
I guess that will equate to $599+$200? . If there was one with the padding, I wouldn't mind having some. It ought to look good with your cloth:thumb:
. If there was one with the padding, I wouldn't mind having some. It ought to look good with your cloth:thumb:
Kaz said:
1 - 20 of 23 Posts
