A-B testing
The trouble with old cars is that you’re never sure whether a particular attribute is down to design, or that particular example with 92,000 miles and a mix of old original, new original and aftermarket components.
If I’m honest, I’m slightly disappointed with the ride and handling of my 325i. It has a slightly lazy front end and a crashy ride. I had suspicions that the Uniroyal tyres (decent quality but not very sporty tyres) and the H&R lowering springs weren’t doing it any favours. I needed some A-B testing to know for sure.
Fortunately, Autocar shares an office with Classic and Sports car, whose deputy editor Aaron McKay owns a very tidy 325i Sport, albeit a saloon from 1986. A plan was hatched for a car swap.
Aaron’s car has the same Bilstein B6 dampers as mine, but with standard M Technic springs, and rides much better, with no penalty in handling. The steering also feels a bit lighter but tighter and more incisive, and the gearchange is more precise.
It feels a bit quicker too, with less valvetrain noise (although it may just be masked by the naughtier stainless exhaust). Detail stuff, but all together, it really does tie the driving together.
It was really interesting driving the two back to back, and reassured me that there are gains to be made with my car. Between the tyres, the springs, some suspension bushes that need replacing and an overdue service, I think my car can easily be lifted to the next level.
