Shell question 323 v 316

[Curly]

Hello if I wanted to re-shell my 323i with a shell from a 316 what differences would I come across and what should I keep from the old shell . Just thinking out loud as I have found a clean rust free shell from a 316 . Both cars are same year .
Cheers

[jimbob]

A section at the rear chassis for the 323 exhaust system hanger, and the rear valance cutouts allso for the exhaust
is all i can think of

[Curly]

Cheers Jimbob

[Dammizi]

not sure is this is kinda obvious but you also need the subframe since the mounts for 4/6 cylinder engines are different...

[Jeroen]

Not sure if the 316 shell has provisions for mounting the K-Jet dizzy either. But all these are minor issues when you're planning a restore/reshell, basically you can use the 316 chassis without any major issues.

[Duracel79]

As Jeroen says, generally the shell is the same.

Other differences to note are the radiator mountings at the bottom and the extra sheet at the top of the front panel on 4 cylinder shells. These can be removed.


The coil mounting tap is in a different position, exhaust side on 4 pot and inlet side on the 6 pot.
Other things to note are differences in the wiring for single to twin headlights and fuel pump supply wiring.
Manual cars have a bracket on the turret for the fluid reservoir.


All is changeable depending how deep you want to go with it.

Cheers

Ben

[Curly]

Some great advice and pictures thanks to all who contributed , much clearer now .