bmw e30 engine swap

Thread in 'Technical Questions' started by keener87, Jan 10, 2012.

  1. keener87

    keener87 Member

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    Does anyone know how hard it is to fit a bmw e36 2.5 into a e30 318is ???

    just picked up a minter but want to have more power
    any ideas of other parts ill need to change i.e diff prop shaft??
    cheers guys
     
  2. gazwhittle

    gazwhittle Member

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    prob easier to go with the m20b25 rather than the m50b25. but you get the advantage of double the valves with the m50 but with a little more work.

    im currently looking into the same thing and from a quick browse you just use both halff of the prop one from the e30 and one half from the e36.
     
  3. brennon

    brennon Active Member

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    better still go m30b35 ;)
     
  4. Cook

    Cook Member

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    Depends which gearbox you use. Using an e30 gearbox will only require an e30 prop, and depending on what e30 gearbox you choose depends on which model you need the prop from
     
  5. rslut

    rslut Member

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    If you're going the m50 route you might as well fit a m52b28, although my old e30 had a non vanos m50b25 and that was cool.

    Either way it'll be quicker than the m42, but whatever you do, do not fit an m30b35.
     
  6. n1tr0_9

    n1tr0_9 Member

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    If you go on e30zone.net there are loads of threads about doing this. M50 is easier to fit than the m52's as the wiring is simpler
     
  7. hotrodrick

    hotrodrick Member

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    I have an m52b28 in my e30 318is. The conversion was done when i brought it but as far as I know all it requires is:

    e34? M5 engine mounts so the engine sits at the correct angle
    m42 gear box, prop and diff
    bit of messing around with the exhaust manifold to clear the steering column
    engine loom needs some messing with to plug into the e30 loom (i hear its pretty simple)

    Don't quote me on this though, just what the previouse owner told me.
     
  8. Paz

    Paz -NIGHTSPIRIT FAMILY- UK Drift Since 2001

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    What this guy said.

    M50/M52 in an E30 is a much happier combo.
     
  9. WhyTry6612

    WhyTry6612 Member

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    m20b25 is the way to go...thats what i got and it really does move for the HP/weight... mine was orginal 320i swapped over..hit me up if you need any info... didnt do the build just enjoying it :)
     
  10. .jack.

    .jack. Member

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  11. rob0r

    rob0r Member

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    I really liked my M30B35 touring. It skidded fine and I didn't really notice the extra weight comparing to the previous M20B25. I've also got an M50B25 sitting in my E21 and given the choice, I'd M30 the E30 again. It's also an easier swap.

    Admittedly I lost all the bracing on the bonnet as well as the hinge mechanism to offset some of the additional weight up front, I could have relocated the battery to the back but to be honest it was fine. I also used a super light flywheel. Whether the front weight I lost made a difference is probably debatable!
     
  12. PhillE30

    PhillE30 Member

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    if your doing the swap wouldnt bother with a m50b25, i had one in my e30 dont get me wrong it was great, but at the same time pointless for the gain.

    Id personally go for a M52b28 once you have done a few mods they are super quick in a e30, still easy to fit and cheap
     
  13. keener87

    keener87 Member

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    Awsome thanks guys big help im going to make a start next weekend ill let you know how it goes thanks again
     
  14. hotrodrick

    hotrodrick Member

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    Put it this way, I had a little "play" with a 3.2 boxter S yesterday. I didnt make him like stupid but I was certainly the quicker car!
    M52b28 is the way to go. And the M50 manifold conversion makes a whole lot of difference!
     
  15. Cook

    Cook Member

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    Probably meant e28 m5 engine mounts, it won't be a 318is props shaft that you are using and it probably won't be a 318is diff. Engine loom needs the e36 x20 plug cutting off, and the e30 c101 engine loom plug soldering on. There is also the EWS immobiliser to wire in unless the donor didn't have it or you have the EWS deleted from the ecu.

    Fit a big bore throttle body too - makes the m50 manifold even more worth it :D
     
  16. hotrodrick

    hotrodrick Member

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    Yeah i already have the throttle body aswell. I was so suprised how much different it feels to a normal 328i.
     
  17. silvertop

    silvertop der drifte schlag

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    my mate has litterally just finished his, he put an m50b25 iron block non-vanos in his, watch out for the allusil blocks when your looking for an engine, also dont get one with vanos. he's running the e36 gearbox and from half of the prop with the e30's rear half and 1.6 diff! its got plenty of power for skidding, only thing i will say is conversion exhaust manifolds are normally expensive, unless you make your own and the sump sits mega low. It goes like stink too. from what i saw it looked like the easiest conversion ever!
     
  18. Cook

    Cook Member

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    Why shouldn't you get a one with vanos? Im not surprised it goes like stink if its got a 316i diff with an e36 gearbox :O It must top out at a ridiculously low speed?
     
  19. the stig

    the stig Active Member

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    i have a complete 325i engine and box removed from a e30
    £350 cash :)
     

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