[bmwkev]

i have a e30 320i touring with a head problem, and was toying with the idea of changing the engine to a 2500, iv looked around for a e30 donor but have had a chat with mr rym and he has pointed me in the direction of a e36 conversion, i want to know has anbody done this conversion before?
[ e30 320i to e36 325i ] if so what will i need to do this ? is it just an engine and ecu or do i need wiring loom ecu engine and box exhaust and so on all replies will be greatly appretiated thanks guys. :thumbsup

 

[RYM]

As mentioned Kev I will contact my mate at Beemer Redeemer to confirm that he has done this conversion at update you as soon as I have had a reply.

I will also PM steve23002 who knows more about the E30:thumbsup

 

[steve23002]

Someone called......:shifty:

Its well worth doing this conversion Kev, The 24 valve E36 engine is far better, its quick in an E36 but in an E30 that weighs 3-400kgs less, it will put a smile on your face.... TBH you will prob be better off buying a complete E36 325 Mot fail or accident damaged. This way you will have a complete car to start with. The earlier car the better as you will not have Issues with the EWS system on the donor car.
Its a lot of work, but well worth it...:thumbsup

This site is an excellent reference. The guy has gone the extra mile with his but it gives you some idea of the work involved...

http://www.e3024v.com/

 

[bmwkev]

cheers for that steve but iv been on that site and you just keep getting people giving links to more threads on different sites i just want someone to talk to that can tell me straight is it hard or easy and the kind of timescale and cost.

 

[steve23002]

Would you be doing the work yourself Kev mate?

 

[Boostist]

Cant believe it.

I wrote a massive post and then closed the window by accident instead of one of the other 5 I had open mad

Will try again....

Heres someone who did the swap...and turboed the motor

http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q168/hulta/?action=view&current=MVI_1169.flv

http://www.tremek.com/forum/bmw-videos/35682-badass-ten-second-622hp-bmw-e30-m50b25-turbo.html

10 second quarter :eek

and///this is a great link from a guy who has done the swap, showing pics of parts needed and how he did it

http://www.bimmersport.co.nz/forums/index.php?showtopic=12808

I have not done this swap but you would need M50B25 ECU (E36 325 engine code)

Wiring loom (maybe)

E28 or custom engine mounts

For info. Engine weights are:

m20 - 117kg

m50 - 138kg

m52 - 118kg (the later variant of the 325 engine and much more p*ssing around to fit as its OBD2)

 

[Boostist]

Also, what about dropping an M30 engine in there?? 3.5 litres out of a 535 or 735.

 

[ElectricGer]

Also, what about dropping an M30 engine in there?? 3.5 litres out of a 535 or 735.

then here's the site that might help with the mounts, www.300mm.de/motorhalter.htm

 

[RYM]

Kev, spoke to my mate Today:thumbsup

E36 engine and box will fly in, you will need an E36 328 prop and the E30 drive shaft coupling. The exhaust manifold will need altering and the brake servo will need moving or replacing with a smaller example from the likes of a V-Dub:thumbsup

By the sounds of it, it's not a weekend job which may deter you as I believe your E30 is your everyday car?

 

[bmwkev]

right thanks guys for all your inputs greatly appretiated , but today the sun shone on me a lot more than anybody else , i sourced a complete 325i tourer in blue on a f plate with 124,000 on the dial the car is very straight but an mot failure ( lots of glee ) also it has a gas conversion on it which actually works ( cant use it no space in boot for tank ) so will have many parts for sale and a busy weekend ahead of me, what difference will i expect if i just use the engine and leave all the 2.0l running gear in and diff cheers kev

 

[spejtim]

if you want in your e30 m50 engine, you must buy engine which was installed in e34 and engine holders from e36. this is for beginning