m20 b25 years?

[bobbin1982]

Did they stop producing the M25 B25 at some point in E30 history?...

I wanted to do a 6 cylinder upgrade in my 1993 touring and replace the horrible M40 but i have read something about not being able to because of a cat being involved somewhere along the line and it being difficult to pass an M.O.T?


Some light shed would be most appreciated


Thanks ,Andy

[BenHar]

The MOT test will be done based on the age of the engine.

Ben

[JazzMan]

Just make sure you have proof of the age of the engine should the MOT station cause issues.

[bobbin1982]

How do i prove the age?... will a receipt of engine sale be sufficient?


Andy

[JazzMan]

Update your V5 with the new engine number/capacity with the DVLA, not sure they care about the age of the engine.

The invoice from the sale of the engine should be enough for an age check assuming it has the engine number on it. If in doubt give your MOT station a call see if they'd be happy with the invoice. Once the MOT station gets the engine age into the system first time it should remember from then onwards.

If they're not happy with the invoice from the engine supplier then you can get a birthsheet / vehicle report from BMW by email the last 7 digits of the donor vin number to: Customer.Information@bmwfin.com

I have read they might not do this anymore, I last did this about 9 yeara ago so a call to the local dealer might be needed.

[bobbin1982]

Ok brilliant you have both been very very helpful!

I can have a 6 pot after all!!!

[Brianmoooore]

The last thing you want is an engine from after 1//8/1992. If you fit that to your car, it should be tested to the later emissions standard, and if running on petrol, you'll need to fit a cat. to pass.

[bobbin1982]

Ok i have a 93 touring with an M40

So if i get a 6 cylinder pre 1992 i should be good to go?

[Brianmoooore]

Yes, or any engine that BMW didn't fit to a touring, such as the M42 iS engine, or the later M5x 24 valve engines.
I used the V5 from the donor car, showing the engine number, as proof of age when I did this mod. a few years back.
325i tourings were made up to April '93, BTW.

[bobbin1982]

Ok very helpful information i assume its a lot more work and money for an m5x engine as its a from an E36 but on the other note its more modern and efficient with better power

Never driven an e36 but if i went for that option it would be a 2.8 as it makes sense and i assume the power is monstrous in comparison to any e30 engine

But the M20 engine will be pretty much plug and play to a certain extent

[Brianmoooore]

M20 engine will be 100% plug and play with the right bits, EXCEPT for as detailed in my "wiring warning" sticky in the engine swaps forum, regarding pin 20 of the C101 engine loom plug and socket.
M52B28 will be a lot more work, and require a few custom parts, but as you rightly surmise, the rewards are impressive.

[bobbin1982]

Ok im going to drop a couple of traders a pm and see what they have and for what price
I want to do this after christmas

Yes i have flicked through your sticky and well done for that as it has probably saved many people from dangerous situations and ruining their pride and joy if i do go M20 route i will be certain to have a proper read

I have never swapped an engine or weld but im a fast and keen learner and that 2.8 sounds very inviting and i think the m20 is lazy on my part
But it all depends on price as im sure an E30 with an E30 engine fitted will be worth more in the future!

Decisions decisions

[ChrisHC]

But it all depends on price as im sure an E30 with an E30 engine fitted will be worth more in the future!

So hang on to the E30 engine, then if you wish to sell in the future you can say the car is fitted with a more powerful engine, but if originality concerns you, here is the E30 lump.

[bobbin1982]

Very true but it isnt very convenient to store and engine