** E34 525i engine and gearbox Interchangeable with E30?? **

[Project_E30]

Will a 525i gearbox from a E34 bolt straight into a 325i?

Both cars are around 1989, 1990


Should I be aware of anything additional thats different?

[Project_E30]

[Project_E30]

As long as the 525i is a 12v M20 then yes, it's a straight swap. the only thing that might be different is the length of the alloy gearlever extension - when I put a 320i gearbox into an E28 520i (don't ask.....) the gearlever sat right at the back of the hole in the tunnel meaning I couldn't even get the rubber grommet to fit.

That's a very fine Staffordshire by the way.

Basically I have a 2.0 and am looking at changing the gearbox and been offered one from a 525. Just want to know if it'll fit. At worst can I change the alloy gearlever extension from the 2.0 box that is already fitted?

Oh and thanks for the complement re. my staffie. I'll have to put a photo up one day.

[Project_E30]

Anybody done this.

Thinking of putting an E34 525 engine and gearbox into an E30

[Project_E30]

So i need to check the dipstik position..... Will do.

I'll have to change to an E30 sump .... planned that.

Anything else I should be aware of????


I am greatful for your help as I don't want this all going belly up.
Just planned on swapping the engine and box and fitting a 325 prop.


Cheers

[Brianmoooore]

You need an E34 M50 sump to fit a M5x engine into an E30, so it's fairly likely that an E34 M20 will fit into an E30 complete with sump, unless anyone knows different.
A M20 gearbox will fit on to an M50 engine, albeit rotated a few degrees and causing gearlinkage problems, so, again, it is likely that a M50 gearbox could be used with an M20 engine, again rotated a few degrees, and needing a change
of diff ratio to allow for the M50's box direct 5th gear instead of the overdrive 5th on the M20.

[DanThe]

I know someone that used a 325i engine to replace his knackered 525i lump. (M20)

He told me he had to change the sump and dipstick/tube but I dont know what the differences are

[Project_E30]

You need an E34 M50 sump to fit a M5x engine into an E30, so it's fairly likely that an E34 M20 will fit into an E30 complete with sump, unless anyone knows different.
A M20 gearbox will fit on to an M50 engine, albeit rotated a few degrees and causing gearlinkage problems, so, again, it is likely that a M50 gearbox could be used with an M20 engine, again rotated a few degrees, and needing a change
of diff ratio to allow for the M50's box direct 5th gear instead of the overdrive 5th on the M20.

So what you are saying is that the engine may fit complete with sump into an E30 (as it fits using a M50 from an E34) and also the gearbox.

Someone must have done this as there are so many 525i's out there full of M20's we can use in our E30's

[Project_E30]

[Project_E30]

bump