E30 Convertible with Diesel engine

Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:27 pm

It's worth a try but my initial thought is that I think the e36 has the oil sump at the rear hence the crossmember may be in a different position relative to the engine, still thanks

Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:31 pm

I take it your using an E34 engine with the sump at the front, this will be the same as the M50 conversions, E36 arms and E34 sump regardless of what car the engine came from

Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:40 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:
sihooker wrote:I'm starting to wonder whether the OP is coming back...

I really wanted to learn more about his conversion.
If you are reading this, Bryanslu, I can assure you there will be NO spamming of your thread or comments such as some of the ones further up the thread!

I've posted this again, for the benefit of udo, this time.
I'd like to see a well documented account of your build, udo, which could well end up in its own engine swap sub forum

Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:42 pm

I have an elated feeling you are right. I just had a look and there are some engine mount holes further forward that look promising. you the man!

Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:52 pm

I'm flattered Brian. Some time ago I muted this idea and received not a little derision.Nevertheless I will try to compile an account and with the help of my more comp savy son present it to all.Actually the chance to share the challenges and triumphs is welcome!

Sun Dec 13, 2009 9:39 pm

For pure cheap motoring diesels are great, but a 6cyl TD in a E30 is a big no no, they weigh too much even the M47N's are too heavy, why not just turbo a M42? or stick a sushi engine in?

Thu Dec 17, 2009 4:54 pm

Topblag wrote:
Bryanslu wrote:Well Topblag - We are only looking for constructive input not restrictive.
You'll have to get used to it on here.

If BMW had wanted diesel engine's in their cabs, they'd have made it an option. Remember BMW design their cars with perfect weight distribution in mind and an engine as heavy as a derv in the front of an E30 cab doesn't sound like a recipe for success.

so what do you think of people putting in m30's into cabs???

well i hope you will tell everyone who hasn't got either an m10,m20,m40,m42 or s14 in their e30 that they are wrong too

Mon Mar 22, 2010 7:00 pm

Demlotcrew wrote: a 6cyl TD in a E30 is a big no no, they weigh too much

I assume you've never heard of the 324td ? It's a 6cyl TD in an E30! And guess who built it... BMW of course. Only available in lhd, and before anyone says we got them in rhd in Ireland, we didn't. The M21 diesel engine is similar to the M20 petrol lump. As far as I know they were only lhd because the exhaust was too large to clear the steering coupling.

Torq

Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:24 pm

Demlotcrew wrote:For pure cheap motoring diesels are great, but a 6cyl TD in a E30 is a big no no, they weigh too much even the M47N's are too heavy, why not just turbo a M42? or stick a sushi engine in?

But the M51 is an M50 with a (lighter) 12 valve head? What's this about all the weight?

Wed Mar 24, 2010 3:17 pm

Well done getting the conversion done, I don't know of many of these being done. I was just wondering what made you decide on a diesel engine? If you were after low running costs, with the cost of diesel wouldn't a petrol engine with lpg have made more sense?

Sun Apr 04, 2010 8:48 pm

hi all, just to add my two cents i think this is a great idea and i've been thinking this for a while although the engine i had in mind was a VW PD engine. it's only been a thought at the mo as im unsure how feasible it is. i love the 325i original engine but it's just too thirsty for my pocket as an everyday car, and i already have a rally car 318is to run to waste money on. i really want an e30 touring as my daily driver capable of delivering 45-50MPG ( i drive sensibly and get 43mpg from my vw sharan which weighs 1.8 tonnes with a 90 bhp vw 1.9tdi). I for some reason can't seem to get round to the LPG idea, it makes sense and keeps the beautiful 2.5 lump but i've had a 2.5 e30 and a 2.0 mondeo petrol which i ran but just never got round to installing the lpg on; whereas the vw just does that MPG straight off. perhaps i should just get a 325 touring and park it up and not use it till it's LPG'd. what are people getting from their 2.5's? is it worth the extra challenge financially to diesel it or just LPG it?

Kevo

Sun Apr 04, 2010 9:45 pm

Converting the 325 to LPG is going to be the most financially effective and far the simplest, but I do fancy a 535d engined E30. I get to drive one from time to time, and while it's a boring soul less thing to drive, it doesn't half shift in a straight line.

Fri Mar 14, 2014 12:20 am

Just a bump.

Been looking in to the possibility of a diesel engine swap in to my touring for daily driving.

Anyone have anymore information or advice on a m51 swap or possibly a newer diesel transplant?

Any info greatly appreciated

Mon Apr 14, 2014 11:09 pm

UweM3 wrote:I don't like diesel engines either. they can do whatever they want, still sounds like a bag of nails.
BUT, take a 330d, chip it, sort out suspension a little bit and trash it round B-roads.
M-powered, turbo'ed M20's, V8 swaps eat your heart out! And to rub it really in add an autobox to the 330d!

For a daily driver you can't ignore them.

Lol thats what im completing 330d e30 manual. as for the EWS i just wired it in ecu, key, transponder ring and ews box.