E30 325i - Engine change to E36 model - Yay or nay?

Fri Aug 22, 2014 3:56 pm

Hi there,

Im based in London and had my E30 for over a year.

It has an original 325 engine though the smoke and smell is a little too much. It got through MOT okay though tempted to get a new engine in there (e36?).

I need to know how much these things cost or even if its worth doing. Im more about trying to keep the car original and want to try and have the current engine sorted/tuned. Though would be good to get opinions on changing the engine altogether.

Thanks Muchly,
J

Fri Aug 22, 2014 4:05 pm

I just had mine swapped to M52 and love it....if you're doing it yourself it would take some skill. The alloy blocked 2.8 with an M50 manifold puts out around 210-220hp (i.e. the same as a healthy 2.7/2.8 stroker with decent £ in it) but it lighter and a more modern engine.

If you DO decide to change your current M20 - I have this for sale http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=254356

Currently sitting in a mechanics workshop ready to be bolted up.

Research the wiki - a ton of info in there.

Fri Aug 22, 2014 4:44 pm

Have a look through the engine swap section. The code for the e36 lump is the m50 or52. I always tell people to budget £2k to do properly as that is roughly what it cost me, but what people consider properly varies. Can be done for less than a grand

Mon Aug 25, 2014 1:57 am

Thanks guys. Currently overwhelmed with info on it. I'm considering buying an E36 323 just for its engine then work out the rest from there.

Mon Aug 25, 2014 10:10 am

London_vaxhall333 wrote: Im more about trying to keep the car original and want to try and have the current engine sorted/tuned. Though would be good to get opinions on changing the engine altogether.

An M50/52 engine is a great upgrade over the M20, but won't fit in with your stated desire to keep the car original, although done properly, a M5x conversion looks like it was done at the factory.
What's the problem with your existing engine? These are very long lasting engines, if they've had half decent servicing over their life. I once completely stripped down a 200,000 mile M20B25 that had been damaged by #6 spark plug breaking up, carefully measuring everything as I did so. EVERYTHING, apart from the damage to #6 cylinder, was still within original specification, apart from the exhaust valve guides were worn and the valves and their seats, although still perfectly serviceable, could have done with being refaced/cut.