An M30 swap/general playing with E30 scrap thread

Post Wed Jul 22, 2009 1:05 am

E30Gheko wrote:Thinking about it, It might be a lot more straight forward to drop this into the 325...

wouldn't cost me as much and would really look like it belonged there.

Thats not a bad idea ^

with all the parts around you you could get it done in a weekend.

Post Wed Jul 22, 2009 1:53 am

Assuming it's on a standard dif, and it hasn't been changed, and it's a 1986 chrome 325i am I right that it should have a 3:73 fitted?

Still it massively reduces my parts list to convert the 325.

I'd have to replace the 17" msports reps with the BBS I have. They aren't proving to be doin the car any favours in the handling stakes....

Post Wed Jul 22, 2009 4:08 pm

TBH, that looks like a cracking 535i. Why not keep that and buy a shaggheap for a donor?

Post Wed Jul 22, 2009 4:18 pm

Early 325i have a 3.64 diff but id still find out,im using a 3.64 and its spot on.

converting the 325i would be much easier as you already have the suspension set up amongst other stuff like prop,exhaust,etc..

IMO the M30 is just like a big M20,very similar.

Post Wed Jul 22, 2009 5:03 pm

NayC wrote:TBH, that looks like a cracking 535i. Why not keep that and buy a shaggheap for a donor?

Too many cars for that! I'm deliberately NOT becoming attached to this car. It's engine is coming out if it runs nicely. If not, I'll pass it on complete probably.

Post Wed Jul 22, 2009 5:53 pm

E30Gheko wrote:
NayC wrote:TBH, that looks like a cracking 535i. Why not keep that and buy a shaggheap for a donor?
Too many cars for that! I'm deliberately NOT becoming attached to this car. It's engine is coming out if it runs nicely. If not, I'll pass it on complete probably.

Fair enough. Is it as clean as the pics make it look? If so, that is some good breaker

Post Wed Jul 22, 2009 6:12 pm

Make sure it hasn't got the awful electronic throttle (EML) - they're just shite. Mainly cars with the early traction control had those.
I spoke to a bloke once who had used such an engine - he just used a 325i M20 engine loom on the M30. He said the lower part fitted fine (crank sensor, starter, alternator etc), extended the wire for the oil pressure switch, plus had to remove the inlet manifold and grind a bit out of the centre web so the injector loom would pass though - and M30 inlet manifold gaskets are such a complete and utter bastard to do in an E34, never mind an E30. So do the inlet manifold gasket before you fit the engine.
Using the M20 loom makes sense because it will just plug into the existing E30 car loom (take heed of Brian Moooooooooooooooooooores warning however) and the ECU is where it was before. The M30 ECU plugs straight in apparently.

M50's are just as heavy as an M30 (@300lbs) - the head weighs a sodding ton. The M52 is alright until it overheats/blows a head gasket, then it's scrap.

Post Wed Jul 22, 2009 7:05 pm

Andyboy wrote:M30 inlet manifold gaskets are such a complete and utter bastard to do in an E34, never mind an E30. So do the inlet manifold gasket before you fit the engine.

imagine my joy when i traced the hissing noise i noticed (but later forgot about) on my M30 to a leaking inlet manifold gasket. i noticed this once the M30 was in my E30!

after deciding that i don't fancy the job of replacing the inlet gaskets at that point, i attacked the area with some silicone rubber to seal things up.
only later when i removed the head (with manifold still fitted due to the space issues) to sort a stripped number 6 spark plug thead (again, what joy!) and skim the head for a reasonable CR to make the most of LPG, i noticed the problem:

check your gaskets before fitting M30's children!

Post Wed Jul 22, 2009 7:07 pm

I can't bloody remember if i did mine now

Post Wed Jul 22, 2009 9:46 pm

I'm gonna need to remove this engine and get rid of the leftovers in record time. By that I mean around 2 - 3 weeks. If anyone knows anyone looking for some bits then give me a shout otherwise it'll be getting weighed in. I think the bumpers and all the kit are provisionally spoken for.

Post Wed Jul 22, 2009 10:47 pm

You've got a prediciment there do you build a sleeper or do you drop it in you 325. To be fair if your anything like me which ever you choose the slower car will sit around and rot.

Seriously though if you need any help I'm more than happy to spin down Plus I have a few random tools which may be of help.

Post Wed Jul 22, 2009 10:55 pm

Mayze wrote:You've got a prediciment there do you build a sleeper or do you drop it in you 325. To be fair if your anything like me which ever you choose the slower car will sit around and rot.

Seriously though if you need any help I'm more than happy to spin down Plus I have a few random tools which may be of help.

To be honest I am in a bit of a predicament yes. I wanted to build a sleeper, but I'm finding spare cash to be a seriously inhibiting factor at the moment. Having just spent a bit getting the shell nicely prepped, the penny is dropping that I need a lot more cash to prepare the rest of the car for a bigger motor.

I have no problem dropping it into the 325 and I have little doubt that it would end up being an interesting car, but the question remains of what do I then do with my 318 shell?

Space is also an issue. The 318 is sitting in my garage and I will need that back to do anything else.

I think the answer may be to find a suitable dry place to store the 318 for now and allow me to crack on with getting it into the 325. There are lots of farms round here so I'm looking for a barn to rent again.

When my cash flow has improved that way I'll be able to resume work on a sleeper project.

Post Wed Jul 22, 2009 11:37 pm

Probuably the best choice I know their esentialy the same shell but I think the m30 would suit the look of your 325.

The 318 will be a better home for a modern engine strip it cage it slam it and build your self a monster M50/52 to go in it.

Post Wed Jul 22, 2009 11:45 pm

Yep and probably a good warm up for M52 valveness in the 318...

OK I have a plan...

Post Wed Jul 22, 2009 11:46 pm

Mayze wrote:Probuably the best choice I know their esentialy the same shell but I think the m30 would suit the look of your 325.

The 318 will be a better home for a modern engine strip it cage it slam it and build your self a monster M50/52 to go in it.

Couldnt of put it better myself ^

Post Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:32 pm

Picking up the 535 this afternoon.

Post Thu Jul 23, 2009 1:29 pm

Have you seen this? Dunno if it's relevant:

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=141361

Post Thu Jul 23, 2009 2:19 pm

Yes I've seen that one Daf. As far as I'm aware though, the M30 loom from the donor can be used with one or two small mods. We shall see....

Car is heading for a farm in Llandyrnog. Don't suppose u fancy assisting with some deconstruction?

The yard where it's heading is not available for an unlimited amount of time.

And by the way, where is the nearest place to weigh it in?

Post Thu Jul 23, 2009 4:22 pm

Sure no probs giving you a hand pull it appart! I'm a bit busy at the moment with work and nailing a fresh M50 together, but I'm sure I can find some time!

The best place to weigh it in is Leilo Metails in Graigddelo. Up towards Gwyddelwern, they should pick it up for free - but you won't get anything for it if you do that.

Post Thu Jul 23, 2009 4:47 pm

I'll take it there in that case Daf!

It's back. The Mrs has just looked over it and said it was one of the nicest cars I've brought home. i think she fancied it for herself! Wonder if she'll feel the same way after I've spent a few hours with me spanners! lol.

To be fair it is a very nice car. Shame it's getting fragged....

Post Thu Jul 23, 2009 4:53 pm

E30Gheko wrote:I'll take it there in that case Daf!

It's back. The Mrs has just looked over it and said it was one of the nicest cars I've brought home. i think she fancied it for herself! Wonder if she'll feel the same way after I've spent a few hours with me spanners! lol.

To be fair it is a very nice car. Shame it's getting fragged....

Put the windows through - she'll soon change her mind then! Plus it's very satisfying

Post Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:03 pm

Took some more snaps, but got a few early tables in! I'll post em up later.

Post Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:13 pm

Keep me posted

Post Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:53 pm

E30Gheko wrote:
It's back. The Mrs has just looked over it and said it was one of the nicest cars I've brought home. i think she fancied it for herself! Wonder if she'll feel the same way after I've spent a few hours with me spanners! lol.

To be fair it is a very nice car. Shame it's getting fragged....

Strange creatures,women,Calamity fell in love with the rusty E34 my M50 came from...real tears when the scrap man took the remains away...very strange!

Post Thu Jul 23, 2009 7:02 pm

my ex loved the E34 525i sport i bought her. 120k, FSH, OBC, leather sport interior, LSD, electric everything.
car: £1020
happy woman who didn't bug me for a few weeks: priceless

Post Thu Jul 23, 2009 7:20 pm

Here you go,

Here's some of the last pictures of this car in one piece.....

Leather interior anyone?

And where it's currently sitting....

Post Thu Jul 23, 2009 8:11 pm

That is too good to scrap...

Thank god its not an E30 or you would have a lot of folk gathering around you with fire on sticks.....

Post Thu Jul 23, 2009 8:34 pm

Is it f*ck, your more likely to have folk gathering round you with fire on sticks for wanting to save it!

Post Thu Jul 23, 2009 9:06 pm

Fook being sentimental, rip its heart out!!

Post Thu Jul 23, 2009 9:15 pm

This is what you need it to look like!

Or this!

Post Fri Jul 24, 2009 12:04 am

Where is it? I'll soon stop it being "too good to scrap".

Best tool for dismantling it is an axe

Post Fri Jul 24, 2009 12:12 am

It's on a farm in Llandyrnog - The welder I found is my new best mate! That's him in one of the photos. He towed it back for me. It's currently on the farm where his yard is. I can't have too many motors out front of our place for obvious reasons.....

Post Sat Jul 25, 2009 3:43 pm

Anyone know the weight of an M30? I'm currently looking for an engine stand.

Post Sat Jul 25, 2009 3:59 pm

Why do you need a stand?
Garage floor is plenty good enough for an M30!
All you have to do is bolt a flywheel,clutch and gearbox on and stick it in the car

Post Sat Jul 25, 2009 4:03 pm

755kg

Only joking

i lifted mine complete with gearbox on a 250kg crane when i done the sump gasket and it didnt budge for the 2hours it was up there

bare engine without ancillaries manifolds etc is 143kg

Have you got it started yet?