Advise on 318i to 325i swap

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Tripper
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 407
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Romford, Essex

Post Thu Jan 15, 2009 1:05 pm

Hi Guys,

I'm planning on doing an engine swap on my 318i lux cabby to a 325i?

Apart from getting another working 325i manual car, what else should I be looking out for?

Should it have low milage, does it matter if its from a touring model?

I presume I will also need a matching 325i gearbox and LSD?

Would I need to recon the engine for it to last longer if I intend to keep it longer?

Any advise would be great?

Many thanks, T
leeparkes
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 9538
Joined: Thu Jan 03, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Black country

Post Thu Jan 15, 2009 1:57 pm

M20 engines are fairly bullit proof,as long as it dont overheat,no knocks bangs etc...
they are a little tappy up top and i wouldnt worry too much about oil leaks,if it doesnt leak oil you are very lucky
check for mayo under filler cap,and dipstick,
you will need the gearbox,but diff is not really necessary to get it going,but i dont know how long it will last with the B25 power,think you may need the prop.
idealy you need the complete car,front struts are different.
Cypriotgeeza wrote:I done both my mates in my old 318is
felt so proud,even tried it with a E30 325i and got put in my place.. :o: