Hi All,
I joined a few days ago and am planning to put an M30 with autobox into an e30.
It is a strange one and I dont think many people have done the autobox, but I want too.
I have a complete 535 e34 available for parts and am just awaiting an e30 to become available so that i can start.
My first question is, has anyone on here done this before, everyone seems to do a manual gearbox, but does it cause anymore problems doing an auto.
Any help or guidance will eb very much appreciated.
Cheers Nick
M30 AUTO INTO AN E30
Moderator: martauto
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zaust
- Zone day release
- Posts: 13007
- Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Somewhere in Hertfordshire , or press Ctrl + W
The only two obstructions I can really think if is,
A: the box fowling the tunnel. Massage will help I'm sure.
B: getting the right length for the gear selector.
prop will be a cut and shut option.
A: the box fowling the tunnel. Massage will help I'm sure.
B: getting the right length for the gear selector.
prop will be a cut and shut option.
M30 Tech 1 Touring on gas.
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Bristol_Jer
- E30 Zone Addict
- Posts: 2523
- Joined: Thu Sep 24, 2009 11:00 pm
- Location: Bristol, UK
I'm sure someone on here has an auto M30 in their e30, can't remember who though 
I am hoping that it wont be too much trouble to get in. I think i have now found my e30, just waiting for a responce from the buyer.
I also think the gear selector will be a cut and shut option but nothing that is going to be overally difficult.
If you could forward me any details of the person who has a m30 auto it would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers Nick
I also think the gear selector will be a cut and shut option but nothing that is going to be overally difficult.
If you could forward me any details of the person who has a m30 auto it would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers Nick
+1 deffo one out there ( or was ) but can't for the life of me remember who owned it.Bristol_Jer wrote:I'm sure someone on here has an auto M30 in their e30, can't remember who though
When it comes to massaging the transmission tunnel to fit the auto box, just be aware of the brake rod that runs over the top of it behind the dash
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leeparkes
- Married to the E30 Zone
- Posts: 9538
- Joined: Thu Jan 03, 2008 11:00 pm
- Location: Black country
The guy with the auto his user name is MJJ_ZX6RR 
http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... le&u=29299
Im sure willnz owns one too...
http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... le&u=29299
Im sure willnz owns one too...
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..
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leeparkes
- Married to the E30 Zone
- Posts: 9538
- Joined: Thu Jan 03, 2008 11:00 pm
- Location: Black country
Yes im still doing the mounts and yes ive posted to Austrailia a few times now, just pm me when your ready.
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..
Have done it.
Used the bellhousing from the M30 4HP22 electronic trans on a 4HP22 from the 320i the engine was going into. The bellhousing was approx 35mm shorter for the M30 box and in position 3 the engine is back approx 30mm from standard position, Perfect!
Original prop was used as trans was more of less in the same position as before and as the vehicle was a facelift E30 all of the wiring plugged into the M30 engine.
Very easy conversion as E30's without Electronic auto boxes use the same wiring as Manual cars.
Used the bellhousing from the M30 4HP22 electronic trans on a 4HP22 from the 320i the engine was going into. The bellhousing was approx 35mm shorter for the M30 box and in position 3 the engine is back approx 30mm from standard position, Perfect!
Original prop was used as trans was more of less in the same position as before and as the vehicle was a facelift E30 all of the wiring plugged into the M30 engine.
Very easy conversion as E30's without Electronic auto boxes use the same wiring as Manual cars.
Hi all,
It has been awhile since i posted on here, but have no most of the parts available for the M30 conversion.
Now also going manual and losing the auto.
Manual gearbox has been cleaned and painted.
Engine is currently in bits, cleaning painting and doing all service items before it goes in. Rocker is cleaned and painted, inley manifold will be done tonight. Block and rest during this week.
M20 engine is nearly out of the e30 which my mate is having and doign a stroker on it.
Only think i have to organise is the prop. I have three currently. The ato M20 one that is in my car, an e28 manual one and a e34 auto. I will be cutting and extending one of them to fit the car. Getting one to fit in Aus is as rare as rocking horse poo.
So progress is being made just slowely.
It has been awhile since i posted on here, but have no most of the parts available for the M30 conversion.
Now also going manual and losing the auto.
Manual gearbox has been cleaned and painted.
Engine is currently in bits, cleaning painting and doing all service items before it goes in. Rocker is cleaned and painted, inley manifold will be done tonight. Block and rest during this week.
M20 engine is nearly out of the e30 which my mate is having and doign a stroker on it.
Only think i have to organise is the prop. I have three currently. The ato M20 one that is in my car, an e28 manual one and a e34 auto. I will be cutting and extending one of them to fit the car. Getting one to fit in Aus is as rare as rocking horse poo.
So progress is being made just slowely.
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Rav335uk
- E30 Zone Meets/Events Team
- Posts: 27985
- Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Mad mad mad
- Contact:
On the Manual conversion, you can use the 325 maunal propshaft.
You'll need to change the flange on the M30 box for one of the M20 gearbox.
You'll need to change the flange on the M30 box for one of the M20 gearbox.
If you Got "Haters",Then your doing something Right!
CR24v??? Where's it all gone?? LOL
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Rav335uk
- E30 Zone Meets/Events Team
- Posts: 27985
- Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Mad mad mad
- Contact:
I had it done from a Propshaft engineering company, so t was all cut, welded, balanced and painted via them, for £100
If you Got "Haters",Then your doing something Right!
CR24v??? Where's it all gone?? LOL
Hi All
Has been very slow progress on the M30 front lately, but the engine is in and all plugged in. It also runs which I am chuffed at.
Just a quick question. I was looking at the prop shaft at the weekend. I used the e30 rear section and slid the e28 manual front section into it. Lined it up with the gearbox and it is ony 5mm too long. Cannot beleive it. It is as far into the rear section as it will go but still needs alittle more.
I was thinking I could put the rear section into a lathe and take 5mm off the front part of it. This will give me the clearance i need and is a far cheaper option that having it cut and welded.
Is this a possibility or is it still best to have the front section cut and welded as previously discussed.
Has been very slow progress on the M30 front lately, but the engine is in and all plugged in. It also runs which I am chuffed at.
Just a quick question. I was looking at the prop shaft at the weekend. I used the e30 rear section and slid the e28 manual front section into it. Lined it up with the gearbox and it is ony 5mm too long. Cannot beleive it. It is as far into the rear section as it will go but still needs alittle more.
I was thinking I could put the rear section into a lathe and take 5mm off the front part of it. This will give me the clearance i need and is a far cheaper option that having it cut and welded.
Is this a possibility or is it still best to have the front section cut and welded as previously discussed.
Thought it would officially start a build thread for the E30.
(Sorry for some of the quality of the photos but is all I have)
My purchase was a 1986 325e auto in bronze beige metallic in good condition. All very standard and I found it in a salvage yard. The owner of the car was 92 and after having the car for years noticed the alternator was making a horrible noise, so he took it to the salvage yard/friend and asked just $500 for it as he could not really drive anymore.
I found it and during its stay there it was alittle worse for wear. The keys had been lost, the gloebox and heater panel had been broken by some little sh1t trying to rip the stereo out etc. So I bought it and got it home ok, although the battery was dead even after a good run. But everything else was great. First thing I did was to tidy the car up. All exterior trim was rubbed down and sprayed satin black. Plus all the chrome was cleaned and fogs lights fixed as were not working. Also removed the entire window tint as cannot stand it.
Also fitted a new heater panel and an analogue clock and don’t like the old digital ones.
My idea was to get the car running and on the road and use it until I could afford/find an M30. I have always wanted an M30 engined E30 but in Aus the engines are not very cheap or readily available.
But as luck would have it, my mate found a complete 535i manual that he wanted the gearbox from. We agreed that if I helped with the gearbox install I could have the engine and any other parts I needed for the conversion. So we did the auto to manual swap on his e34 I took delivery of the M30 3.5.
So now I went online and purchased a set of these. Turned up quickly, painted them and sat them in the shed.
So now I just needed a gearbox and all other manual parts to go with it. So the search was on. Then another stroke of luck as I found a complete E28 M30 manual conversion kit on ebay but it was approx 1000 miles away. I spoke with the owner and in 3 weeks he was heading my way. I collected the gearbox from a place only 1 hour from my house (perfect).
So got the set home and then cleaned and painted all the pieces that I would be using. Saving the rest for a future project (e28 V8 hopefully).
Then I needed a manual pedal box, so a search of ebay and gumtree located a 318i manual only ten minutes from home that someone had rolled and was breaking. A quick trip over to his found me a complete manual pedal box, pipework and slave cylinder for the princely sum of $10. Another result. While I was there I also picked up a glovebox as mine was broke, a set of smiley headlights and a set of bottlecap alloys with brand new tyres.
So home I went with a smile on my face and fitted the pedal box etc straight away.
From that point the M20 auto came out and I removed the sound proofing from the bulkhead and transmission tunnel. Then installed the pipework for the pedal box and cleaned it all up alittle.
This is how it stayed for a few weeks as my attention turned to the M30. I stripped it all down, cleaned and fitted new gaskets to everything. Then started to put it all back together.
I knew the engine ran fine before removal so was not going to worry too much about a full rebuild. Just a good freshen up.
During this time I also fitted the E34 aircon radiator as this is going to be my engine cooling fan and wired that up. This fitted a treat with only a couple of small brackets that I made up to mount it.
Then I installed the e28 single mass flywheel, clutch and gearbox and placed it inside the car. This was a slightly emotional moment as I was doing it by myself and is a very tight fit. Managed to get it in but then could not get it to fit in position 3. So sat it in two and then jumped around it for alittle while and in the end, she slotted into position 3 ok.
So for the gear linkage I had heard that only a 325i manual linkage would work on my car and I only had the plate style linkage from the E28 that came with the gearbox. So while engine/box was in I slide under and measured the required measurements. Came out and measured the linkage I had. I slide under again and re-measured and then fitted the plate. It was perfect and no mods required.
Started to connect all the wiring up etc and pipework. After a lot of faffing around I got the engine turning over but not running. Then worked out I had the fuel pipes the wrong way around, swapped them over and vroom she came alive.
But I did have a down pipe issue.
It was clashing/pressing against the steering arm. A quick trip to a mate of mine and he welded the joint. This was the result. I am still going to removed more of the old flange so it gives me more clearance.
So I was pleased with the progress to date, but still could not find a 535 E28 radiator anywhere for normal money and no one seemed to stock E34 throttle cables as I had managed to lose the one I took from the e34.
Then a quick search on gumtree as I do, I found someone breaking an e28 535 in the next suburb. A drive over and managed to pick up a brand new rad and a mtech steering wheel for a bargain price.
Got home and fitted them straight away my excitement was that I could not wait.
Now my attention turned to an exhaust. The exhaust from the car was a single pipe and although in good condition was not what I needed. I think I have just found a full twin pipe system although, is 2000 miles away for a cheap price. Even with a courier to deliver it is still cheap so am pretty pleased with that. This should arrive middle of next week with any luck.
Now the only thing I have left to worry about is the prop. 325i manual props are as rare as rocking horse poo over here, so I have removed the front section of the e30 prop and replaced it with the e28 prop. This is a little long so am just waiting for some cash so that I can have this shortened and then the whole thing balanced. This is going to cost half of what the car cost me at the start.
I do also need to bleed the brakes and clutch but that can be done easily one evening.
But once it is done it will be ready for the road.
This has been done on the smallest of budgets and nothing like some of the fantastic builds done on this site, but I am well pleased with it and cannot wait to get it on the road. This is a pictutre of how it currently sits after being on axle stands which seems like for ever.
I would also like to thank my mate Jamie for without him the M30 would have never happened.
(Sorry for some of the quality of the photos but is all I have)
My purchase was a 1986 325e auto in bronze beige metallic in good condition. All very standard and I found it in a salvage yard. The owner of the car was 92 and after having the car for years noticed the alternator was making a horrible noise, so he took it to the salvage yard/friend and asked just $500 for it as he could not really drive anymore.
I found it and during its stay there it was alittle worse for wear. The keys had been lost, the gloebox and heater panel had been broken by some little sh1t trying to rip the stereo out etc. So I bought it and got it home ok, although the battery was dead even after a good run. But everything else was great. First thing I did was to tidy the car up. All exterior trim was rubbed down and sprayed satin black. Plus all the chrome was cleaned and fogs lights fixed as were not working. Also removed the entire window tint as cannot stand it.
Also fitted a new heater panel and an analogue clock and don’t like the old digital ones.
My idea was to get the car running and on the road and use it until I could afford/find an M30. I have always wanted an M30 engined E30 but in Aus the engines are not very cheap or readily available.
But as luck would have it, my mate found a complete 535i manual that he wanted the gearbox from. We agreed that if I helped with the gearbox install I could have the engine and any other parts I needed for the conversion. So we did the auto to manual swap on his e34 I took delivery of the M30 3.5.
So now I went online and purchased a set of these. Turned up quickly, painted them and sat them in the shed.
So now I just needed a gearbox and all other manual parts to go with it. So the search was on. Then another stroke of luck as I found a complete E28 M30 manual conversion kit on ebay but it was approx 1000 miles away. I spoke with the owner and in 3 weeks he was heading my way. I collected the gearbox from a place only 1 hour from my house (perfect).
So got the set home and then cleaned and painted all the pieces that I would be using. Saving the rest for a future project (e28 V8 hopefully).
Then I needed a manual pedal box, so a search of ebay and gumtree located a 318i manual only ten minutes from home that someone had rolled and was breaking. A quick trip over to his found me a complete manual pedal box, pipework and slave cylinder for the princely sum of $10. Another result. While I was there I also picked up a glovebox as mine was broke, a set of smiley headlights and a set of bottlecap alloys with brand new tyres.
So home I went with a smile on my face and fitted the pedal box etc straight away.
From that point the M20 auto came out and I removed the sound proofing from the bulkhead and transmission tunnel. Then installed the pipework for the pedal box and cleaned it all up alittle.
This is how it stayed for a few weeks as my attention turned to the M30. I stripped it all down, cleaned and fitted new gaskets to everything. Then started to put it all back together.
I knew the engine ran fine before removal so was not going to worry too much about a full rebuild. Just a good freshen up.
During this time I also fitted the E34 aircon radiator as this is going to be my engine cooling fan and wired that up. This fitted a treat with only a couple of small brackets that I made up to mount it.
Then I installed the e28 single mass flywheel, clutch and gearbox and placed it inside the car. This was a slightly emotional moment as I was doing it by myself and is a very tight fit. Managed to get it in but then could not get it to fit in position 3. So sat it in two and then jumped around it for alittle while and in the end, she slotted into position 3 ok.
So for the gear linkage I had heard that only a 325i manual linkage would work on my car and I only had the plate style linkage from the E28 that came with the gearbox. So while engine/box was in I slide under and measured the required measurements. Came out and measured the linkage I had. I slide under again and re-measured and then fitted the plate. It was perfect and no mods required.
Started to connect all the wiring up etc and pipework. After a lot of faffing around I got the engine turning over but not running. Then worked out I had the fuel pipes the wrong way around, swapped them over and vroom she came alive.
But I did have a down pipe issue.
It was clashing/pressing against the steering arm. A quick trip to a mate of mine and he welded the joint. This was the result. I am still going to removed more of the old flange so it gives me more clearance.
So I was pleased with the progress to date, but still could not find a 535 E28 radiator anywhere for normal money and no one seemed to stock E34 throttle cables as I had managed to lose the one I took from the e34.
Then a quick search on gumtree as I do, I found someone breaking an e28 535 in the next suburb. A drive over and managed to pick up a brand new rad and a mtech steering wheel for a bargain price.
Got home and fitted them straight away my excitement was that I could not wait.
Now my attention turned to an exhaust. The exhaust from the car was a single pipe and although in good condition was not what I needed. I think I have just found a full twin pipe system although, is 2000 miles away for a cheap price. Even with a courier to deliver it is still cheap so am pretty pleased with that. This should arrive middle of next week with any luck.
Now the only thing I have left to worry about is the prop. 325i manual props are as rare as rocking horse poo over here, so I have removed the front section of the e30 prop and replaced it with the e28 prop. This is a little long so am just waiting for some cash so that I can have this shortened and then the whole thing balanced. This is going to cost half of what the car cost me at the start.
I do also need to bleed the brakes and clutch but that can be done easily one evening.
But once it is done it will be ready for the road.
This has been done on the smallest of budgets and nothing like some of the fantastic builds done on this site, but I am well pleased with it and cannot wait to get it on the road. This is a pictutre of how it currently sits after being on axle stands which seems like for ever.
I would also like to thank my mate Jamie for without him the M30 would have never happened.
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jimbom30cab
- Tech 1 freak
- Posts: 7634
- Joined: Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:00 pm
- Location: in the garage
now that's how to do an M30 swap, good effort !!
Thanks for your comments they are very much appreciated.
As for rust she is clean as, being a Brisbane car we dont suffer from rust that much. She does has two patches on the lower rear corners about the size of 50p pieces, but is only scabbing and a wire brush and paint is all she needs.
She also has a slight crease in the rear part of the roof. These will be sorted once she is on the road. A friend of mine is going to do it and blo over it too as some of the clear coat has done funky.
As for rust she is clean as, being a Brisbane car we dont suffer from rust that much. She does has two patches on the lower rear corners about the size of 50p pieces, but is only scabbing and a wire brush and paint is all she needs.
She also has a slight crease in the rear part of the roof. These will be sorted once she is on the road. A friend of mine is going to do it and blo over it too as some of the clear coat has done funky.
This weekend i wired up the electic cooling fan. I am using an e34 air con fan which I have been told and seen on here that people use. It fits the space in front of the rad perfectly.
I have now also been advised that courier has collect my exhaust and it is on its way as well as my accelorator cable too.
Only exhaust manifold gaskets and a prop to go.
Is getting very close now.
I have now also been advised that courier has collect my exhaust and it is on its way as well as my accelorator cable too.
Only exhaust manifold gaskets and a prop to go.
Is getting very close now.
exhaust arrived last week.
http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/6227 ... ibdjdg.mp4
first start up. I was very proud but in trouble as made my daughter cry.
This project has been delayed time and time again due to cash, so now that it is finally getting sorted, I am starting to look for the next project.
I have just purchased a 2.8 engine and manual gearbox from an E39 5 series and that will soon be shipped over to Aus from the UK. I have also found a 84 chromie moordoor with zero rust. Just love queensland cars. lol. It is currently a 318i but will be having all 6 cylinder running gear put under it and the 2.8 installed.
My wife will have the M30 as a daily until the new one is complete and then i want the M30 back and she can have the 2.8.
Once the 2.8 is finished then I can sell the e36 and will be a e30 family only.
I have just purchased a 2.8 engine and manual gearbox from an E39 5 series and that will soon be shipped over to Aus from the UK. I have also found a 84 chromie moordoor with zero rust. Just love queensland cars. lol. It is currently a 318i but will be having all 6 cylinder running gear put under it and the 2.8 installed.
My wife will have the M30 as a daily until the new one is complete and then i want the M30 back and she can have the 2.8.
Once the 2.8 is finished then I can sell the e36 and will be a e30 family only.
after posting this on this last week. My plans have changed ever so slightly. Parked the E30 M30 on the driveway on saturday and a bloke pulled up. Got out the car and was like just seen you driving the e30, that is not standard is it. I explained and showed him the M30. He asked if i wanted to sell it and a deal was done. He came back that afternoon and gave me the cash. 
So went and searched gumtree and ebay etc looking for a replacement. Sunday lunchtime went and looked at an 87 e30 coupe, same family owned since new, but was not for me. Then went and looked at a 1980 e21 323i manual. A deal was done and need to organise it to be collected today.
So am now the proud owner of an e21. result
So went and searched gumtree and ebay etc looking for a replacement. Sunday lunchtime went and looked at an 87 e30 coupe, same family owned since new, but was not for me. Then went and looked at a 1980 e21 323i manual. A deal was done and need to organise it to be collected today.
So am now the proud owner of an e21. result