325ix M30b35 swap

Mon Nov 04, 2013 8:59 am

Hi everyone,

Im about to buy a 325ix Touring, and I like the idea of swapping the engine with a m30b35 somewhere in the future.
I have not found any info as to whether this is considerably more difficult than on a i, or if it is even possible at all.

Does anyone know if it could be done, and if so, what extra work might be involved?

Kind regards,
Axel

Thu Nov 07, 2013 6:47 pm

I would imagine you'd probably need to use some parts from the 5-series 4x4 version (525iX) or the rare Alpina B3 Allrad (which had a 204bhp 2.7), and that the main issue would be if the chain-drive to the transfer box is strong enough to take the torque of an M30B35...

Mon Nov 11, 2013 9:02 am

Have you checked on E30.de I'm pretty sure an iX to M30 has been done on there. The main problem is the sump which on an iX has the front diff bolted on the side and there is nothing similar on an M30 engine. The E34 525 iX is an M20 engine as well.
Chris

Mon Nov 11, 2013 4:35 pm

bmw444 wrote:The E34 525 iX is an M20 engine as well.
Chris

Or M50

Check Turks thread, he was attempting an S54 IX and im sure he used parts from an X5.
Maybe worth a look to give you some idea of whats involved.

Mon Nov 11, 2013 5:04 pm

Indeed, he was - here's the thread:

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... 21&start=0

Mon Nov 11, 2013 5:16 pm

I own a 325IX and I'd suggest the very tight packaging around the engine would make an M30 swap very challenging. Then there's the location of the transfer box in the transmission tunnel, prop lengths etc. More bother than it's worth. If you want a fast 4wd, buy a Subaru.

Mon Nov 11, 2013 5:52 pm

Topblag wrote: If you want a fast 4wd that breaks a lot, buy a Subaru.

Ive a 3 litre X5 sump if you need one

Mon Nov 11, 2013 6:39 pm

It would be easier to just build a stroker M20 of say, 2.8 or 3.0 litres and fit that - same sort of power without the installation issues.

Mon Nov 11, 2013 6:50 pm

Surely an M50 swap would be easier and more worth while?

Mon Nov 11, 2013 6:52 pm

2.5 M50 ix wouldnt be worthwhile IMO, not enough of a jump from the M20 to warrant the work
Rebuilt 3 litre M50 is a different kettle of fish

Mon Nov 11, 2013 7:47 pm

DanThe wrote:2.5 M50 ix wouldnt be worthwhile IMO, not enough of a jump from the M20 to warrant the work

I was thinking more in terms of the work required to fit an M50 with 4x4 gubbins compared to trying to convert an M30 to run 4x4.

DanThe wrote:Rebuilt 3 litre M50 is a different kettle of fish

I like your thinking