M52 Install help and advice

[RizlaChris]

Hi guys,

I have recently picked up an E30 touring, its only a 318i but the bottom ends gone so its ripe for an M52 conversion, just wondering how hard it is to do and what mods have to be made, i am prepared to buy an E36 328i to use as a donor as i can also do a 5 stub upgrade while i am about it, just wondering is it a case of removing the 318i engine and box and bolting in the 328i one, any help will be greatfully received.
If it is a lot of hassle to do on my drive roughly how much would a company charge to do if i dropped both cars to them?

[Brianmoooore]

All the info. you need is covered on here in the wiki, the M50/52 forum and many build threads.
Basically the engine and box drop straight in when fitted with an E34 M50 sump and oil pick up, BUT parts of the assembly occupy space currently occupied by the brake servo and steering shaft.
There are various tried and tested solutions to these problems which are all detailed on here.
Engine wiring loom just needs the plug on the end of it changed for an E30 one, but an E36 loom places the engine ECU in a place that's difficult to find a home for it unless the loom is modified.
Five stud conversion from E36 parts gives poor results, which even by using the most suitable mix of parts, still leaves the geometry poor.

[RizlaChris]

So all i need to change is the oil pick up and sump for one off a E34, what about diff and prop will i need to change them as i will be using an E36 gear5 stud conversion was just a thought but might just stay with 4.
I have looked on here and there are so many different answers it got a bit confussing, was hoping someone could go you need this , this and this and do that, that and that.

[DanThe]

Lots of different ways to do the job, best gearbox is the 328i used with the prop and a low ratio diff.

If you want a plug and play, factory fit loom making give me a shout



Original -

[jimbom30cab]

I have one of those looms, simple plug and play with everything in the right place, well worth it imho

[RizlaChris]

Lots of different ways to do the job, best gearbox is the 328i used with the prop and a low ratio diff.

If you want a plug and play, factory fit loom making give me a shout



Original -

When i come round to doing it i will give u a shout mate, got my fighter project to finish first the on with the E30.

[MatZZ]

Would the 1.8 box not fit the m52? Guess that would cut a nice chunk of work out if it does?

[AndyZippy]

I have one of those looms, simple plug and play with everything in the right place, well worth it imho

+1. Made the job SO much easier, and Dan's easy to deal with and a great help too

[RizlaChris]

Decided on an M50 turbo conversion, trying to move the fighter on so i can start it, looking like it will be the begining of next year now.

[crisp_m3]

How much does the plug and play loom cost?

[heathy325]

It's a great loom I for one myself and it's ever well made and factory looking

[Jas328is]

How much for one of them looms???