M52 v M52TU

[Rinx]

Apologies if this is a simple question, but will a 328i registered in February 1997 have a M52 engine rather than a M52TU engine?

If so, I'm assuming it has the iron block rather than aluminium?

[Gavt]

If its m52 it will be aluminium block. The tu added another vanos unit for exhaust. If its e36 it will not be tu. Only Americans got the iron m52.

[Rinx]

Thanks - makes sense. Now I just need to rip it out and get it ready for the e30.

To be honest, it doesn't feel that quick in the e36, perhaps because it has an auto gearbox. Hopefully, it will feel a lot more lively in the e30.

[johnmaccow]

Go for single mass M20 conversion since you will need flywheel anyway ;)

[Brianmoooore]

Don't forget to fit a spigot bearing in the end of the crank!

[Rinx]

Thanks! I suppose there is no excuse not to use the single mass flywheel as it is being converted from an auto. I will make sure I get the right spigot bearing as well.

Are the M52 E36 Automatics generally a bit slow then in standard form? Compared to my daily driver 330D, it just seemed a bit boring when I took it for a test drive. The engine seems to be fine otherwise. Maybe I'm just being paranoid.