E30 Zone

Hi all,


I'm planning on doing a m52 swap in my 318 convertible ( currently running a m42 engine ) and i'm putting together a parts list.
I'ts probably been answered before , but my online search gave me all sort of different answers on the gearbox compatability... so I thought i will ask the experts

so:

Will the getrag 240 from my 318i mate up with a m52?
or will i need to find a G240/260 coming from an m20 ( and change the propshaft? )

I was hoping it does, so i only have to change the rear differential. ( i was looking at a small 3.6 ratio diff )

Here's a picture, just to make shure we are talking about the right car:

As far as I understand - it will work and not need to be rotated at all - but I am not sure of longevity, especially with the clutch.

If you had a g260 from a 325i M20 then I'd suggest just getting the twisted shift linkage and gearbox mounting bracket, but the right way to do it since you're changing everything would probably be the M52 ZF box, propshaft and diff....

Keeping the M42 may be easier =D

thanks Gus

yes, keeping the m42 would be easier, bet hey, we do things not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win. Or so i heard.

and, also i think a 6 cyl would better fit the heavier convertible, and make for a nicer cruiser.

I think/hope Gus meant keep the M42 gearbox, even though its most likely a 318i box
It will bolt straight on and be in the correct position, you will need a 325i propshaft and the linkages will need some cutting/welding or see what fits, 320i stuff is close from memory

Ive done quite a few conversions with the 4cyl box's and they hold up quite well

Great JFK quote! And yes, I don't blame you for going that path...certainly a bit tougher now than it was 5-10 years back

It is indeed a M40 box, not the M42 one, I should have been more clear.

so, if I got this right, even with the M40 gearbox, I will need a different propshaft? This means it is not in the same place as it is now obviously...

As for longevety, a 260 will be stronger, but I'm not building a track day car here, more a weekend cruiser, so should be fine ( what could go wrong, it only has 200k miles )

sourcing a propshaft is no real problem, as for now all is still quite availably i think.

thanks for your input

If you look at the position of the back edge of your current engine and compare it with an M52 converted car you will see the 4cyl is further forward so a shorter prop will usually be needed

Or you can pay me a load of money for my M50 E34 Getrag 260. Bolts to the M52 with a 325i prop and gear linkage.


viewtopic.php?f=6&t=281459

I am wondering the same thing (sort of). I'm putting an M50 in a 1991 318is. It has a Getrag 240 in it. Won't the M50 just bolt up to the 240 without having to do anything to the driveshaft, as it is the stock gearbox?

Bolts up pretty well to a 240
You’ll want a 320i prop though if i remember right

thats a nice looking cabby and in a nice colour. Its clearly been looked after.

I have a 320I cabby - the 318i is just as able but less thirsty.

its your car at the end of the day but unless the conversion works are done by a reputable person/company it will likely only devalue the car and make it difficult to insure.- have you also checked the local regs (i have assumed as the car in on French plates your in France).

why not keep the car stock and buy something modern to smoke around in - plenty of modern turds floating around.