Hey, i have a 318is and looking to drop a faster engine in over the summer, but not sure on the best engine to go for..
what do people think the best engine to go for is?
I dont wanna spend big, so just the most performance for the lowest cost sorta thing??
jonathan
Engine choice opinions??
Moderator: martauto

Here we go again.
It's all a matter of opinion I think Jon. There is a history of 4pot vs 6pot debats and there has never been a definitive answer on what is the best engine.
For me though, IMO, it has to be the 325i. The sound of a straight 6 is only comparable to the TVR/Imprezza interms of low budget road cars.
@e30_daryll
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leeparkes
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Yesjondrift wrote:would a 325 be cheaper than a 328 to but in?
Depends on your budget and how handy you are with the spanners!
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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ImysE30
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2.5 swap will probably be the cheapest option for more power.
But if your capable of doing conversions yourself then a M50/52 or M30 would be what i would go for
But if your capable of doing conversions yourself then a M50/52 or M30 would be what i would go for
Current Fleet:
E30 335i Turbo M3 Convertible Replica
E30 335i Turbo M3 Convertible Replica
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capri_rob
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M30B35 all the way - you can get 5 and 7 Series breakers for peanuts at the momentImysE30 wrote:2.5 swap will probably be the cheapest option for more power.
But if your capable of doing conversions yourself then a M50/52 or M30 would be what i would go for

e30topless said : Proper BMW's have 4 headlights, last of the run was the E30 and E34/E32 anything after that is just complete shite
I used to be good but Im disabled now so I will have to pay for it done and also it must be an auto.ImysE30 wrote:Depends on how good your with spanners and weldingmartauto wrote:So what do you think it may cost to have an M52 fitted ??
Mart.
Cheers, Mart.
Only the E46 cab left now.
Just got too old.
Just got too old.
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ImysE30
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Sorry to hear that. Auto M52, don't think i've seen one done. The conversion will cost you about £1500 fitted i reckon. A budget of about 2k will easily get you a good M52martauto wrote:I used to be good but Im disabled now so I will have to pay for it done and also it must be an auto.ImysE30 wrote:Depends on how good your with spanners and weldingmartauto wrote:So what do you think it may cost to have an M52 fitted ??
Mart.
Cheers, Mart.
Current Fleet:
E30 335i Turbo M3 Convertible Replica
E30 335i Turbo M3 Convertible Replica
Thanks for that mate, it was just a decent thought maybe for the future or if I get made redundant (dont tell the wife.lol )ImysE30 wrote:Sorry to hear that. Auto M52, don't think i've seen one done. The conversion will cost you about £1500 fitted i reckon. A budget of about 2k will easily get you a good M52martauto wrote:I used to be good but Im disabled now so I will have to pay for it done and also it must be an auto.ImysE30 wrote: Depends on how good your with spanners and welding
Cheers, Mart.
I have been "classed" as disabled for a while now but , Im in hospital this week for a bit and should be able to walk again soonish.
But I still love my 316 auto.lol.
Mart.
Only the E46 cab left now.
Just got too old.
Just got too old.
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ImysE30
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Why not go for a M30B35 swap for that ultimate sleeper lookmartauto wrote:Thanks for that mate, it was just a decent thought maybe for the future or if I get made redundant (dont tell the wife.lol )ImysE30 wrote:Sorry to hear that. Auto M52, don't think i've seen one done. The conversion will cost you about £1500 fitted i reckon. A budget of about 2k will easily get you a good M52martauto wrote: I used to be good but Im disabled now so I will have to pay for it done and also it must be an auto.
Cheers, Mart.
I have been "classed" as disabled for a while now but , Im in hospital this week for a bit and should be able to walk again soonish.
But I still love my 316 auto.lol.
Mart.
Current Fleet:
E30 335i Turbo M3 Convertible Replica
E30 335i Turbo M3 Convertible Replica
Please forgive my ignorance , but I dont know what you are wow are you talking about the 3.5 ?????
Would this be a more "affordable" alternative??
Pipe dreams at the moment but now that sounds like a "nice" sleeper and also my daily car.
Mart.
Would this be a more "affordable" alternative??
Pipe dreams at the moment but now that sounds like a "nice" sleeper and also my daily car.
Mart.
Only the E46 cab left now.
Just got too old.
Just got too old.
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ImysE30
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- Posts: 22486
- Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:00 pm
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It's a 3.5 engine out of a E34 5 series 535. 200bhp +.
It is a simpler swap as you don't need to weld anything and much cheaper as well. Donor car/engine's are cheap, around £200-300.
I will be doing this swap or maybe a M52 on my cabby in the summer
It is a simpler swap as you don't need to weld anything and much cheaper as well. Donor car/engine's are cheap, around £200-300.
I will be doing this swap or maybe a M52 on my cabby in the summer
Current Fleet:
E30 335i Turbo M3 Convertible Replica
E30 335i Turbo M3 Convertible Replica



