M50 Parts Clarification

Post Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:36 pm

I'd like some clarification that what I'm doing will actually work.

I currently have this bolted up:
M50 (from 525i)
E36 mounts
M42 Gearbox & clutch release bearing
M20 Flywheel (E21 323i)
M20 Pilot Bearing

I'm planning to use an M20 gear linkage, but what prop is known to fit this combo, and what rad? I have the rad from the E34 but I'm unsure whether this fits or not since I still have an M42 in the engine bay. I could possibly use an M20 2.5 rad, but I prefer integrated expansion tanks. I presume the M42 rad is not big enough.

Thanks

Post Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:50 pm

M42 rad just about does the job, you need M20 propshaft

Post Thu Apr 23, 2009 4:24 pm

Thanks for that, if it just about does the job maybe I should see about a bigger one. This is going in my track car.

Post Thu Apr 23, 2009 4:27 pm

I don't know the score with the 525 rad, but I know the E36 M50 rad fits, maybe they are the same?

I'm using a M42 rad, but the car isn't operational yet so can't comment on how well it copes

Post Thu Apr 23, 2009 6:27 pm

For preferance, if its going to be tracked, I'd recomend an e36 328 aircon rad. Its the same width as an E30 iS but a bit deeper at the bottom, if that makes sense!

Post Thu Apr 23, 2009 7:28 pm

Have you still got your donor E34? I used the E34 radiator for my conversion,it's just a little too tall,but it is possible to weld a pair of 'ears' to the slam panel to enable the rad. to fit.For the lower mounting,you require two 'short' radiator mounts,one from the E34,one from the E30...
See no mention of a clutch,but as you are using an M20 fly' an E30 325 one will be fine,just heavy to operate('er indoors moans

)
Gear linkage.You will need a 320 gearstick support bracket and matching selector rod.
Prop. shaft? E30,it will ajust at the centre bearing for length.
Do swap your waterpump before fitting,it's £40 well spent....

Post Thu Apr 23, 2009 8:40 pm

Thanks lads, top info.

I do have the E34 525i radiator. The engine is currently sitting in my E21 but the projects taking too long so I'm going to put in my 318is, I have numerous E21s so a lot of bits are from them. The clutch is also E21 323i. Will the 318is prop suffice then? I know they adjust since I had to do it on the E21. I take it the gear linkage can be 325i as well? Water pump is on the list!

Just to check, I'm ok with the M42 release bearing, m20 clutch/flywheel?

Cheers

Post Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:07 am

I used a complete E30 325 clutch,Ihave no idea if the release bearing is the same.E30 325's have a different 'box(Getrang 260)this has a different shape to the top/rear and using this 'box as a donor for gearchange bits will put the stick right at the front of the hole,making selection of 1-3-5-R impossible....It would be worth checking E21 323 items,though.Do not forget that you will need the M20 type starter motor,M42/M50 will not fit the M20 ring gear...318iS prop will be fine.

Post Fri Apr 24, 2009 10:02 am

I actually until very recently had an E21 M20 dogleg box on the back of the engine, but the gearlinkage was going to be a nightmare as well as making a new gearbox mount for the same reason you've just mentioned. I've switched to the M42 box to make life easier!

I have a 325i donor car kicking around that I'll be robbing the starter motor, gear linkage, exhaust and other odd bits from.

Cheers