316i auto to 325

Post Fri Apr 23, 2010 12:48 am

I've never done an engine swap before and I don't have much mechanical experience with engines.

I was just wondering how hard this conversion would be if I was to attempt it myself. If not is there anyone on the zone who charges to do this conversion?

thanks

Post Fri Apr 23, 2010 12:53 am

There'll be someone to take your money I'm sure, your location would help though.

I'd just buy a 325 and sell the 316.

Post Fri Apr 23, 2010 1:16 am

as above realy location would help. could be done but depends on how well you want it done as brakes and suspension would need to be upgraded aswell

Post Fri Apr 23, 2010 1:20 am

I don't even have an E30 yet, it was suggested I bought a 316 auto in classifieds as I was after something with a mint shell and did an engine conversion it.

I'm in the west midlands, I'd be happy to have a go myself but I do not own an engine crane but I'm guessing I could rent one.

Post Fri Apr 23, 2010 1:25 am

rakester wrote:I don't even have an E30 yet, it was suggested I bought a 316 auto in classifieds as I was after something with a mint shell and did an engine conversion it.

I'm in the west midlands, I'd be happy to have a go myself but I do not own an engine crane but I'm guessing I could rent one.

to be honest if its a 325i your wanting don't go buying a 316i auto then buying a 325i engine, gearbox,prop, diff and brakes and suspension to then change it all over to pay higher insurance on a car that has now been modified by fitting a 325i engine and converting it to manual.. plus it would be the work involved.. for the extra you would pay for all the bits you would need you would be as well buying a 325i and paying 325i standard insurance.... just my 2p worth

Post Fri Apr 23, 2010 1:29 am

I guess you're right, I think I am going to have to admit defeat and save some more money to be able to afford a 325 with a clean shell.

Post Fri Apr 23, 2010 1:38 am

to do the conversion right would set you back a fair bit, engine, gearbox, prop, diff, rear disc brake trailing arms, 51mm front struts, vented front discs, front callipers, pedal box, clutch master, clutch pipe work, clutch slave, flexi pipes, rear bushes. and that's before you run into any problems or start buying service kits for the new engine that's going in... and as said before modified insurance plus the car will always be a 316i Auto with a 2.5 fitted!!! if you had a smashed or rotten 325i sitting it may be worth it but I personally wouldnt do it

sorry to piss on your parade BTW

Post Fri Apr 23, 2010 1:44 am

jbh wrote:to do the conversion right would set you back a fair bit, engine, gearbox, prop, diff, rear disc brake trailing arms, 51mm front struts, vented front discs, front callipers, pedal box, clutch master, clutch pipe work, clutch slave, flexi pipes, rear bushes. and that's before you run into any problems or start buying service kits for the new engine that's going in... and as said before modified insurance plus the car will always be a 316i Auto with a 2.5 fitted!!! if you had a smashed or rotten 325i sitting it may be worth it but I personally wouldnt do it

sorry to pee pee on your parade BTW

Don't be at all fella, I genuinely appreciate the top advice

Like you say it is a lot of word to be done correct and I like to things perfect.

I'm just going to keep on saving the pennies and keeping my eye out for a bargain.

Cheers

Post Fri Apr 23, 2010 1:48 am

best way bud they are out there. even if you pick up a decent 325i that needs some TLC you can pay pennies for them.

we recently picked up a 325ise 2 door which had lay off the road for a while. car required 2 front wings and a clean up and you couldn't fault it. car was low miles and is really tight and drives sweet and it was a bargain..