Got low miles E34 525iX & 520i, need beginers guidance

[jimf]

I have bought a scrap 1994 E34 525iX only for the interior to go in my tds. On buying it i found out it was perfectly drivable and it only has 76K on the clock so was wondering if there was anything usefull to do with the running gear. The lads over on BMW5 forum suggested asking you guys about the M50 transplant into an E30. My first BMW was an E30 so really have a soft spot for them and quite fancy a nice little (fast) cab for the summer to compliment the diesel workhorse.

So, what is useable on the iX and where on earth do you start, apart from finding the right E30 to put it in of course.

Might be impossible so excuse my ignorance but anyone ever tried to make a 4WD E30 using the E34 iX as a doner.

Edit, just aquired a 520i as well

Thanks

[town325i]

You might be able to M50 an e30 IX with a mix match of the E30 and E34 running gear.

[jimf]

Well i don't nescessarily have to do the 4X4 thing, really just want to know the basics of using the M50 lump, can i use the gearbox and what else do i need etc

[Duke137]

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... 82#1936482

There you go, that just about covers it all

[jimf]

So the auto box on the E34 iX is no use then?

[Duke137]

I would go for a 318is box and I think you need the 320i prop shaft. This is all E30 by the way.

PM "Willnz" about wiring but I think on your loom you just simply disconnect the auto box wiring.

If you aren't bothered about 4wd then I would just keep it simple. If you want auto (don't know why you would though) then I don't know enough to comment unfortunately on wheter the iX box is any good.

By the way E34 steering UJ's come in quite useful to E30 owners, pm "ImysE30" to sell them.

[baptie0]

So the auto box on the E34 iX is no use then?

unless you want an auto?

[jimf]

Well over the weekend i have been running round in another 525iX with an auto box and i'm not generally an auto fan but this felt superb. And seeing as i have the auto box right here i was wondering if it is any use. However if you guys think auto is not the way to go then i am happy to follow advice. I can easily sell the box i have to fund a better and more suited bit of kit.

On that note, is the iX engine the way to go? I could always flog it and get a 328i one if this is the better unit?

I should be able to fetch a good price for them at the mileage they are on.

[Duke137]

Auto = Epic Fail.

[town325i]

Dont the front drive shafts come out of the sump on these? and have a transfer box or something in them so if you wanted to use this engine you would need a normal e34 sump and oil pick up i would of thought.

[Duke137]

Dont the front drive shafts come out of the sump on these? and have a transfer box or something in them so if you wanted to use this engine you would need a normal e34 sump and oil pick up i would of thought.

I wondered how the drive shafts would sit at the front, never seen any of the iX E34s myself.

It may be a lot of hassle if you didn't want 4wd on an E30?

[town325i]

Dont the front drive shafts come out of the sump on these? and have a transfer box or something in them so if you wanted to use this engine you would need a normal e34 sump and oil pick up i would of thought.

I wondered how the drive shafts would sit at the front, never seen any of the iX E34s myself.

It may be a lot of hassle if you didn't want 4wd on an E30?

Ive never seen one but that's how the E30 IX is so im guessing it would be the same sort of setup.

[Duke137]

Dont the front drive shafts come out of the sump on these? and have a transfer box or something in them so if you wanted to use this engine you would need a normal e34 sump and oil pick up i would of thought.

I wondered how the drive shafts would sit at the front, never seen any of the iX E34s myself.

It may be a lot of hassle if you didn't want 4wd on an E30?

Ive never seen one but that's how the E30 IX is so im guessing it would be the same sort of setup.

sounds like hassle to me

[jimf]

The driveshafts do come through the sump but i think you can just change it for a normal one. I have just picked up a 520i for free so could probably use the sump from that.

Kind of giving up on the 4x4 idea and wasn't really bothered about it anyway, just thought i'd ask.

So, is the 328i engine better than the E34 M50, as if it is i'll go with that?

Must admit i'm finding this quite daunting, been trawling through the post trying to learn stuff but could do with a guide starting from scratch. I am quite a good DIY car mechanic (Aircraft engineer for a living) so If you guys are prepared to advice me throughout it i will do a full photo diary and write up to help others in the future.

So i have the E34's 525iX and 520i now, need to find the right E30, pref a cab. What happens then?

[jimf]

Bump, sorry, i'm so keen to learn more about this and get the ball rolling. Need to make a shopping list i think, need to work out what to use from the E34's

[town325i]

If you can use the sump off the 520i on the M50B25 it would be rude not use that as you already have the engine no point spending more for another one you can use the gearbox but you need to get a diff to match the 1:1 5th that E34 gearbox has.

Most things you will need are in the Development thread in this section of the forum

[jimf]

Are you refering to the autobox i have already? Suppose i could use the manual box from the 520i but if finding the right diff is an issue then would be happy to sell the E34 boxes on and get the most appropriate one for the conversion. Which would be...........???

Still not convinced i want to use the M50 yet, i'm thinking i can sell the M50 for good money and get one from a 328i. I wish there was a standard list of parts but there is so many options it is driving me nuts.

[town325i]

Are you refering to the autobox i have already? Suppose i could use the manual box from the 520i but if finding the right diff is an issue then would be happy to sell the E34 boxes on and get the most appropriate one for the conversion. Which would be...........???

Still not convinced i want to use the M50 yet, i'm thinking i can sell the M50 for good money and get one from a 328i. I wish there was a standard list of parts but there is so many options it is driving me nuts.

The 520i box if it manual i dont think you will get much for your M50 engine i picked one up for £125 with everything on it.

[jimf]

i agree, don't think the 520i one is worth anything but the 525iX and running gear has only 76K so think that would be quite sellable.

[Duke137]

I would use:

525iX engine with the 520i sump (if straight forward swap)
520i Gear box
You need the E36 rad
E36 mounting arms (I can sell you these if needed as have 2 spares)
E28 M535 rubber mounts (Euro car parts)
Not 100% what prop you need Mark (Town325i) might know
Renault Clio brake servo (E30 one fouls inlet manifold)

There are a few other bits and bobs you need (like the diff etc), like you might want to put an E36 steering rack whilst you have the engine out! (recommended)

Also, if you have a spare oil pick up pipe and dipstick tube then I will buy them off you as you should only need the sump off the 520i (I think)

[ross_jsy]

Differences between m50 and m52 is lighter block on the m52 as they are ali. They put the same power out as standard, but put a m50 inlet on an m52 and the power will go from 190ish to 210-220. If the engine is good then I would just stick with it though.

Is your car LHD btw? (Just get the impression you aren't from the UK)

[jimf]

Strange that you would think i'm not from Uk. I'm from Scotland!

Anyway, can the M50 inlet come from the 525 or 520?