e39 528i vs. e36 328i

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breeze
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Post Fri Apr 13, 2012 11:19 am

My friend and I are looking at donors for a swap into our e30 325i.

Most of the swaps reference the e36 as a donor but are there any differences with an e39?

325i already has an LSD so see no reason to seek out a 328i Sport.

Advice much appreciated,

Breeze
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kevo
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Post Fri Apr 13, 2012 2:41 pm

an e39 usually has a double vanos engine which has a different wiring type, canbus and therefore isn't compatible.
kev
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breeze
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Post Fri Apr 13, 2012 2:51 pm

Ahh - I know there was something...

Thanks Kevo
leeparkes
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Post Fri Apr 13, 2012 4:24 pm

Iirc early ones are single vanos so can be used, also E38 728i can be used.
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.. :o:
DanThe
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Post Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:25 pm

728i also has the right sump, although you will need E36 engine mounting arms, exhaust manifolds and wiring loom

528i has the same exhaust manifolds as E36, but again you will need E36 mount arms and wiring loom, and an E34 sump kit.

E36's come with the most of the needed parts for the conversion, you just need a sump change.
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Brianmoooore
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Post Fri Apr 13, 2012 8:36 pm

leeparkes wrote:Iirc early ones are single vanos so can be used, also E38 728i can be used.
Right up to 9/98 was single vanos. Double vanos only appeared on the last year and a half of e39 528i production.