New here, info on e46 328 into e30

Post Sat Jan 31, 2015 10:15 pm

Hi folks,

This has likely already been asked but the more threads i look at the more confused i get lol.

I have a e30 318is and recently broke a 1999 328i e46.
So heres the questions, do u use the e46 gearbox and prop and diff or do i use the 318 running gear?

I know i need to map out ews etc but does that mean i dont need to dig out the loom for the ews out the e46?

Also i need to change the sump and mounts correct?

Appreciate any help given, thanks

Post Sun Feb 01, 2015 10:33 am

I have e28 m5 mounts and a set of e36 m3 arms, im guessing they are up to the task?

Post Sun Feb 01, 2015 5:02 pm

I assume the engine you are using is the m52tu? What gearbox does it use? You would have to swap the sump with a e34 m50 sump(bowl on the front) I'm not sure if the oil pickup will bolt on like it does on the m50/52.

If you have the complete car why not use the ews?

I believe the m52tu is more of a m54 than the older m5x maybe try to search for m54 conversions for a better idea

Post Sun Feb 01, 2015 6:17 pm

Hi, yea i have the complete car but aint got much clue as to whats all needed to keep tye ews. Will have a look for gearbox codes. Unsure to where the engine code is either. Thanks for your reply

Post Sun Feb 01, 2015 6:27 pm

I'm no expert but For the ews you will need ews,key,barrel and ecu from same car, have a look on ebay for complete ecu sets as they may be other stuff needed.

If it's a dual vanos 2.8 from an e46 it will be a m52tu, if it's an option maybe you could sell the e46 gear and go for the single vanos m52 from the e36 a lot easier to get running and I don't think the m52tu is any better the exhaust vanos does nothing but improve emissions

Post Sun Feb 01, 2015 6:29 pm

Yea i think it will be the dual vanos, im just going to check for an engine code etv just now. Would like to stick to that lump as i know it runs fune and i have the full car.

Post Sun Feb 01, 2015 6:31 pm

Also shoot a pm to Danthe on here I'm sure he can give you a much more definitive answer to your questions and advise on what's best, good luck with whichever route you take

Post Sun Feb 01, 2015 6:33 pm

Thanks for your help buddy

Post Sun Feb 01, 2015 6:58 pm

Barcode on the back of the engine and beside it just says m52 e46, vin plate only has M52 in it also.

Post Mon Feb 02, 2015 6:54 am

Easiest way to check is to look at the front of the cam cover. If you have one distinct lump on the intake cam then you have a single vanos m52 which is a relatively easy swap.

If the front is even then it will be a dual vanos and therefore an m52b28tu which is a little more complicated. if it's a "tu" I think the issue you will have with this engine/ecu combo is that the ecu will be looking for data from the wheel speed sensors which add more complexity to the install.
Search for "this is alice" and have a look at the thread where someone does a very involved swap.

Post Mon Feb 02, 2015 9:03 am

Thanks, just had a look there. Thats a little more than i want to do lol. Maybe c what i can do with the subframe to get it in. Seems to be the e36 sumps etc are making as much as buying a whole engine on ebay so if that were the case i would be as well selling the unit i have.

Can c this becoming a headache

Post Mon Feb 02, 2015 9:12 am

No lump so it must be a dual vanos. I know i have to get the ews mapped out and speed sensors etc which doesnt bother me. I have th ecu there and all the connectuons engine side but there is one block from the shell. This seems to be into a motorway of cables. Do i need that connector and everything it goes to or can i disguard it and just having ghe ewa mapped out etc will make it run as it should.

Sorry for all the questions