Engine Swapping questions

[DaleJK]

Hi Everyone

So I have just a few engine swapping questions.

I currently have a 325e with an M20B27 which has 401xxx km on her, now she's still going strong but I'm thinking about a swap pretty soon and I have a few questions, so here there are:

I've seen a m50 swap before and he had an e36 subframe up front with 5 lug hubs, I have a really nice set of OG Axis rims that I would like to keep all the way round and a fresh set of Coilovers,

so first question would be do I have to switch to and e36 front subframe? Or could I keep the e30 subframe.

Second one being if I did switch (i highly doubt they would work, but) would the e30 front coils fit into the e36 subframe?

Many thanks Dale

[jmc330i]

Firstly welcome This is place will have all the answers to your M50 questions

You don't need an E36 subframe, the M50 (or M52) will bolt up to the E30 subframe using E36 M50 engine arms and an E34 M50 sump and oil pick up.

Using an E36 subframe is a lot more involved (and pretty pointless) compared to swapping to an E34 M50 sump.

[DaleJK]

Thank you very much and Okay awesome also the E30 I saw also had the stock e30 gauge set up, are the wiring harnesses compatible? And is there anything else required besides e36 engine arms and e34 m50 oil pick up, like different driveshafts or diff hook up?

Thanks
- Dale

[ross_jsy]

6 cylinder clocks work perfect, 4 pots need something changing but that won't be a worry to you.

The wiring harness needs modifying, essentially grafting on an e30 c101 connector to the e36 loom. There are pin diagrams on here for it or a zoner called DanThe does plug and play conversion looms that are very good quality and great value.

Diff could need changing depending on what gearbox you use.

The other problem you will face is the exhaust manifolds hitting the steering column. However I see you use kilometres, is your car left hand drive?

[jmc330i]

The M50 engine loom isn't directly compatible with the E30 car loom, but it isn't a big job (maybe a little daunting) to swap and rewire the engine loom plug to get it all working. All of the E30 gauges will work as normal, but the water temp sensor on the M50 for the temp gauge needs to be swapped for the E30 brown temp sensor - the M50 sensor won't work the E30 gauge.


Get yourself and a drink, put your feet up and have a read of this....
http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... Swap_-_M5x

[DaleJK]

6 cylinder clocks work perfect, 4 pots need something changing but that won't be a worry to you.

The wiring harness needs modifying, essentially grafting on an e30 c101 connector to the e36 loom. There are pin diagrams on here for it or a zoner called DanThe does plug and play conversion looms that are very good quality and great value.

Diff could need changing depending on what gearbox you use.

The other problem you will face is the exhaust manifolds hitting the steering column. However I see you use kilometres, is your car left hand drive?

Okay and yes my car is left hand drive. Also if I can use the transmission I have in the car I'd use that (again not too sure of bmws as this is my first but I've had a lot of experience with other imports) if not I'd buy an engine and Tranny with ecu and wiring harness.

Thanks
Dale

[DaleJK]

The M50 engine loom isn't directly compatible with the E30 car loom, but it isn't a big job (maybe a little daunting) to swap and rewire the engine loom plug to get it all working. All of the E30 gauges will work as normal, but the water temp sensor on the M50 for the temp gauge needs to be swapped for the E30 brown temp sensor - the M50 sensor won't work the E30 gauge.


Get yourself and a drink, put your feet up and have a read of this....
http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... Swap_-_M5x

Okay good to know, thanks for the info

[ross_jsy]

You can use your gearbox. You will have to modify the cradle and gear linkage as the m5x sits at a slight angle compared to the m20