E30 - E39 523i engine swap

[mattybob]

Hi All.

Weird one I know but there is a reason for the madness. I have a E30 318i Cat C write off that I have just finished rebuilding. I also have a 523i Auto 1998. I am planning on dumping this engine into my 318i How feasable is this? What would I need from the 5 series? Could I use the 5 series auto box (I do prefer an auto as do a lot of miles) Moving on from that Im planning on turboing it if it all goes well.

I know i need...
Engine
ECU
Loom

What else?

Thanks for your help all...

[Kos]

pointless engine to use imho

lots of info on m5X swaps here

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... forum&f=56

[DanThe]

2.8 is worth the extra couple of hundred quid from the initial spend, theres not many useful parts on an E39 although the auto box is a quality one

[mattybob]

Yeah I know the 2.3 engine isnt the best swap BUT its FREE and right now thats good. Will the gearbox and engine fit in the e30? what will be needed? Thanks guys

[Speedtouch]

It's actually a 2.5-litre engine, and if you look at the performance figures of the 523i vs. 528i, there's not that much difference.

You can always uprate it with the 525i inlet manifold and TB if you want a bit of extra oomph, or even fit the 528i crankshaft at a later date - the pistons and con-rods are the same AFAIK.

Of course, you can make it fit in an E30 - just about anything and everything has been made to fit, including V8s and V12s, so any BMW straight six will fit no problem.

See the Zone Wiki guide on the swap:
http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... Swap_-_M5x

I suspect you'll need the usual engine & gearbox mounts, and maybe a modified propshaft, or find one from the many and varied BMW range that will fit.

[ross_jsy]

2.8 is worth the extra couple of hundred quid from the initial spend, theres not many useful parts on an E39 although the auto box is a quality one

Are they? My 528i shat the box and apparently it's very common

[Brianmoooore]

Mine's on 284,000, and is absolutely fine.

[DanThe]

2.8 is worth the extra couple of hundred quid from the initial spend, theres not many useful parts on an E39 although the auto box is a quality one

Are they? My 528i shat the box and apparently it's very common

It is if you follow BMW guidelines and never change the oil, same with any box

[mattybob]

Thanks guys. Yeah the box is nice and smooth so would like to keep it as a cruiser