Which engine

[YODI]

Probably asked 1.1 million times, and I have read the wiki pages although I don't know the engine codes for all/

How easy is fitting an engine from an E36 328i to an E30, apart from the donor engine/box/loom what else is needed ?


The car is a 91 318IS and I am just interested in a general chat about which route to go down for some more power.

Thanks, Yodi

[spannerrash]

I'm embarking on a project to stuff an M52B28 engine from E36 328i into my old 316i at the moment.

Started a thread about it here: viewtopic.php?f=112&t=281354

Lots to do before the engine goes in as the car is pretty much in need of a full resto. But as far as the actual engine swap is involved, you need a sump, oil pickup and dipstick tube from an E34, this is rear sumped instead of the E36's front sump, meaning it will play nice with the E30 subframe.

With yours being a 318is, you should actually be able to use your current gearbox with it I believe.

Obviously theres a lot more to be aware of than that, but as far as engine swaps go it seems to be pretty straight forward. Check out the wiki for M50/M52 engine swap pages, its a wealth of info on the topic.

[flybynite]

You might want more power but if it is a genuine 318is then have a think about the value, M50/M52 swaps have been done to many and even if done right do nothing for the value. The 318is revved out is more fun on normal road than many of the 'faster' cars.

318is is one that is holding its value more than most others. Think too that you are replacing a light 4-cyl with a heavy 6-cyl and it will never handle the same. I would keep the original bits if you do swap or you might regret it later.

People have supercharged those (or the similar M44) engines with an Eaton unit from a mini which would be best of both worlds and not make it one of the many M5x swaps.

Your car, your money but I would say get the i.s. running well and enjoy it. Find a poverty spec 316 or 320 to swap.

[rix313]

You might want more power but if it is a genuine 318is then have a think about the value, M50/M52 swaps have been done to many and even if done right do nothing for the value. The 318is revved out is more fun on normal road than many of the 'faster' cars.

318is is one that is holding its value more than most others. Think too that you are replacing a light 4-cyl with a heavy 6-cyl and it will never handle the same. I would keep the original bits if you do swap or you might regret it later.

People have supercharged those (or the similar M44) engines with an Eaton unit from a mini which would be best of both worlds and not make it one of the many M5x swaps.

Your car, your money but I would say get the i.s. running well and enjoy it. Find a poverty spec 316 or 320 to swap.

What this guy said.

[YODI]

You might want more power but if it is a genuine 318is then have a think about the value, M50/M52 swaps have been done to many and even if done right do nothing for the value. The 318is revved out is more fun on normal road than many of the 'faster' cars.

318is is one that is holding its value more than most others. Think too that you are replacing a light 4-cyl with a heavy 6-cyl and it will never handle the same. I would keep the original bits if you do swap or you might regret it later.

People have supercharged those (or the similar M44) engines with an Eaton unit from a mini which would be best of both worlds and not make it one of the many M5x swaps.

Your car, your money but I would say get the i.s. running well and enjoy it. Find a poverty spec 316 or 320 to swap.

Thanks for the replies guys.

Flybynite you make some serious points worth considering. I hadn't thought about a supercharger, I wonder what the cost is?

[YODI]

The car

[Blanca]

Just remember, every part swapped is money OFF the value, sporty wheels, 'tuned exhaust', custom interior, etc all knock the value from a standard OEM car. we purists don't mind as the less OEM cars the more value for ours. increasingly rare

Anyway, as has been said, a hairy 318 is more fun than a heavy 6 pot 2.5

[DanThe]

The main thing to consider is did you buy the car for resale value or for enjoyment?

[YODI]

Just remember, every part swapped is money OFF the value, sporty wheels, 'tuned exhaust', custom interior, etc all knock the value from a standard OEM car. we purists don't mind as the less OEM cars the more value for ours. increasingly rare

Anyway, as has been said, a hairy 318 is more fun than a heavy 6 pot 2.5

Resale value isn't a concern and not why I bought the car, or I would literally flip it now but that's not my goal.

Have a look at the pics I posted above your post, you will see it isn't one that 'you purists' would appreciate, but love it and that's all that counts for me.

The main thing to consider is did you buy the car for resale value or for enjoyment?

Nothing but enjoyment, and mine at that, I don't have concerns to what other people think of my choices. Live and let live right

[flybynite]

Flybynite you make some serious points worth considering. I hadn't thought about a supercharger, I wonder what the cost is?

There are quite a lot of options, personally I do like straight sixes but I would keep that a 4-banger.

An M5x swap done well enough to make it substantially faster than the 1.8i.s. will not be as cheap as you think. So many have been done badly or on the cheap that they lose their shine.

If you are intent on M5x I would tidy it up and sell the I.S. then buy a pre-swapped car that will undoubtedly have most of the work done and need sorting, you will make money and save work. Lots of badly swapped cars out there.

Have a read of this , I just think it would make a more fun car to drive all round,

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=44651

[spannerrash]

Having had a 318is in the past, i agree with what these guys are saying, its worth keeping standard.

Buy a knackered 316i to swap like I have. You could probs sell the 318is and buy a good car already swapped with money still left in your pocket for fuel.

[martauto]

[quote=YODI post_id=2985771 time=1628179071 user_id=14751
Nothing but enjoyment, and mine at that, I don't have concerns to what other people think of my choices. Live and let live right
[/quote]

I had a 318ti compact e36 and the engine and box were an absolute joy to drive and sooooooo much fun.
Revved up to nearly 7k and responded superbly
I let it go to buy an E46 330 se coupe , and it had 186 k on the clock and was still a beautiful engine.
M42/44 all day long

Mart.

[YODI]

If anyone can help with Supercharger details that would be great. Thanks

[flybynite]

If anyone can help with Supercharger details that would be great. Thanks

Did you look at the link I posed above? Otherwise just google M42 eaton supercharger, lots come up.

Most will be on the E36 because, for the reasons above most do not want to mess with the E30 318is.