LHD 3L m3 doner ?

[evodan]

Does anyone know of any issues with using a LHD E36 3L as a doner for an e30. Is ther any probs/differances over the RHD model.

[jmc330i]

Engine loom wise, its actually better than using the the RHD M3.

On the E36 M3 the ECU sits on the passenger side - so using a RHD loom puts the ECU on the passenger side of the E30 making mounting the ECU difficult. Using a LHD loom puts the ECU on the drivers side of the E30 so mounting becomes easier.

I only wish I had found a LHD E36 M3 (or even just the loom) because modding the RHD loom wasnt easy.

I think the exhaust manifolds are the same, but even if they are not they will still need modding to fit so its not really an issue.

[evodan]

Don't sound 2 bad then, take it u just need the engine loom and ECU for this conversion ?

[jmc330i]

Get everything you can - engine, gearbox, loom, ECU, rad, oil cooler, pipes, hoses etc.
If the car has the EWS security system (some late 3.0ltr M3s did) make sure you get all the bits involved with it - ECU, EWS module and ignition key all must come from the same car.

Its not an easy conversion, theres some fab work needed on the manifolds and the inlet plenum (depending which brake assist route you take) but all the info is available on here to get it done.

I and some of the other S50 converters have listed most of the parts needed, so a search for E36 M3 conversion or similar should sort you out.

Also do a search for the various M50 conversion threads because a lot of the info is the same and some will have gone off topic to the S50 conversion.

[evodan]

Is it easy to spot a car thats fitted with the EWS system, can ya tell without ripping stuff out, if so how?

[jmc330i]

The E36s from Jan 1995 will have the EWS, so it will only be a few 3.0ltrs. Most shouldnt have it - I was just unlucky to get a late 3.0ltr engine.

I dont think theres any way of telling by looking, Ive only been in an M3 Evo so not sure what differences there would be if any. I would say checking the reg or vin number at the dealers would be the only sure way of telling.

[evodan]

Does the key look differant as this has a chip in, correct ?

[ian332isport]

Does the key look differant as this has a chip in, correct ?

I believe the keys look the same, but the ignition barrel will have a loop aerial fitted on the end if it has EWS. This aerial has a pair of green wires connected to it, so it's fairly east to spot.

Ian.