m50/52 swap time

Post Fri Jun 15, 2007 1:08 pm

I was thinking of doing a swap but its my only car and i only have a small garage and a very short drive. The I've got a lot of time off soon but i know I'll get stuck, probably with wiring. Then I'll have a dead car blocking my drive etc. etc.

My plan is to pay someone else to do it.

If i were to peruse the multiple threads on here, write a list of parts needed, have the experts on the forum check the list, assemble a complete kit, down to the last gromit, and hand it over to a local trusted garage (there are a couple of BMW specialists close, including Jaymic) how long do you think it would take them (ie how much should i allow for labour at Ã‚£35/hr plus vat?). Are they likely to hit snags?

unless someone on here wants to do it?

Post Fri Jun 15, 2007 8:45 pm

I have been noting every part required over and beyond what you would conceivably get with an engine conversion "pack" for an S50 install, right down to lengths of additional silicone hose and service items, etc.

It is rather a big list if you want to do it properly and to allow for everything is possible but you may find you are buying more than you actually need.

The problem is if the garage has never done this type of conversion before they may not know the ins and outs of it. With us good old enthusiasts we can spend the time and have resources like the Zone to get around these problems. You would be paying a garage handsomely in hourly rate to learn all of this.

However, if you fancy an S50 then I'll do it for you :winkeye:

Post Fri Jun 15, 2007 8:58 pm

Chris just do it yourself!
I did and my drive is on a horrendous slope and ive got no garage.
Took me in total around 12 days work to di it and that inc fabricating a S/S exhaust from scratch!
All the answers you will be looking for can be found on the zone,this conversion has now been done many times and really isnt as difficult as you might think

You also have the satisfaction that you have done it

Post Sat Jun 16, 2007 2:29 pm

eko: was that 12 days working all day? I'm still fightened!

Post Sun Jun 17, 2007 9:12 pm

Chris, that is an amazingly generous offer from old-skool, and you'll be there to watch and help. you will learn a lot for future reference/faults.

Post Sun Jun 17, 2007 9:20 pm

ChrisBarns wrote:eko: was that 12 days working all day? I'm still fightened!

Sorry Chris,only just seen this again

Well took around a month but that included waiting for parts etc and doing a house up!
Actual time spent starting from ripping out the M20 auto to getting the M50 manual up and runnig(test drive standard) was 12 days.

Do it man,if i can so can you

Post Mon Jun 18, 2007 8:41 am

HenryM3 wrote:Chris, that is an amazingly generous offer from old-skool, and you'll be there to watch and help. you will learn a lot for future reference/faults.

it is very generous - thank you old school. its for an S50 though and I'm not sure that i want one - i'm looking to create a gentleman's express for commuting with every day and touring with the roof down. I think an S50 in an E30 would be fantastic fun but might tip the balance more towards "barely controlled rocket ship"!

Post Mon Jun 18, 2007 9:05 am

ChrisBarns wrote:
HenryM3 wrote:Chris, that is an amazingly generous offer from old-skool, and you'll be there to watch and help. you will learn a lot for future reference/faults.
it is very generous - thank you old school. its for an S50 though and I'm not sure that i want one - i'm looking to create a gentleman's express for commuting with every day and touring with the roof down. I think an S50 in an E30 would be fantastic fun but might tip the balance more towards "barely controlled rocket ship"!

M50/52 then. Essentially the same conversion as a S50, without quite the clearance problems on the inlet side.

Post Mon Jun 18, 2007 10:52 am

ChrisBarns wrote:I think an S50 in an E30 would be fantastic fun but might tip the balance more towards "barely controlled rocket ship"!

Chris,

You would be surprised how easy it is to drive. My Granny could drive it (if she was still around) without problems. It really does drive like a standard car unless you WANT to have fun. Mine is basically a daily driver, and has never bitten my when I wasn't expecting it.

Ian.