e34 2.5 engine into e30 316.

Post Tue Dec 25, 2007 10:27 am

2.5 e34 engine not a 24v, from an f plate think its a m20, into 1.6 e30, what is required to do the swap i have a whole e34 2.5 car. any wiring etc needs changed, do i need to cut wiring etc or does the loom just plug in. any mount mods needed or that. obviously i will need brakes and suspension from an e30.

any info appreciated

thanks in advance.

Post Tue Dec 25, 2007 10:41 am

You will need E30 engine mounts/loom/sump/dipstick for a start. It is possible to use the E34 engine loom but for how much you will pay for an E30 loom its just not worth the effort.

Post Tue Dec 25, 2007 11:01 am

This isn't an ideal starting point for a conversion from a four pot. Best used by somebody converting from a 2 litre, or replacing a clapped 2.5.

Post Tue Dec 25, 2007 11:04 am

ma 1.6 is knackered the cam is ready to snap by the sounds of it and its running like crap, plus i have the e34 just lying there

Post Tue Dec 25, 2007 11:09 am

e30mtech wrote:ma 1.6 is knackered the cam is ready to snap by the sounds of it and its running like crap, plus i have the e34 just lying there

It can be done easily enough, but as said above, you need a lot of extra bits.

Post Tue Dec 25, 2007 11:16 am

well like i say i have the whole car so surely cant be that much i need just engine mounts from 325 and brakes and suspension, 325 sump, mechanically i could most likely do the job just the wiring that puzzles me really, will i need to cut the loom or is it just a plug in job

Post Tue Dec 25, 2007 11:27 am

with the right engine loom (E30) it should be pretty much plug and play. Don't forget you also need to add the E30 325i exhauast to the cost.

Andy

Post Tue Dec 25, 2007 12:17 pm

can i use the e34 manifold or is the 325 one different

Post Tue Dec 25, 2007 12:32 pm

Exhaust manifolds are the same. You can get most parts from a 320i which makes it cheaper

Prop, gear linkages/selector and suitable diff hasnt been mentioned yet either.

Best get an MOT failure 325i as a parts bin

Post Tue Dec 25, 2007 12:34 pm

DanThe wrote:
Best get an MOT failure 325i as a parts bin

best get an MOT failed E34 M50

Post Tue Dec 25, 2007 1:46 pm

someone like to make quick list of bits i likely to need so i can start shoppin about, thanks for the info all.

Post Tue Dec 25, 2007 7:31 pm

ive put into an e34 2.5 into a 320 now im putting it all into a nice 316 shell its not hard but its the little things that might catch you out you,ll need, engine mounts ,bits of loom, ecu ,remove e34 oil filter housing, sump, dipstick + tube, then obviously brakes + suspension then like i say just little bits ,temp sender wiring ,fuel pump wiring you can use bits of the e34 loom + gearbox, you can use your 316 diff dont no how long it,ll last though, just take your time and plenty of asprins it might give you you a headache

Post Mon Dec 31, 2007 7:47 pm

mates got a e30 325 engine gone
another mate has a e34 520 24v no longer wanted
was going to get the 520 engine and plonk it into the e30
will that be
a)easy to fit and already have parts needed to complete?
b)even worth doing???

Post Mon Dec 31, 2007 8:51 pm

Neither of the two!

You can get decent M50B25's for next to nothing now

Post Wed Jan 02, 2008 5:15 pm

you dont need the sump e34 sump is fine to do it on the cheap go find a 320 in a brakers u need mounts prop gear selector and diff (if u have the money) the rest can be made to fit

Post Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:40 pm

pete1979 wrote:you dont need the sump e34 sump is fine to do it on the cheap go find a 320 in a brakers u need mounts prop gear selector and diff (if u have the money) the rest can be made to fit

why do i need this lot?
both cars are manual.

whats the best/easy way out
cant seem to find a e30 325 (12v) but there seems to be lots of high miler good runner e34 325 (24v) about but they seem to have done close or over 200,000miles

Post Thu Jan 03, 2008 8:18 am

can anybody advise as to......
what ratio i would be wanting for a M42 engine, standard 318i not IS gearbox all in a bmw 1602 on 185 60 13 tyres or 185 55 15 tyres?
im looking at a diff from an E21 320is 3.91 lsd but its in the states and is $800 posted
for that id rather have a bit more hasttle and fit an E30 diff so i can play with the ratios and fit another when if and when i super charge it.
i think 3.91 might be a bit of a high ratio for motorway cruising but ideal for track days.
plus e21 diffs are rare and expensive when you can find them.

who can advise on this?