Quick Ballpark on M42 TO M52

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318isPMK
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Post Mon Mar 12, 2012 6:01 pm

Hello quick question,

Can someone give me a ballpark on swapping an E36 M42 for an m52b28.

Including guestimate on labour :)

It may sit on the one day list for a while but if anyone has done it I'd appreciate a quick note.

Paul
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randomspeedfreak
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Post Mon Mar 12, 2012 6:29 pm

there are a few threads about this, it does pop up now and again

to be honest ive read the thread on your particular car..and as its in such good nick you might be better off buying a lesser or more common/more rusty model than your 318is and going with that? just a thought

ive only just done mine, but from what ive done, and what others have said previously its pretty much a case of how long is a piece of string

the basic motor you will be able to get for very little, especially if you buy a complete e36 or e34 and break it . budget £0- £400 for that

you can use your gearbox, but you will probably want a longer ratio...and you will want an lsd so thats another £300 or so (although i think you can change the pinion on your current diff if u have a slipper atm?)

the parts you need for conversion - mounts, modified rear exhaust manifold, e34 sump if you have an e36 engine. e36 arms if you have an e34 engine clio brake servo - at least another few hundred £

then there are all the other little bits you will like to change thermostat belts new oil, plugs, new clutch, probably an m20 starter and flywheel, electric fan and loom - 2 or 3 hundred £ more

while youre there you will want an e46 rack as you may as well and a fitting kit, plus the fluid your around £150 for that, and youd be a fool for not installing an m50 manifold - another £100

then you'll need to stop and turn so possibly new suspension and almost definatley new brakes (im working on that one myself) - another few hundered £ at least

before you know it you're over a grand in parts, and thats assuming you dont replace all the little bits you notice while you're at it!

id imagine a workshop would charge another few grand on top of that for the trouble?

i would guess you're at 2k minimum if not 3
318isPMK
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Post Mon Mar 12, 2012 6:46 pm

Thanks for that!

Expensive but imagine the FUN!

Ive got another M42 in it the now its running like a dream so this is just total indulgence after I have my own money back again :)
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