M40 Swap, tips please before I start!

Need technical Q/A then you're in the right place

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baggimodo
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Post Sat Aug 04, 2012 8:36 am

As title,

am swapping out my M40 today, anyone got any pointers for me?

What size Torx sockets will I need for example?

Cheers chaps!
jmc330i
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Post Sat Aug 04, 2012 10:01 am

A decent sized/stocked toolset will see you through. I bought the older version of this.... http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... OP_-OFFER1
I think mine is 150 piece and I got it for £99 on offer back in 2004 when I started the S50 conversion. Has seen me through many engine swaps since.


Don't forget to double check you have disconnected everything before you start lifting the engine, but still keep an eye on/around the engine and lift slowly until you know its still not connected by a fuel line, heater hose, earth strap or throttle cable.

What engine is going back in? Are you taking engine and gearbox out? If you're using an engine crane to take the engine out the top, it makes it easier if you jack the back of the car up to lessen the angle the engine and box needs to be at - not so important with a 4pot (will still be easier) but a must if a 6cyl is going in. I've got 2ft lengths of railway sleeper that I sit the wheels on to angle the car - usually 2 high at the back and 1 at the front, so the engine crane will go under the front (my car is lowered), but also so I've got room underneath to undo the gearbox bolts, prop etc. Don't forget the reverse light wiring!
James
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'93 318i touring 16v
Barx325i
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Post Sat Aug 04, 2012 10:25 am

taking the engine & box out as one is my best advice I think..
jmc330i
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Post Sat Aug 04, 2012 10:30 am

Just getting the M40 out is advice enough :P

Yeah, I always pull engine and box out as one.
James
'91 325i Sport
'93 318i touring 16v
e30-EVN
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Post Sat Aug 04, 2012 2:13 pm

detetch the clutch slave from the box, this can easily be missed :wink:

and yes, engine and box together. with inlet removed this is how i fit and remove my m52 so an m40 will be a walk in the park 8)
A 2 door e30 with 8 cylinders, what could be better winkeye :D
Barx325i
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Post Sat Aug 04, 2012 3:24 pm

e30-dk wrote:detetch the clutch slave from the box, this can easily be missed :wink:
hahaa, guilty of that one :D
e30-EVN
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Post Sat Aug 04, 2012 6:02 pm

mate, i nearly ripped it out my very first time a few years back haha
A 2 door e30 with 8 cylinders, what could be better winkeye :D
baggimodo
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Post Sat Aug 04, 2012 8:43 pm

Well I left the 'box in and just took out the lump! Was a fiddle, but got there in the end. Managed to get a torx socket set from Screwfix for 12 squid, handy cause there's two different sizes of bolt on there!
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Brianmoooore
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Post Sat Aug 04, 2012 9:47 pm

baggimodo wrote: Managed to get a torx socket set from Screwfix for 12 squid, handy cause there's two different sizes of bolt on there!
Should be three!
baggimodo
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Post Sat Aug 04, 2012 11:22 pm

There were three! Brains frazzled :P
senna
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Post Sun Sep 02, 2012 12:55 pm

baggimodo wrote:There were three! Brains frazzled :P
Got an M42 engine complete £350 if needed