Z3 to e30

[txbmw]

Hello all. I am a old member thinking of making a return to the E30 world. However I would like to get some opinions. I am driving a 2000 z3 5 speed right now and due to bad luck it has bad interior and paint. so instead of selling it and taking a loss I am thinking of swapping the drive train into a e30. (as well as anything else that might be a upgrade.) I am still researching the ins and outs of this I would just like some other opinions.

thanks guys

[Kershaw]

It would be awesome.

[robrez]

Don't stop at the drivetrain. Steering rack, radio, antenna, shift lever...

[txbmw]

I'm still reading on the smaller stuff like steering rack and stuff. Trying to make sure I do not overlook anything. Overall I look forward to being a e30 guy again. Lol

[2mAn]

yea find a nice shell and swap it all!...

what motor does your have? please say its a M54, not a M52

[txbmw]

2000 z3 2.3 is the 52 if memory serves.

[djjerme]

Even still, the M52 is not a horrible motor to start with. Since it's Z3, isn't it the all Aluminum version?

That's not a bad road map to follow (Z3 donor to E30) and in the end, if you find a really clean shell to swap into, you'll have something that will hold value probably better than the Z3 will over time.

[2mAn]

It is the aluminum version, but its the dual Vanos so not the badass one

[stonea]

If he swaps over a M54 intake manifold it'll liven up the car. I currently have a 1999 Z3 2.3 parts car that I'm swapping everything over into my 325i.

[txbmw]

I've found a couple of e30 shells I'm negotiating on the pair. And I know it's not the best motor however I already have the whole car so why not! Lol. I also know where a few e36? 328's are sitting in a yard if I need some more parts. We will see how it goes. Making sure the body's are solid right now is my main concern.

[Hooffenstein HD]

What's all this 2.3 business about? I did not think there was a 2.3 M52/M54.

[stonea]

What's all this 2.3 business about? I did not think there was a 2.3 M52/M54.

M52b25 = 2.3 Liter (Found in the e36 323i)
M52tub25 = 2.3 Liter (Found in the e46 323i)
M54b25 = 2.5 liter (Found in the e46 325i)

All three engines were 2.5 liters but the M52's were marketed as 2.3s for some reason. Its also worth mentioning that the M52tu is much more similar to the M54 than the single vanos M52.

[txbmw]

Does anyone know if there is a list of what all is usable off a z3 on a e30. I'm searching and digging for info I'm just trying to make sure I don't overlook anything.

[nrubenstein]

Swapping an M52TU into an E30 will be a fair amount of pain in the ass for the results.

[txbmw]

Just to clarify the results would be a fun daily. I'm not looking for any sort of track car.