I have a 1984 318i that started life with the m10 engine. In the distant future I will be embarking on a 24v swap, using an m50b25. Those that have completed this swap could you chime in on the differences compared to the later model chassis?
This is what I have gathered so far, noticed, and completed.
- Radiator mount from the M10’s is different. Lower mounts sit different and lower. The upper mount (17111709347) is missing one hole that may just need to be drilled, assuming that the slotted mount on the passenger side is in the correct location.
- Once using a late model 325/E36 radiator an expansion tank will need to be added as m10 engines didn’t have one. Are the mounting points there on the driver side for the expansion tank on these early model cars?
- The coding plug on the odometer needs to be changed to that of a 6 cyl E30
- Small case differential should be changed to a medium case.
- Front strut housings are 45mm compared to the 51mm found on later cars. Is this worth changing?
- Rear Drums should be converted to disc brakes by installing complete trailing arms with disc brakes.
Anything else I am missing?
So far I have installed a medium case diff, pulled the m10 engine and auto transmission, and I am starting to prep the engine bay as I noticed the difference in the radiator mounts found on most swap pics. Thanks
This is what I have gathered so far, noticed, and completed.
- Radiator mount from the M10’s is different. Lower mounts sit different and lower. The upper mount (17111709347) is missing one hole that may just need to be drilled, assuming that the slotted mount on the passenger side is in the correct location.
- Once using a late model 325/E36 radiator an expansion tank will need to be added as m10 engines didn’t have one. Are the mounting points there on the driver side for the expansion tank on these early model cars?
- The coding plug on the odometer needs to be changed to that of a 6 cyl E30
- Small case differential should be changed to a medium case.
- Front strut housings are 45mm compared to the 51mm found on later cars. Is this worth changing?
- Rear Drums should be converted to disc brakes by installing complete trailing arms with disc brakes.
Anything else I am missing?
So far I have installed a medium case diff, pulled the m10 engine and auto transmission, and I am starting to prep the engine bay as I noticed the difference in the radiator mounts found on most swap pics. Thanks