M50 or M50tu

[BMWWIL]

thinking of doing a m50 swap what would be a better alternative
can get a hold of both motors so any help would be nice. and also the trans whats a better trans the zf310/320 0r the getrag 250.

[FredK]

I'd get the TU, since it has a better upgrade path than the non Vanos.

If you are to believe the internet, the ZF is considered an upgrade over the Getrag 250 because it can handle more power and the synchros wear longer.

[BMWWIL]

thanks on the info

[Unearth078]

with vanos the pistons have deeper valve pockets so you can go s50 cam later on 8)

[e30polak]

With the price difference, I'd say go for an obd1 m52. Then you get the zf320 with it and you can upgrade to s52 cams later. ;)

[BMWWIL]

thanks again for the info but might be able to get m50tu and getrag 250 trans from a 95 325i
for a good price and I also have a non vanos m50 in the back yard in a 92 e34 sw but is a auto can I still use that harness and ecu with a 5sp or do I have to get a 5sp harness and ecu but this back up if the tu doesnt work out

[Unearth078]

dude, find an m52. use the obd1 parts off your e34 to convert it! your pretty lucky

[lennon]

you can use the auto harness or manual harness, they are the same except the extra stuff for the auto.

[gregslow318i]

thanks again for the info but might be able to get m50tu and getrag 250 trans from a 95 325i
for a good price and I also have a non vanos m50 in the back yard in a 92 e34 sw but is a auto can I still use that harness and ecu with a 5sp or do I have to get a 5sp harness and ecu but this back up if the tu doesnt work out

true but also note that m50 and m50tu have different harness and dme's between them
non-vanos stuff will not work with vanos and vise versa vanos with non-vanos

[BMWWIL]

the tu hasent come thruogh but might have found a m52 2.8 could i run it obd2 or would i get more power from a obd1 set up and how would i convert it could i us a m50 harness and 413 ecu and run a chip or no need for the chip.

[Uber E30]

This is what you need to make it OBDI:

- OBD I e36/e34 Wiring Harness
- OBD I 413 Red Label ECU/DME
- OBD I Crank Sensor
- OBD I Cam Sensor
- OBD I Knock Sensors (2)
- OBD I Intake Manifold
- OBD I Oxygen Sensor
- OBD I AIT sensor
- OBD I HFM
- OBD I Coolant temp sensor
- OBD I Main engine coolant hose (spider hose.)
- OBD I Throttle Body
- OBD I valve cover with matching coils.(6)
- OBD I Fuel Rail


OBD1 vanos solinoid or buy the pigtail extension for the obd2 unit
OBD1 exhaust manifolds or weld up the egr passages on the obd2's
e30 Temp gauge sensor mounted in a manifold or drilled into the head
You need to modify the bracket that holds all this wiring to the block
figure out what to do with your PCV

[matt]

The newer motor is always better.

Don't listen to all the BS on here about the non-vanos M50. There are no advantages to the older hardware.