My m52 to m50 conversion questions

[mightywhitey]

I appreciate any and all help.


My first issue is my m52 valve cover has a crack on it and will need to be replaced.

Question: Do I need to use a OBD1 M50 valve cover or is the M52 OBD2 a direct replacement

Ive replaced the intake manifold with a OBD1 unit that came with a throttle body already attached.

Question: Is there a better option then the standard e34 throttle body? Is a m3 throttle body for example a better option?

Ill update this thread with any furhter questions. Thanks.

[Farbin Kaiber]

No on the TB.

Yes on the VC, use an OBD1 unit with OBD1 coilpacks.

[surebimmer]

I think your converting your M52 to OBD 1, Not swapping a M52 for a M50. If so you can use a new M52 plastic valve cover for an OBD 1 conversion. If you do swap to a M50 valve cover you will need obd 1 coil packs, as the OBD 2 coil packs will not bolt into the OBD1/m50 valve cover.

Check out this link http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=130494

[mightywhitey]

Thanks for the link i appriciate it.

Yes you are right i should have just listed obd2 to 1 conversion.

I just purchased another motor this morning out of a obd1 93 325 which is now my parts motor. i found it complete with all accessories for 300 which is close to what I paid for my 5 series oil pan,sump, dip tube and gaskets.

[Jean]

Obd2 VC are nicer if you can use it, otherwise clean the crap out of the obd1 vc :)

[z31maniac]

I think your converting your M52 to OBD 1, Not swapping a M52 for a M50. If so you can use a new M52 plastic valve cover for an OBD 1 conversion. If you do swap to a M50 valve cover you will need obd 1 coil packs, as the OBD 2 coil packs will not bolt into the OBD1/m50 valve cover.

Check out this link http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=130494

Really? Good piece of info, I didn't know that.

I do know that OBD-I coils do work with OBD-II valve cover though.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Thanks for the link i appriciate it.

Yes you are right i should have just listed obd2 to 1 conversion.

I just purchased another motor this morning out of a obd1 93 325 which is now my parts motor. i found it complete with all accessories for 300 which is close to what I paid for my 5 series oil pan,sump, dip tube and gaskets.

Ummm. A 93 325 has a m50NV (Non-Vanos) and the valve cover will not work on the m52.

[mightywhitey]

oh shit.

[mightywhitey]

according to the seller in Denver the motor is a Vanos motor and has the bump on the valve cover for the Vanos. He also explained that the 92 was the only non vanos motor.

[mightywhitey]

Here are some pics if anyone can confirm for me before i drive 6 hours.

pics..

[Farbin Kaiber]

Ok, you are good.

[mightywhitey]

non vanos.



vanos



I think it is a Vanos but you scared the balls out of me.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Yes, it is Vanos.