318i + m52b28

[ScHpAnKy]

nice, planning to do the same swap but in a 91 318is - hurry up so I know what to do

[jahnaboi]

Looking good. You really should have taken the motor and transmission out together. I bet you for the time it took to unbolt the bell housing from the block would be the same or less time unbolting the 2 bolts for the transmission brace, 3 bolts for the guibo, and locking clips on the shift carrier/selector. Only difference is you would have the motor and transmission out in one swipe. Keep us updated.

-Jasper

[dude8383]

Any reason why you chose to separate engine and tranny? I mean from my experience it was easier for me to pull everything all out at once.

Goodluck with the build man, are you going to keep the M52 stock?

[e30-325]

Sweet!
Now get a Diff and you'll be good to go

[monkeytaco]

Finally got the engine pulled last night!

I found a driveshaft + engine mounts that I'm picking up on thursday, it looms ever closer...

[monkeytaco]

Thanks Alex.

With a fully charged battery I tried to crank it over and it sounded bad, real bad. Like rod or crank bearings. No good.

Pulled the valve cover off to look for shavings of any kind - it was really clean, like an engine with only 127k.

I'll probably part out what I can, we'll see if anybody wants the parts...

Hopefully I can pull the m42 out tomorrow night!

[Uber E30]

I'm tryin to find all the parts I need, but one question I have right now is driveshaft. I've seen posts that refer to the drive shafts from:

E30 M3
E30 87-88 325e drive shaft
E36 328 manual (96-98 )
E36 (97-98 ) manual (4 bolt rear not CV joint rear)

Does this still apply to the 4dr? I would think that it does, but have been unable to find confirmation.

yes sir, those are the right ones. Also kudos to you on doing your homework. Looking forward to seeing this progress.

[monkeytaco]

Hi Everyone, i've been reading the forum for a long time, here's my first thread, my m52 swap!

Been reading a lot about swaps and I'm getting ready to do mine....on the cheap. I would love advice/help from all of you experienced swappers, and if you live in the Denver, CO, USA metro area, come over to my house and help me! (Free beer)

I had been looking for the perfect swap candidate for a long time, and finally found it. A 1991 318i sedan with 127k on it - I love the 4dr body style.











Its a bit dirty right now, but i'll get it cleaned up. Previous owner claimed it wouldn't turn over and was seized, but I can get the m42 to turn by hand. Battery is on the charger, going to try and kick it over tonight. The whole car was $500, there's one tiny spot of rust where there's a tiny dent on the back under the right tail light, and the interior is pretty torn up. I love craigslist.

I was perusing craigslist a couple days later and this popped up - 98 528i 5 speed for $1k. Slid on some ice and wrecked both passenger side wheels, and deployed side airbags. But the engine(m52b28 ) and tranny(zf 5-speed) are in perfect shape. High miles - 189k - but service records the whole time, as well as head gasket & other big time work at 159k.



I'm tryin to find all the parts I need, but one question I have right now is driveshaft. I've seen posts that refer to the drive shafts from:

E30 M3
E30 87-88 325e drive shaft
E36 328 manual (96-98 )
E36 (97-98 ) manual (4 bolt rear not CV joint rear)

Does this still apply to the 4dr? I would think that it does, but have been unable to find confirmation.

Hoping to pull the m42 out, whether it starts or not, tomorrow night.

Plenty more pics on the way, I'll keep this thread updated.

Thanks all!