1987 325 M50 Swap Preparation

[thedivision]

I'm currently collecting parts to do an M50 swap on an '87 325 auto I recently picked up. I have an '89 325i 4 door parts car.

Specs:

- M50 (vanos or non-vanos - undecided)
- '89 325i g260
- '89 325i driveshaft
- '89 325i flywheel, clutch pressure plate, starter
- '89 325i radiator and overflow tank
- '89 325i fan and fan clutch
- e34 525i throttle cable
- e34 m50 oil pan, pickup, dipstick/tube
- red label 413 DME
- e36 motor mount arms
- ebay supersprint replica headers
- e28 m5 motor mounts
- e21 transmission mounts
- m20 pilot bearing
- move brake master/booster over by 0.5" to clear manifold
- heat and bend g260 shifter linkage
- modify '89 325i transmission crossmember
- shave back of flywheel or oil pan for clearance

Questions:

1. Do I need to use an e34 throttle cable? I’ve read yes and no.
2. Are both e34 and e36 radiator hoses good?
3. I will be using an ’89 325i g260 along with it’s driveshaft. Do I need to press on an ’87 CSB or will the one that’s on there work fine?
4. Does the red label 413 DME come in e36s and e34s?
5. Are there any wires to remove after I’ve done away with the automatic?
6. Is there anything wrong with using the throwout bearing that's installed in the '89 g260?

Thanks in advance.

[White325is]

1.You will need either the e34 m50 throttle cable or the e30 m42 throttle cable.
2. Since your using the e30 rad use the e36 hoses.
3. Ive noticed over the years with doing swaps that some of the 87s came with the early CSB and some had the late CSB it all depends on the production date I guess. So just order the one for your car before swapping in the shaft.
4. yes.
5. no.
6. No problem, That will be what you want to use since your using the rest of the 89 flywheel/clutch setup.
7. good luck, Hope that helps.. :)

[samiam3356]

^^this guy is sketch, not sure if I would listen to him :p

[TimKninja]

M20 throttle cable didnt work for me. No idea how other people are using it.

You need the E34 525i cable. Not the 535i one. I was like "HERPDERP BOTH FROM E34 MUST FIT" nope.

[thedivision]

1.You will need either the e34 m50 throttle cable or the e30 m42 throttle cable.
2. Since your using the e30 rad use the e36 hoses.
3. Ive noticed over the years with doing swaps that some of the 87s came with the early CSB and some had the late CSB it all depends on the production date I guess. So just order the one for your car before swapping in the shaft.
4. yes.
5. no.
6. No problem, That will be what you want to use since your using the rest of the 89 flywheel/clutch setup.
7. good luck, Hope that helps.. :)

1. Thanks
2. Sounds good. I may be getting an e34 parts car, will those work?
3. Does it need to be balanced after changing the CSB?
4. Thanks
5. Thanks
6. Thanks

In terms of shaving the back of the flywheel or shaving the oil pan, is there a preference? This is more of a beater budget build.

[thedivision]

M20 throttle cable didnt work for me. No idea how other people are using it.

You need the E34 525i cable. Not the 535i one. I was like "HERPDERP BOTH FROM E34 MUST FIT" nope.

Cool, e34 525i or e30 m42 it is then.

[N2MYE30]

In terms of shaving the back of the flywheel or shaving the oil pan, is there a preference? This is more of a beater budget build.

Shaving the pan, you can do in your garage in 2 minutes.

[White325is]

I would suggest buying new hoses. They are cheap. like 8.00 a piece from the local auto store.
You dont need to have the shaft balanced.
Shave the pan. pretty much close to the studs. Dont forget to do the peep hole thing too.

[thedivision]

What's the peep hole thing?

[Danny]

I've used the m20 cable both times. No need to change it.

[thedivision]

I've used the m20 cable both times. No need to change it.

Was it from an eta car or 89-91?

[Danny]

89 one time and 90 the second.

[thedivision]

I would suggest buying new hoses. They are cheap. like 8.00 a piece from the local auto store.
You dont need to have the shaft balanced.
Shave the pan. pretty much close to the studs. Dont forget to do the peep hole thing too.

What is the peep hole thing you are referring to here?