95 m3 ---> s50 e30

[RefinedThinking]

I have a 95 M3 with a bunch of cosmetic flaws but runs soundly. I'm just not a big fan of the " look at me " feeling of it and much prefer the laid back styleing of the E30. I'm really considering doing a swap and parting out what's left of the E36. My question is what should I hold on to from the E36 even if its not 24v related? I understand that I need an E34 oil pan, E21 brake booster, E34 throttle cable , and E28 motor mounts. Can I use the E36 drive shaft and rear end? It would be going into an 89 sedan if that makes a difference. Now I know I'm going to get a few " use the search button" comments but I've been reading this section for a while now and am still overwhelmed.

[nebulous123]

if its a manual get that transmission.

[SwiftE30]

don't feel overwhelmed. i was at first too, but the more you get down to it, its actually quite a simple process. just read, read, and read. You have the benefit of already being obd1 which is a huge plus.

you wont be able to use the 95 m3 drive shaft (IIRC), but im pretty sure people have swapped out the gearing from e36 to e30 diff. not sure the process though. its just easier to stick with the e30 diff and either get a revshift flexdisc to run the OEM e30 DS, or get a 4 bolt 97-99 m3 DS, or e36 328i DS.

Junk Yards are your friend!

if its a manual get that transmission.

^^this too.

[gp.plus]

You can use your vaders w/adapter brackets sold by someone on r3v (RobertK maybe?) and you have a good bit of 5 lug swap there too.

[RefinedThinking]

Thank you for the info on the drive shaft, I'll add that to my list of needed parts. And yes it's a manual transmission.

You can use your vaders w/adapter brackets sold by someone on r3v (RobertK maybe?) and you have a good bit of 5 lug swap there too.

I'm personally not a fan of vaders. I was going to sell them.

Edit : The main purpose of a 5 lug swap is for bigger brake kits right?

[nrubenstein]

don't feel overwhelmed. i was at first too, but the more you get down to it, its actually quite a simple process. just read, read, and read. You have the benefit of already being obd1 which is a huge plus.

you wont be able to use the 95 m3 drive shaft (IIRC), but im pretty sure people have swapped out the gearing from e36 to e30 diff. not sure the process though. its just easier to stick with the e30 diff and either get a revshift flexdisc to run the OEM e30 DS, or get a 4 bolt 97-99 m3 DS, or e36 328i DS.

Junk Yards are your friend!




^^this too.

If you use a Z3 diff with the CV input flange (or just that input flange), you should be able to use the existing driveshaft.

[gp.plus]

Edit : The main purpose of a 5 lug swap is for bigger brake kits right?

That and a wide selection of quality oem wheels with decent widths.

[RefinedThinking]

Alright so E36 parts to keep are: Engine w/ accessories , Transmission , steering rack , wiring harness / DME for the 24v swap. Optional are 5 lug swap stuff , window switches.. Anything else that I'm missing?

[SwiftE30]

That and a wide selection of quality oem wheels with decent widths.

IMO its a waste of time, and adds way too much unnecessary weight. You can find just as nice looking wheels in 4 lug. The majority of people i have talked to that did the 5lug swap did it mainly because they ran out of things to do, and wanted to stay occupied.

[FKNFASTM5]

Look Here.

Hope this helps bud. I would proceed as you were, swap all you can into an e30.

[ACHTUNG]

E36 steering rack

[RefinedThinking]

You can use the e36 radiator right?

[FKNFASTM5]

You obviously did not follow the link i posted.

radiator, COMPLETE exhaust system, trust me they are hard to come by. everything in the engine bay, you can use the front spindles, brakes, and struts for 5lug. steering rack ecu, wiring harness wheels, for 5 lug rollers or whatever

[RefinedThinking]

You obviously did not follow the link i posted.

Haha I did! I'm sorry.

[FKNFASTM5]

No worries bro. Sift through that thread. Good info in there.