M50 swap for dummies

[Tismael711]

First off.....i'm the dummy. I have an 88 325i convertible with a 5 speed that i would like to swap an M50 into. I have a complete, running 91 525i with 5speed transmission, it has 137k on it but seems to have a slight knock on the bottom. My plan was to refresh the engine with new gaskets, and main seals and check the "knock on the bottom" and use the whole drivetrain in the 525i, engine, trans, drive shaft and shift linkage.

My question(s) are as follows: (1.) What brake booster is easiest to use? Direct swap would be best if possible. (2.) should i use the 260 trans currently in my E30 or the trans in the e34. (3.) Which motor/engine mounts are best. (4.) Are there any other parts i need to complete the swap.

[bernzpeed]

Please use the search button for Swap set ups. There is a specific thread for everyone's set up on here.

You can click on Quick LInks > Mark Forum Read > 24V Swap

[ZekeTheSneak]

search search search my man, I would move the stock booster. yes keep the 260 and diff. Im going to use silences motor mounts and stock tranny mounts. Some mounts kinda work while others are desighned to be a perfect fit. searcch its all on here. Go on google type in question fallowed by site:r3vlimited.com

[Tismael711]

Search button is the problem. Too many conflicting\alternative choices. Use e36 mounting arms....but E28 mounts...no AKG...no Silence's...or info that i read the tranny and driveshaft from the donor car is best to use. I just want a few experienced "swappers" to chime in....not 51 pages of conflicting info!

[36brua]

Search button is the problem. Too many conflicting\alternative choices. Use e36 mounting arms....but E28 mounts...no AKG...no Silence's...or info that i read the tranny and driveshaft from the donor car is best to use. I just want a few experienced "swappers" to chime in....not 51 pages of conflicting info!

actually if you read all 51 pages here, the swap sticky on E30tech, the wiki writeup ,the RM European article, AKG project etc. you will understand the basic 'combos' and be able to make a pretty good 'educated guess' and then you can post up and ask meaningful questions.
There is a boatload of good info and really helpful people around here. As far as 'conflicts' go that's what is great! Lots of pros/cons love/ hate etc. You can find a setup that will work for your goals and your budget. good luck

[bmwdready347]

Wowwww....I told I got u.

[jink0619]

I got a M52, i used my stock 260 trans striaght back to diff. I used e28 535 engine mounts, you wont need spacers it will clear the lower sway. As for the brake booster, i wasnt sold on moving the stock booster over, seems a bit sketchy to me so i got a 2002 booster cut the necks off and welded my stock neck to 2002 booster. It fits very well without having to shave nada!

[H3inz]

I moved my stock booster and it worked really well, the neck gets bolted to the pedal and was easier. I also used the stock motor mounts from the e34 and the height is good, clearance under the hood and the bottom of the oil pan sits just about level with the steering rack. also another helper is you can use a m20 motor mount with a few spacers to fill the gap for the trans bracket. I went for the cheapest build and i ended up finishing the whole swap for about $1300 including the motor.

[Wh33lhop]

There is a sticky right above this thread for this purpose. It is titled "Are you interested in doing a 24V swap? Read this!"