M52 Swap w/ OBD2 Gear- Help me get started

[PeabnutBubber]

So, yesterday a friend of mine handed me a 108,000 mile m52 with the ZF transmission out of a 1998 328i along with the OBD2 harness and DME. It's all covered up and sitting in my yard ready to get cleaned up and taken care of. My plan is to gather all the parts over time for the swap and drop it into the e30 as well as trying to make it as cheap and simple as humanly possible... while still having a solid and awesome DD. This is not meant to be a track car or anything, but merely a great upgrade with parts that I have. I've been doing tons of reading on this swap but I'm still in the early stages and looking for some direction if you guys would be so kind.

My e30 now is a 1991 318is (M42B18) with a 3.73 325is LSD, Getrag 240 transmission (that's been real clunky and making a lot of noise) and a very ticky engine. So with all the noisy parts and the possible cost of emergency fixing a tranny or something ugly like that, you can call this a little bit of preventative maintenance and TLC.

So here goes...

1. I've read a bunch about the obd1 swap for this engine but I am also reading that sticking with the obd2 gear (especially since I have a lot of it) would be more cost effective and generally easier. (I'm not afraid of the wiring stuff or anything) What do you guys suggest here? Stick with what I got or go OBD1?

2. There is a lot of info for driveshafts and differentials out there and I'm a little confused as to what driveshaft to mate with what diff. Could I leave the 3.73 LSD I have in there now and get a custom driveshaft? Would that even work? Is there an existing driveshaft to check out?

3. Mounting the ZF transmission in the e30? 325 crossmember?


Thanks for the help guys. I'm obviously going to keep scouring r3v for stuff but if you guys can point me and help me begin that would be super helpful. Also, if anyone is selling necessary components that would be fantastic too.

[thebutterson]

You can get tunes to get rid of EWS completely so that you won't have to worry about keys, codes, ect. TRM is one of the bigger people that do it.

There is also a guy on bf.c who sells dme's with some "race" tune that eliminates the need for ews, post cat O2's, secondary air pumps, evap valve, and maybe some other stuff. He'd be a good guy to go to.

If you do it this way, you don't need to do any obd1 conversion, so no need to track down extra harness, sensors, ect. It's the easiest option IMO.

[PeabnutBubber]

You can get tunes to get rid of EWS completely so that you won't have to worry about keys, codes, ect. TRM is one of the bigger people that do it.

There is also a guy on bf.c who sells dme's with some "race" tune that eliminates the need for ews, post cat O2's, secondary air pumps, evap valve, and maybe some other stuff. He'd be a good guy to go to.

If you do it this way, you don't need to do any obd1 conversion, so no need to track down extra harness, sensors, ect. It's the easiest option IMO.

http://www.racersmarket.net/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=garden_flypage.tpl&product_id=118&category_id=69&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=93

Is this what you were talking about specifically?

http://www.racersmarket.net/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=garden_flypage.tpl&product_id=112&category_id=69&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=93

The second one apparently just removes the EWS but I don't know much about chips or tunes like this just yet. I need to do some more research or have it laid out simply for me.

[craiggroves91]

In depth answer coming for you soon

[craiggroves91]

Been putting this together for the past 2 hours

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=266738

[thebutterson]

^^^ Great thread. OP, follow that thread. The tune he shows in his thread is the same one I was talking about that's advertised by a guy on bf.c. If you do the m50 manifold swap though, I'd spend the extra money and get the TRM tune for that manifold and also have them delete the extra crap you don't need.

[PeabnutBubber]

I've been gone for a while because I haven't had time to focus on the project but I just want to say HUGE thanks to cjdontthink for the write up. That seems like a fantastic guide and you, sir, are a hero for making it. Stop by Tallahassee one day and I'll take you for a drink.

[craiggroves91]

I've been gone for a while because I haven't had time to focus on the project but I just want to say HUGE thanks to cjdontthink for the write up. That seems like a fantastic guide and you, sir, are a hero for making it. Stop by Tallahassee one day and I'll take you for a drink.

No problem :)
Keep us updated!

You're a ways away from California, but if I get to Tallahassee someday I'll take you up on it! haha

[cormier]

1. Stay OBD2 and read that thread

2. I think 96+ 328/m3 5 speed driveshaft should work with the ZF and your diff. That's what I used... There is a driveshaft thread somewhere as well I think with measurements

[evandael]

3.73 with a ZF is too high. you'll be spinning near 4000rpm at 70 on the highway.

the late model e36 m3 and 328is driveshafts, as well as big guibo e30 driveshafts (m3 or 87-88 eta) work.

zf bolts in with an unmodified e30 325 crossmember.

definitely stay obd2. flashes take care of EWS and emissions checks so that the motor can run in the e30.


everything else is the same as any other 24v swap.

[craiggroves91]

1. Stay OBD2 and read that thread

2. I think 96+ 328/m3 5 speed driveshaft should work with the ZF and your diff. That's what I used... There is a driveshaft thread somewhere as well I think with measurements

3.73 with a ZF is too high. you'll be spinning near 4000rpm at 70 on the highway.

the late model e36 m3 and 328is driveshafts, as well as big guibo e30 driveshafts (m3 or 87-88 eta) work.

zf bolts in with an unmodified e30 325 crossmember.

definitely stay obd2. flashes take care of EWS and emissions checks so that the motor can run in the e30.


everything else is the same as any other 24v swap.

All in my write up :)

[evandael]

^ it is much appreciated that you compiled all the info into a well-organized thread, but don't assume you are the only one who did the research.

[craiggroves91]

^ it is much appreciated that you compiled all the info into a well-organized thread, but don't assume you are the only one who did the research.

I never said that or do I take credit for everything in my thread. Was just kind of indicating it's not necessary to repeat what is already in my thread.
The OP has now been told three times what driveshafts he can use. See what I'm saying?

Wasn't trying to be rude

[evandael]

Yes, I do see what you're saying. I dunno why I'm mad anyway, my apologies! Must have been angry at something.


Basically what it comes down to is.. OP, do your homework!

[ChefSkinny]

I've got a 3.73 in my m52 swap with a ZF Tranny. I don't do a lot of highway driving and It's a huge improvement over the 2.93 open diff that was originally in there. Car feels like a whole different beast. at 110km/h think its around 3500rpm.