DIY: In depth M52/S52 OBD2 swap

[craiggroves91]

UPDATE: Do not use e36 Mishimoto radiators. They are crap. I went through two over a 4 year period, both ended up leaking in the same way. They leak at the rows on both sides due to poor engineering. I went with the Z3M radiator which is a much better alternative.

[AllydNYC]

Can this please become a sticky.

[craiggroves91]

Can this please become a sticky.

[emoji106] [emoji106] [emoji106] [emoji106] our time will come.

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[ob_318is]

DIY: In depth M52/S52 OBD2 swap

I have been using this thread for my current s52 swap. Good shit.

I did have some minor adjustments and learning curves though.

Guess I'll share a pic.



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[968Reckless]

I have been using this thread for my current s52 swap. Good shit.

I did have some minor adjustments and learning curves though.

Guess I'll share a pic.



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Let's hear them!


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[ob_318is]

Let's hear them!

The main hick up was the 3 hole vs 2 hole difference in the s52 cylinder head where the coolant temp sensor is installed.

I had two holes in the cylinder head, removed the connector for the throttle body coolant hose, replaced it with the e30 brown top coolant temp sensor. This lead to having to delete the throttle body coolant heating function.

Which is okay, but not my initial goal.



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[ob_318is]

I also used the e30 ix brake booster, and didn't want to notch the hole. I did that by cutting removing the body of the spacer and keeping the stud plate and welding it to the booster. If I can remember plate to plate, not directly to the booster.

This allowed for a stock position mounting and allows the brake reservoir to clear the intake boot.


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[AllydNYC]

I'll be expecting a beer :)

For the hose I can't tell you for sure as it was a while ago that I hacked it up, but that seems to be it. I remember using the leftovers in several places.

I use the 82 degree switch by FAE #36050


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M52 OBD2 had its first test drive yesterday. Please PM me your PayPal so I can send you beer money.

[jotam3]

UPDATE: Do not use e36 Mishimoto radiators. They are crap. I went through two over a 4 year period, both ended up leaking in the same way. They leak at the rows on both sides due to poor engineering. I went with the Z3M radiator which is a much better alternative.

Hey Craig, do you know which of the Z3M radiators you used? Was it the S52 one (17111433025) or the ones from the S54 (17112227281)? Did you just get the OEM one? Lastly, not sure if you'd know, I know you have a late model, any idea if these things will fit in an early model? I'd be throwing it into my 87 vert.

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[Klug]

Hey Craig, do you know which of the Z3M radiators you used? Was it the S52 one (17111433025) or the ones from the S54 (17112227281)? Did you just get the OEM one? Lastly, not sure if you'd know, I know you have a late model, any idea if these things will fit in an early model? I'd be throwing it into my 87 vert.

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I've used the Z3M s52 (xxx025) radiator in three late model e30's (M20B25, S52 and M50) and they all fit like a glove. Can't compare if the early models are any different- but it's the s52 one you want.

[jotam3]

I've used the Z3M s52 (xxx025) radiator in three late model e30's (M20B25, S52 and M50) and they all fit like a glove. Can't compare if the early models are any different- but it's the s52 one you want.

Thanks, Klug! Anyone know on the early model fitment?

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[craiggroves91]

Hey Craig, do you know which of the Z3M radiators you used? Was it the S52 one (17111433025) or the ones from the S54 (17112227281)? Did you just get the OEM one? Lastly, not sure if you'd know, I know you have a late model, any idea if these things will fit in an early model? I'd be throwing it into my 87 vert.

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I'm actually running the s54 one I believe. I'm not sure about fitment in early model but I'm sure it'd fit fine if you got the correct bottom mounts.

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[jotam3]

I'm actually running the s54 one I believe. I'm not sure about fitment in early model but I'm sure it'd fit fine if you got the correct bottom mounts.

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Rubber mounts? Can you show me which mounts you're referring to?

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[raj]

I fit a MZ3 S54 radiator to an early model with custom mounts. I was unable to find an OEM solution so a friend had the idea to make simple mounts with hockey pucks and bolts. Works amazingly well and cost almost nothing. PM if you want a picture.

This is the part number you want: 17112227281

[jotam3]

I fit a MZ3 S54 radiator to an early model with custom mounts. I was unable to find an OEM solution so a friend had the idea to make simple mounts with hockey pucks and bolts. Works amazingly well and cost almost nothing. PM if you want a picture.

This is the part number you want: 17112227281

Thanks a lot, Raj. Just PMd you.

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