The Swap - A journal

[deac0n]

I'm finally pulling the trigger on an engine this weekend, and I wanted to have a place to document my attempt at an engine and transmission swap.

The engine is out of a 1993 BMW 325is (M50TUB25). I went with the M50 because it was inexpensive, and, being a noob, I don't want to spend a ton of money, only to mess everything up.

My plan is to completely rebuild the engine, and maybe, eventually, add boost. This will be my DD, and although I'd like something quick, I'm not looking for a massive horsepower beast.

Anyway, here's the stuff that's coming with the engine:

-The DME and an UNCUT engine harness will be included
-The Getrag transmission: It is currently stuck in second gear
-The drive shaft out of the 325is.
-NEW valve cover gasket with grommets
-NEW oil pan gasket
-NEW ALUMINUM thermostat housing and thermostat
-NEW starter
-NEW intake manifold and throttle body gasket
-NEW filters (oil, fuel, and air filters)
-Misc parts, things like brackets, motor mounts, guibo, radiator, exhaust etc.

I still need to start gathering parts to make it fit in my E30, but for now, rebuilding the engine is priority.

Just as a side now, someone local is selling parts from a 1995 BMW M3:
-Pistons and rods $100
-Oil Filter Housing Canister $35
-Oil Pan $50
-Oil pump and pick up tube $35
-S50 injectors $45
-Starter $25
-M3 Flywheel $25
-Engine Front Cover $10
-Crank Pulley $10

Is anything there worth picking up for my build?

Well, back to reading, I've got a lot of work ahead of me.

[vabbster]

With exception to the pistons and rods, all of the above S50 parts are exactly the same as what you have on your M50. If you want to use those rods/pistons you will need to source an S50 crankshaft as well. I would just stick with your M50 and do as little engine work as possible, the cost adds up really fast when rebuilding engines. Especially BMW's... If you want more power out of your M50 cheap, the best way is to build a high comp engine using an M52B28 crank and rods with your pistons... Also keep your eyes out for some S50 cams, they will provide a substantial increase in power.

[deac0n]

So the engine is home, and ready for a rebuild. This is going to be fun, especially because I've never done this before, but you gotta start somewhere!

Here's the engine in the truck:


And on the hoist:


There are a TON of extra parts too (like the driveshaft, airbox, etc) that I have to figure out if I need to keep or not.

[deac0n]

Vabbaster, thanks for the info!

[Jean]

Order top / bottom gaskets sets and all hoses the minumum, replace.
May want to even do rod bearings,they are cheap.

[deac0n]

Defintely going to replace all gaskets and hoses. Thanks for the heads up on the rod bearings (looking at the ones from IE now).

Doing my research, and seeing what all I can replace while the engine is on the stand.

[deac0n]

Question about cam shafts: I found a guy selling Euro S50 cams, are these the same as US spec?

Also, he has BMW E36 M3 3.2 EVO Camshaft Carrier 1997 with Camshafts and Knock Sensor S50B32

What would be the difference and benefit to that?

[vabbster]

Question about cam shafts: I found a guy selling Euro S50 cams, are these the same as US spec?

Also, he has BMW E36 M3 3.2 EVO Camshaft Carrier 1997 with Camshafts and Knock Sensor S50B32

What would be the difference and benefit to that?

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=220341

[deac0n]

Ah! Thank you, I didn't find that when I searched. Poor search terms FTL!

-EDIT-
Actually, it's just user error on that account, I didn't even search this forum.

[ST1G]

I am anxiously awaiting updates, I'll be doing this soon enough and hope to learn from your mistakes.

[SwiftE30]

good luck with the build man, Better to do it now than after you install everything and realize youve made a misaje