For those who like automatics but want to improve both engine and transmission. I did both OBD1 and OBD2 swaps with these. I won't go into too much detail because it is all pretty much straightforward and obvious.
For M50/S50 swaps go with 4L30E from 1995 325i. Reason is BMW improved the transmission for year 1995, clutches and seals are of better quality. It would be more cheaper and practical to buy a running 1995 325i if your plan is to go with the M50, there you get all the parts for your swap and you will know both work just fine. From E36 donor car you will need, driveshaft, shifter assembly with cable, shifter cover, shifter knob, engine harness with computers, dual brake switch, kickdown switch. You will have to get oil cooler lines from 1992-1995 525i
For M52/S52 swaps go with 1996-1998 328i 4L30E with same parts as I mentioned above, again if you want the M52 then it is better just to buy a 328i and swap it over. I can do ms41 flash so that transmission would not go into limp mode.
ZF 5 speed transmission that came on 1995-1999 M3 will not fit. In my opinion GM transmission is better quality anyway.
Do not attempt to rebuild the 4L30E, just change the gaskets on both of the pans, change the filter, very important to change the torque converter seal as well as the selector shaft seal. You must use special tool for selector shaft seal.
Prior to installation you must hammer in small section of the tunnel to clear the selector rod as you can see in my picture I over did it. Oil cooler lines must be installed prior to installation of the engine and transmission. You got to have adjustable hoist angle tool, you can't install it with fixed chains.
Once you sit engine arms on motor mounts, then lift up the transmission. then on driver's side install E36 transmission mount, and on passenger side install E30 automatic transmission mount. First I did it with green mounts but those are expensive now. You may have to drill another hole on the E30 brace just to get it to align right with the driveshaft. I installed the 4L30E empty, then from above I removed the speed sensor and poured dextron-III thought it, about one gallon, then started the engine, then did the level check, it will be hard to top off fluid using side plug.
Install selector assembly, E30 should already have tab that you punch out for the cable to go trough, at least my 1990 did if not drill one. Use the E36 rubber gasket but do not use the plastic spacer. E36 selector cover will fit E30 with some trimming, I will get a photo of this later.
I used e30 oil cooler and moded it for transmission cooler but this may not be good idea for cold climate. Just use your stock E30 AT radiator cooler option.
When it comes to wiring it is all straightforward just use the wiring diagrams. I will post more information about wiring in the future.
Had this now for 4 years and love it, I can get stuck in creeping traffic and not rip out my left calf muscle.
For M50/S50 swaps go with 4L30E from 1995 325i. Reason is BMW improved the transmission for year 1995, clutches and seals are of better quality. It would be more cheaper and practical to buy a running 1995 325i if your plan is to go with the M50, there you get all the parts for your swap and you will know both work just fine. From E36 donor car you will need, driveshaft, shifter assembly with cable, shifter cover, shifter knob, engine harness with computers, dual brake switch, kickdown switch. You will have to get oil cooler lines from 1992-1995 525i
For M52/S52 swaps go with 1996-1998 328i 4L30E with same parts as I mentioned above, again if you want the M52 then it is better just to buy a 328i and swap it over. I can do ms41 flash so that transmission would not go into limp mode.
ZF 5 speed transmission that came on 1995-1999 M3 will not fit. In my opinion GM transmission is better quality anyway.
Do not attempt to rebuild the 4L30E, just change the gaskets on both of the pans, change the filter, very important to change the torque converter seal as well as the selector shaft seal. You must use special tool for selector shaft seal.
Prior to installation you must hammer in small section of the tunnel to clear the selector rod as you can see in my picture I over did it. Oil cooler lines must be installed prior to installation of the engine and transmission. You got to have adjustable hoist angle tool, you can't install it with fixed chains.
Once you sit engine arms on motor mounts, then lift up the transmission. then on driver's side install E36 transmission mount, and on passenger side install E30 automatic transmission mount. First I did it with green mounts but those are expensive now. You may have to drill another hole on the E30 brace just to get it to align right with the driveshaft. I installed the 4L30E empty, then from above I removed the speed sensor and poured dextron-III thought it, about one gallon, then started the engine, then did the level check, it will be hard to top off fluid using side plug.
Install selector assembly, E30 should already have tab that you punch out for the cable to go trough, at least my 1990 did if not drill one. Use the E36 rubber gasket but do not use the plastic spacer. E36 selector cover will fit E30 with some trimming, I will get a photo of this later.
I used e30 oil cooler and moded it for transmission cooler but this may not be good idea for cold climate. Just use your stock E30 AT radiator cooler option.
When it comes to wiring it is all straightforward just use the wiring diagrams. I will post more information about wiring in the future.
Had this now for 4 years and love it, I can get stuck in creeping traffic and not rip out my left calf muscle.
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