1991 318iS M50 Build

[Codym42]

What rear diff are you using?

I just did an m52/ZF swap on my 318is.

[Mushroom Stew]

Just curious- is your 318 a 5 speed? Im doing the same swap as we speak and am keeping the getrag 240. Might save yourself a bit of hassle other than finding a 320i linkage for it.

[raj]

Yes you will be better going with the ZF. Just make sure the detents are serviced and the seals are good. The ZF320 is generally regarded as a much stronger transmission than the Getrag 250.

[stormtrooper15]

Thanks Pazi! I’ll get the ZF. Has anyone tried using the 318iS throttle cable or just go E34 throttle cable? It’s only $35 but was just curious


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[pazi88]

Yes the zf from e46 will fit. It's just regular 320zf. Same as in e36 328i/m3. You will need e36 328/m3 shifter assembly and driveshaft to make it fit. Other driveshafts like e30 324td one also fit.

[stormtrooper15]

Howdy R3V,

I have owned a 1991 318iS with the M42 for almost a year now and have been dying to swap the engine. I came across a great deal on an M50 so that's what I will be going with. I was reluctant to start a build thread due to my lack of being able to keep up the thread but I'll give it my best shot. The M50 came with a Getrag 250 (I believe), side reads Getrag 220.0.0225.96. I will have plenty of questions along the way, which I will research first and post here if I don't have any luck. I have E28 motor mounts, E34 oil setup, and red label 413 DME on the way so far. This will be my first swap so I'll be taking my time to make sure I have it all correct. The end goal is somewhere in the range of 300-400 whp (FI to come later).

Questions: 1. I have the opportunity to get a 5 speed ZF from a 2002 330ci. Will this work with the M50 in the E30 and what parts/fabrication would be needed? Would I be better off going for a 320 ZF?