M3 Crossmember

[kroberts]

Anyone here perform the swap on an e30 M3?

I tried to test fit my front cross-member on my S52 last night and it is not going to fit. I have a set of the green motor mounts. My engine is on a stand so I attached the motor mounts to the cross-member then tried to attach the cross-member to the engine arms. Not even close! There's about a 1.5 inch difference between the two. I'm thinking that the E30 M3's used a different cross-member than, say, a 325i. I checked this on RealOEM and found that a 6/87 built M3 and a 6/87 built 325i use different part numbers for the cross-member. I'm guessing that the M3's cross-member is narrower between mount holes. Is this true? Do I need to get a non-M3 crossmember?

Thanks,

kroberts

[Beej '86 325es]

They are different crossmembers, I believe the M3 one has some additional reinforcements. The mounting holes should be in the same spot though. The stud from the motor mount should be going through the slot of the subframe, not the hole. I had to extend the slots on mine a bit to get it to sit right.

[gobuffs]

Huh? A lot of people have done the swap. You have to us the other holes in the subframe for the motor mounts.

[vr4boy]

i just finished my swap(90 e30m3 + s52) engine fit like a glove-no problems w/ the engine mounts w/c are the same as yours,had to use the outer holes in the subframe though...
now,i just need to swap in the proper chip and coding plug-she runs good though:-)
gl...

[kroberts]

OK, thanks for all the info. Now it's back to the drawing board I guess. I have a plan, it involves my welder and my dremel.

kr