The comprehensive DOHC engine swap thread.

[etxxz]

yes. you need to swap the rear cover with your current e30 (mounting) and the axle flanges as well (these just pop out, be nice and it won't mess up the seals)

edit...that goes regardless of getrag (e30) or ZF (e36 tranny) as long as its the same 4-bolt driveshaft->diff connection (e30 driveshat/g260, 96+e36M/328i/e30m3 w/ zf)

[hoveringuy]

True.

I had the M20 out in 3 hours.

I had the transmission hanging on the m50 in a few more hours.

It took me an hour, tops, to drop the motor in, connect a few things and have it started.

I also installed the brake booster the week before and had all the parts I needed.

What took me a few more days was fiddle-farting with getting the shift lever bent just right, fabbing exhaust connections, replacing the CSB because it was mis-aligned and stuff like that.

Yeah, I think hoveringuy did the swap in a weekend, alone, and I believe it was his first swap. That was the fastest for solo swap with a guy who hadn't swapped in an M5x into the engine bay before that I've heard of. Sure, to move a swap from one car to another probably takes a long day, but there will likely be hiccups here and there.

To save time you should prep the engine completely on a stand before you drop it in. I did not remove the hood. I hate aligning it after removing it. I went in with a hoist from the side.

[M3forJTB]

yes. you need to swap the rear cover with your current e30 (mounting) and the axle flanges as well (these just pop out, be nice and it won't mess up the seals)

edit...that goes regardless of getrag (e30) or ZF (e36 tranny) as long as its the same 4-bolt driveshaft->diff connection (e30 driveshat/g260, 96+e36M/328i/e30m3 w/ zf)

Thanks man!

I'll need to find a rear cover, being that the chassis I got came sans drivetrain...

It's a breath of fresh air to know that I won't have to have the e36 M3 ('97) driveshaft shortened or anything!

My next headache is figuring out the suspension swap/components using as much of my e36 M3 stuff as will yield proper results... it seems everyone and their brother has a different 'recipe' for the e36 M3 5-lug susp/brake swap :???:

[WADE30]

Hey Guys I am new to BMW and specifically this forum. I just bought an E30 and I am piecing together my M50 swap. My reply is regarding a custom transmission brace. As you probably assume I am using the Getrag 260 with the M50, the transmission that came with the M20. I searched a little on here and found that a guy by the name of Doug used to make them. So my question is...Does anyone else make the custom braces or is there a thorough write-up on how to modify the stock one?


TIA guys

-Wade

[etxxz]

you really don't need that custom brace although if you can get in contact with that person is good too. Have a longer tranny mount on one side and a shorter on the other. that will make up for the tilt. some people just do that.

[e30this]

I made a brace when I didn mine. I just made it out of steel plate.
heres a pic.



The swap isnt hard and it can be done in a weekend.
Just make sure you SEARCH and have all your shit in order before you start.

[etxxz]

oh wow look at that.. 1/4"steel? did you paint it afterwards. its got "rust me" written all over it. good idea tho

[thonnas]

First off, thanks to everyone in this thread for recording all this information and helping each other out. It's been of immense help. I hope I can get some further clarification/help regarding my particular circumstances.

Here's my situation: Have a 1985 dutch 320i Baur TC half-cab that's been essentially rotting in the garage after popping a valve that demolished the engine a few years ago. Now that I am done with university I want to get it fixed up and figure dropping in an m50 would be a hell of a lot better than just replacing the m20.

I'm a little green at this, but will be working with a seasoned mechanic (though not a BMW specialist or anything). I just want to make sure I get everything I need before I get him involved.

From what I understand, I should basically be able to cannibalize a standard e36 (looking at a '93 325i) for the engine, wiring and all, and transmission.
I am going to need an oil pan, pickup, and dipstick from an e34 and engine mounts from an e28. The radiator has to be swaped for one from a late model e30 and I will need modified brake booster and cylinder setup to fit.

So, am I missing anything?
What IS the best or easiest way to setup the brake system?
Is the fact that I'm starting with the aforementioned e30 going to require any special attention?
I noticed that the m50 is setup for power steering, but my 320 is rack and pinion, is that going to be an issue?

Thanks for any help.

[e30this]

oh wow look at that.. 1/4"steel? did you paint it afterwards. its got "rust me" written all over it. good idea tho

Paint? Nope I had it powder coated at my buddys work.
Yes it was 1/4 inch X 1 1/2 inch steel plate.

[zep06]

just wondering if the ecu bracket could be from any 318, or had to be 90-91 specific.

Matt

[Turf1600]

Paint? Nope I had it powder coated at my buddys work.
Yes it was 1/4 inch X 1 1/2 inch steel plate.

Any interest in making another one?

[WADE30]

hey guys I am doing an M50 into my E30 while using the Getrag 260, and was wondering if this part is necessary. It seems to be a covering plate between the rear of the engine and the transmission.

It is number 5 on the realoem diagram. P/N 11141734019. Thanks guys! I'm a noob!

[bimerok]

This is a protective cover that covers up flywheel. You can run your engine without it, but it is a very good idea to have it on. It protects the clutch from dirt, water and body parts from getting there while engine is running.

[FredK]

From what I understand, I should basically be able to cannibalize a standard e36 (looking at a '93 325i) for the engine, wiring and all, and transmission.
I am going to need an oil pan, pickup, and dipstick from an e34 and engine mounts from an e28. The radiator has to be swaped for one from a late model e30 and I will need modified brake booster and cylinder setup to fit.

So, am I missing anything?

That sounds good. Grab the E36 driveshaft, and an expansion tank from a late model 325i. You will need to add a bracket on the driver's side wheelhouse to mount the expansion tank.

What IS the best or easiest way to setup the brake system?

All you need to do is install a new brake booster. You don't need to swap the master cylinder.

Is the fact that I'm starting with the aforementioned e30 going to require any special attention?
I noticed that the m50 is setup for power steering, but my 320 is rack and pinion, is that going to be an issue?

I am fairly certain the wiring won't be tremendously different than a 325e from the same era, but that's just my guess. Just find out what color wires go to which positions on the bulkhead connector (C101), and then you can pretty much figure out what model year E30 your car most closely resembles.

Not having power steering won't be a huge deal. You can just delete the pump by using a shorter belt, or you can retrofit a power steering rack.

[FredK]

just wondering if the ecu bracket could be from any 318, or had to be 90-91 specific.

Matt

It has to be from an M42-powered E30, which means, yes, it has to be from a 90-91 318i/is.