24V AWD Swap Knowledge Base

[flyboyx]

Im wondering if anyone ever compared E46 xi spindles to E34/E30 hubs, are there major problems with using E46 spindles and struts on a E30/E34? It would seem that if it fits, it would make it a lot more serviceable, at least cheaper shocks, CV axles(if anyone fits) and brake components.

Pretty sure flyboyx did - none of it worked.

I can save you a lot of time and heartache. There is nothing on an e46 axle that will come anywhere close to working on an e30. I took an e30, an e34, and an e46 axle apart side by side. What a waste of time it turned out to be other than being able to keep those coming after me from making the same mistake. Your best bet is e34 parts or nothing.

I have e34 axles too. No e46 axle parts will work there either. I'd like to see the contents of your manual, but it isn't going to help with this project.

They are a completely different design.

[Nisse Järnet]

It might work on a E34 with some mods.
I'm interested too in some specs :)

[The Dark Side of Will]

I'm interested

[Sebbe]

On an E30? I have an E34, could that be more similar to an E46? Or what about using only the hub?

I also ordered an 525ix shop manual off ebay.de, its 19 pages of 4WD specific info. I could scan it and upload it if anyone is interested? Its in german, but i plan on translating it.

[nando]

Pretty sure flyboyx did - none of it worked.

[Sebbe]

Im wondering if anyone ever compared E46 xi spindles to E34/E30 hubs, are there major problems with using E46 spindles and struts on a E30/E34? It would seem that if it fits, it would make it a lot more serviceable, at least cheaper shocks, CV axles(if anyone fits) and brake components.

[Nisse Järnet]

Lots of newer xdrive components fit between different models, same front diff is used on 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, x3 and x4 for example.
Same oil pan on ex 5, 6, 7 35xd and 45xd and i even think a x6m front diff fits on a 520xd pan.

[nando]

I have one, looks the same..

[Eskie]

Well the oil pan I took a pic of us from an x5. I'll take a pic of a 3 series next time we see one...


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[nando]

I dont know but none of them have the diff far enough back to fit the E30.

[The Dark Side of Will]

Do the SUV's and Xi/X-drive cars use the same pan on the N series engines?

[Eskie]

hAH! Yeah I'm not doing a swap. Maybe some day but not a N55. The oil pan is from a job that we just did. Engine had 59k on it and was totally seized. Had to drop the entire drivetrain because torque converter bolts were impossible to get to without being able to rotate the crank. Had to actually take the bearing caps off.

I am parting it out..I have a bunch of there stuff too. Make me an offer, its just sitting in back waiting for the scrap guy to pay me for it.

[nando]

I have one. the center of the differential is like 6" too far forward. It also has the differential shifted further towards the drivers side like all BMW AWD systems since the E46 (this is an issue for steering rack clearance).

you could do it but you would have to modify the firewall and transmission tunnel to push the engine back, and you'd also have to use an Xdrive transfercase, transmission, and ABS system.

Probably a lot easier to just turbo the M20..

BTW, if you're parting that out I could use the oil level sensor :p

[Eskie]

anyone interested in any measurements on this oil pan?

12 X5 N55B30

[Kershaw]

Ohh that looks really nice.