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M20 Removal and Re-Installation

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    #1

    M20 Removal and Re-Installation

    I posted this thread in the M30 & Other swaps section but it was suggested to me to post here for better results.

    I am trying to swap my 87' 325e manual tranny m20 out and put in a '87 325e automatic tranny m20. I have little experience with engine removal and was looking for some help. I couldn't find any guides on removal or installation.

    Anyone know if a guide exists? Is this swap do-able on decently level brick pad with jacks, jackstands, and an engine hoist?

    Local mechanic wants $400 for removal from junked car and $400 to drop it in my car. I was going to save $400 by pulling it, but now I want to save $800 and do it all myself.

    Any guides help would be greatly appreciated! After being under the car for a few hours yesterday I'm beginning to think I'm over my head.
    West German BMWs, they just don't make the same as they did before the wall fell.
    ^Case in point: Auto-Repair Technology. Everytime my car isn't starting or acting up I let it sit, sometimes for an hour, sometimes for days. But it eventually fixes itself.
    Tags: None
    #2
    ya, pick up a manual.

    a Bentley Manual can be had for a descent price on amazon.com

    at the very least pick up a haynes manual from autozone or something.
    Originally posted by Beastolizer
    what is the difference between the 12 LED and 6 LED and 24 LED?
    Originally posted by norcalE30
    you may want to sit down, this is complex...
    one has 6 LEDs, one has 12 LEDs, and one has 24 LEDs

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      #3
      Unbolt everything, use your engine hoist to test the strength of anything you forgot to unbolt/unhook. Unhook/unbolt if those things did not break, remove engine. Install is the reverse, maybe replace or jb weld whatever you broke taking it out. :dunno

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        #4
        Its really handy to have one of those tilting devices for your engine hoist. The front of the engine has to be tilted very high to clear the opening, and then you have to level it out so the transmission can clear the radiator support. Otherwise, you have to lift the engine very high.

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          #5
          I am taking my transmission off before hoisting. I thought this would be easier. I think I have only got one more torx bolt to remove, but I just broke the socket trying to get it loose.

          Bentley manual is on the way. I have a haynes but I've heard they're garbage compared top the bentley.

          I just didn't know what order to remove stuff. I didn't think that I had to take of the manifold to remove the engine but looks like its going to have to come off to get some of the wiring off.

          Thanks for the tips though keep 'em coming!
          West German BMWs, they just don't make the same as they did before the wall fell.
          ^Case in point: Auto-Repair Technology. Everytime my car isn't starting or acting up I let it sit, sometimes for an hour, sometimes for days. But it eventually fixes itself.

          Comment

            #6
            Unhook the ECU plug and pull the harness from the firewall.

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              #7
              I leave the harness in the car and I always pull the engine and transmission as a unit. That is easier than wrestling with the transmission. If you do it that way it is almost essential to have a load leveler.
              The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
              Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

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                #8
                I have said this before, take the body off the engine and tranny... And roll it away from the motor... as long as the rear brakes aren't locked up!

                Its like 20bolts and then you have access to everything with out a hoist!

                Suspension, steering rack, its all there.

                1986 325es (69k) Garage Queen Buy It Now 10k;1986 325es (track rat) 2.7i How-To & 1.1/1.3Motronic UpGrade
                1991 318is (daily driver) 1991 318is M42 Maintenance How-To;1989 325i (parts car)

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                  #9
                  I did a thread on this a few weeks ago. Its wasnt 100% correct because I didnt have a few things in my engine bay, but it was damn close.
                  Search it up under the username E30this.

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                    #10
                    check this
                    http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68167


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                      #11
                      Jacking the car up and rolling it away from the engine seems like a really good way to do it. I'm putting automatic engine into a manual so I figured it would be easier to remove the tranny and hoist the engine, I was wrong.

                      Only one (I hope) more bolt to get the transmission loose, but it won't budge! Broke my t20 torx socket on it. After replacing that I broke a ratchet extension! Still won't budge. Soaked it in pb Blast but it was no help.

                      I would try to roll away trick on the install but at this point I'm not sure If the install is within my abilitites.
                      West German BMWs, they just don't make the same as they did before the wall fell.
                      ^Case in point: Auto-Repair Technology. Everytime my car isn't starting or acting up I let it sit, sometimes for an hour, sometimes for days. But it eventually fixes itself.

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                        #12
                        your saving 800 rite? spend 175 for a hoist and just pull the whole thing out, or borrow/rent one,save yourself alot of headaches,dont get discouraged just research

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                          #13
                          I'm saving 400 by taking it out myself, spending 400 by having a professional put it in. After taking it out though I feel like I could do this myself but I don't wanna F anything up so i'll just let a pro do it.
                          West German BMWs, they just don't make the same as they did before the wall fell.
                          ^Case in point: Auto-Repair Technology. Everytime my car isn't starting or acting up I let it sit, sometimes for an hour, sometimes for days. But it eventually fixes itself.

                          Comment

                            #14
                            If you can take it out...you can put it back in...dont sell yourself short. It not hard. Just have some balls. You will learn all about your car. Its more rewarding

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                              #15
                              hang on.. why on earth are you swapping out a manual for an automatic? almost everyone else is doing the reverse!!
                              '12 F30 328i Sport Line
                              '91 SpecE30 #523
                              '00 Ford F-350 Dually Tow Vehicle
                              BMWCCA #360858 NASA #                               128290

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