How to Identify an ETA Bottom?

[JRector]

I just bought my first Bimmer a few days ago and the owner says it has an ETA bottom end. The car is an '87 325iS. I believe him but I just want to make sure. How can I identify the bottom end to confirm that it is indeed an ETA?

[The Humjet]

I may be wrong but you could pull of the head, if the pistons are 84mm in diameter and the pistons have a domed shape top then you have an 325i block. If they're flat top pistons and same in diameter then you have a 325e block

[wakdog]

I may be wrong but you could pull of the head, if the pistons are 84mm in diameter and the pistons have a domed shape top then you have an 325i block. If they're flat top pistons and same in diameter then you have a 325e block

This is way too difficult just to find out if it is or isnt, also if its a US spec ETA bottom end, the pistons will be dished. Only the Euro cars got 11:1 or 10.2:1 flat tops. Check above the engine number on the block and it should have something like "27 ** *" if its an ETA.

[JRector]

Yea im not wanting to pull off the head. Just want to find somewhere on the block that I can confirm it is an ETA

[digger]

Yea im not wanting to pull off the head. Just want to find somewhere on the block that I can confirm it is an ETA

see the post above, i.e. look for 27 6x x for 2.7L or 25 6k x for 2.5L should be on the drivers side of the block