318is M20 swap help

[emoney1320]

I'm in the process of buying a 91 318is with a blown motor and have access to a super eta engine to swap in. I've read that the complete motor, computer, harness, and cooling system is needed for the conversion. Can anyone provide some pointers or insight for the conversion?

-Estimate for total conversion labor time?
-Is there a factory drive-shaft that works?

I appreciate any help. Thanks!

[///digitalme]

i believe youll also need a transmission and driveshaft in order for it to work

[emoney1320]

My list was just a summary. I figured a transmission would be necessary to get the car moving ;) If using the transmission from the 325, is there a factory drive-shaft that works or is getting a custom one needed?

[///digitalme]

as for the driveshaft i have no clue im sure a 325e driveshaft should work...i think also a late model 325i works, but i think you need to change the part where the transmission and drivesgaft meet since they are different sizes...

[ForcedFirebird]

Don't believe everything you read on forums. My friend and I tried swapping in a G260 on his m42 since we couldn't locate a g240 in time for his HPDE2, and despite all the forums saying "bolts right up" is crap, we had to borrow a g240 after 7 times trans in/out.

After doing more than 1 or 2 various swaps (e to i, m20 to m50, g260 to zf, zf to g260 etc etc), this is my $.02

Keep the driveline together if you have a donor car, if not, keep the D/S with the intended trans providing it's behind the same size motor. All e's don't have big guibos, don't know why that's a common saying. The e trans will work behind an i in all the cases I have come across, but only the other way round if it has the pockets for the CPS.

Starter size goes with the motor/flywheel, we put the m20 nose on an m42 starter to upgrade to an m20 clutch setup during the above mentioned (attempted) swap. If you keep your G240 trans and clutch, keep the stock m42 flywheel.

The m42 sits more forward than an m20, so how people tell me they used an i D/S on a g260 behind an m42 is driving around with the D/S splines only engaged by less than .25". We have about 6 or 8 D/S's on the shelf at the shop, and none worked - not even mix-matching auto/manual/new/old style halves

Easiest way is to find a complete m20 D/S, trans, clutch pack to go with your m20 swap if you don't want to run into issues, and it will make things easier when you go to the parts store later.

Again, just my opinion based on experiences.

[The Humjet]

^^^ totaly agree with this.
I'm currently doing this swap myself. Taking out my horrible m40 motor in place of a m20 "stroker". Don't buy each bit individualy or else you run into problems forgetting about very essential parts that you havent even considered such as a shifter, I bought a eta donar car and and took all the other 325i gear from my local pick a part for cheap. There are a lot of hoses and pipes in the m20 engine bay that is best to get from a car already sitting in your front yard