Destroyed my m10...it's time to talk options...a bit of help?

[n3rdy30]

Hey everyone. Im new here on r3v, came over from the bimmerforums. Glad I did haha. Anyways...I'm a bit of a noob, and I'm trying to do my research and not ask stupid questions, but I need a push in the right direction. My m10 basically came apart today, rod bearing and it all went down hill from there. But I was thinking an m20 would be the best option as I don't want a lot of trouble doing the swap. Is there extensive fab? I know I will need to swap in a new tranny, but what else I there? Is this the best candidate? I want a bit more power, something that can handle modest forced induction down the road, and of course reliability. I know the m10s are considered bullet proof but the PO didn't do much under the hood in the maintenance dept. So I know it's a noob question, but I'd really appreciate some kind words. Thanks in advance folks, and it's good to be on r3v!

[Holland]

An m20 is a lot of work and not much benefit from a swap. It needs a different trans and driveshaft. 3.73 medium rear end wouldn't hurt either. The m30, will however bolt to your trans. although it's not completely plug and play like the m20 it would be much more worthwhile.

[mkoneod]

Just My OP....Throw in another M10 or go for a better swap then an M20....

M20 is a good motor but you can find another E30 with one it for the right $ amount.

[Brandon12V]

I would have to agree. slap in another running m10 for the time being and save for an m50 non vanos. any way you look at it, you'll have just a smidge more money in an m50 swap as you would an m20 done right. It will benefit you more in the long run.

[mkcman17]

I say go m42, I love when people swap the dual cams in the early four bangers

[Holland]

I say go m42, I love when people swap the dual cams in the early four bangers

There is only one proper 16v replacement for the M10, +4...

One day I will have it.

[n3rdy30]

Haha wow, again I'm glad I came over here. I can never get anyone to answer me helpfully over there!!

Anyways...I was looking at picking up the stroked 2.7L that is for sale over in the classifieds. Seems like an extremely legit build for 3k. But that's a lot of $ to throw at just the engine. But all things considered if I pick up another m10 it's going to need work more than likely. So that's more money dumping towards something not permanent. How involved is an m42 swap? New trans, driveline, rear diff i assume? Prob new ecu? Sigh. Perhaps another m10 is a good idea seeing as how a swap requires new everything essentially. Or so I'm lead to believe. But all of the input is GREATLY appreciated guys. Anyone selling an m10?

[deutschman]

If you get an m10, get a 2L m10 from a 2002, and then use the fuel injection parts from your car to convert it over from carbs to FI. 2L is always better then 1.8L.
If you want to do a swap but keep a small motor go m42. I loved my m42!!! It was a lot of fun, and reved up quickly. Use a lightened m20 fly wheel in your g240 for some faster rev.
M20 is a waist of time if you are going to go threw the pain of swapping a motor.
If you want something bigger go m50. My friend has a 318is with a m50 swap, and it is VERY fun!!!! If you have three grand to buy a motor, save up 1.5 or 2 grand more and do a proper m50 swap!

[urbancynic]

If you get an m10, get a 2L m10 from a 2002, and then use the fuel injection parts from your car to convert it over from carbs to FI. 2L is always better then 1.8L.
If you want to do a swap but keep a small motor go m42. I loved my m42!!! It was a lot of fun, and reved up quickly. Use a lightened m20 fly wheel in your g240 for some faster rev.
M20 is a waist of time if you are going to go threw the pain of swapping a motor.
If you want something bigger go m50. My friend has a 318is with a m50 swap, and it is VERY fun!!!! If you have three grand to buy a motor, save up 1.5 or 2 grand more and do a proper m50 swap!

x2. If you're going to spend that kind of cash go all out and do an m50. I love the m20, but if/when it dies I'm going to do an m50 swap.

If you want to keep it a 4 cylinder and enjoy the fuel economy do the m42. I've only driven one, but I loved it.

[n3rdy30]

If you get an m10, get a 2L m10 from a 2002, and then use the fuel injection parts from your car to convert it over from carbs to FI. 2L is always better then 1.8L.
If you want to do a swap but keep a small motor go m42. I loved my m42!!! It was a lot of fun, and reved up quickly. Use a lightened m20 fly wheel in your g240 for some faster rev.
M20 is a waist of time if you are going to go threw the pain of swapping a motor.
If you want something bigger go m50. My friend has a 318is with a m50 swap, and it is VERY fun!!!! If you have three grand to buy a motor, save up 1.5 or 2 grand more and do a proper m50 swap!

Excellent ideas. Thanks man. I was just looking on bavauto and I can pick up a complete m10 2.0L for 1k. That seems pretty legit.

[jlevie]

A replacement M10 would be the cheapest and easiest. A step up would be an M20B25, which is almost plug and play. You will need the complete power train and ancillary bits, but it all just bolts in. A good junkyard power train can usually be had for about $1000. The options after that get more involved and more expensive.

[dreamchasin]

A replacement M10 would be the cheapest and easiest. A step up would be an M20B25, which is almost plug and play. You will need the complete power train and ancillary bits, but it all just bolts in. A good junkyard power train can usually be had for about $1000. The options after that get more involved and more expensive.

God I would hate to live by you..my m50 setup from the junkyard cost me 350 dollars..with everything..

[jlevie]

God I would hate to live by you..my m50 setup from the junkyard cost me 350 dollars..with everything..

Either you got really lucky, or the engine you found was pretty badly worn. "Good" M50 engines (those with less than 120k) are a tad more expensive. I can find an M20B25 for less than $300, but it will be a high mileage engine. I'd rather pay a bit more ($500-600) and get an engine with less than 150k on it.

[n3rdy30]

The crappy part about where I'm located is for some reason e30's are hard to come by. There's usually around 3-4 between the two junkyards in my area at any given time. But they're picked over so badly it would be difficult to piece anything worth while together. I guess I will just have to keep my eyes open for a local buy..I've been surfing through the classifieds on various forums...but I haven't found much that I would want to get into. I think either an m10 or an m50. Which m50 is best? The m50b20 or the m50TUB20? I would assume vanos would be the route to go, as variable valve timing is always fun.

also this is a really stupid question, but when I go to the junk yard, how the hell do I pull an engine from there? Obviously it would be a pain in the ass to bring a picker and spend 4 hours trying to pull the damn thing. Who has done this? I'm almost settled on an m50...I found one 95' 3 series, and two 93's. It doesn't specify engine, but I'm hoping I'll get lucky and one of them will have it.

[Brandon12V]

You're not that far from florida. Shit pops up on craigslist all the time in florida's upper area. Keep an eye out and be willing to travel a little bit. Shipping is expensive and you'll be able to drive almost 20hrs round trip for the same price(dependent upon what vehicle you use to pick up said drivetrain).

Junkyards in my area, such a pickapart, have tool rentals like engine hoists for a flat rate. When pulling a motor fluids dont matter, but grab everything in the engine bay, that is connected to the motor and tranny, you possibly can. Whether you think you need "it" or not, it can always be sold or tossed later.

As far as VANOS, I've never been a fan of variable timing. Honda is pretty much the only manufacturer I accept it on. That's JUST my preference though. People have no problems with it when maintained. If you come across one go ahead and grab it. If it's in bad condition, you can always convert it. VAC sells a complete kit to go non-vanos and you can retard or advance timing as needed.