E34 m20 into e30 m42 car

[Vivek]

Hey r3v, I'm considering buying this built turbo m20 that's running in a 1990 525i. Other than motor mount arms (which I believe I just need e30 ones), is there anything different/complicated about the swap since its from an e34? I searched a bunch of places but couldn't really find much. Will I be able to use the same transmission? Which driveshaft? Will most electronics plug and play (engine management is megasquirt)?

-Vivek

[jlevie]

If you get the entire engine & transmission with all of the management system parts, a pair of M20B25 motor mount arms, and transmission cross member it should bolt up to your 318 chassis. You will need the drive shaft from a manual transmission 325i/is/ic.

[Vivek]

Awesome, that's exactly what I wanted to hear. Ill have the full car to swap it all over. Will the wiring be difficult at all? I've never done an engine swap.

[Kozworth]

I would read up on 318 to 325 wiring. Iirc it's no where near plug n play but its doable. I swapped an eta to a b25 which is pretty damn close ad I noticed a few functions that are near gone. I remember looking it up when I was debating getting a 318 she'll and putting my extra b25 into it

[Chriskbmx]

I would read up on 318 to 325 wiring. Iirc it's no where near plug n play but its doable. I swapped an eta to a b25 which is pretty damn close ad I noticed a few functions that are near gone. I remember looking it up when I was debating getting a 318 she'll and putting my extra b25 into it

don't mean to thread jack, but what functions did you lose? im about to swap a b25 into my 87 e car and have been told its just plug and play.

[jlevie]

don't mean to thread jack, but what functions did you lose? im about to swap a b25 into my 87 e car and have been told its just plug and play.

See http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=289317

[Chriskbmx]

See http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=289317

thanks i had a couple questions for you that i posted in there.

[StereoInstaller1]

If you get the entire engine & transmission with all of the management system parts, a pair of M20B25 motor mount arms, and transmission cross member it should bolt up to your 318 chassis. You will need the drive shaft from a manual transmission 325i/is/ic.

You will also need the E30 oilpan and dipstick, the E34 M20 oil pan will not fit an E30 and the dipstick fits into the E34 pan and they are different lengths E34 to E30...or at least are in both of my M20 E34s.

GL and HTH
Luke

[Cabriolet]

LBV u know where to come for oil pans and sump

[jlevie]

You will also need the E30 oilpan and dipstick, the E34 M20 oil pan will not fit an E30 and the dipstick fits into the E34 pan and they are different lengths E34 to E30...or at least are in both of my M20 E34s.

In my experience except for the location of the dip stick the oil pans have been the same.

[TobyB]

M42 = small- case diff???

t

[StereoInstaller1]

In my experience except for the location of the dip stick the oil pans have been the same.

You may be right, I have no idea. My experience is just the two cars and three motors I own...but the 2 pans I own will not fit an E30 chassis, no way.

[Vivek]

M42 = small- case diff???

t

Yes, I'll be getting a 3.73 med to replace my 4.27 small. Anyone know any more about wiring? I'm trying to look up the ETM for both cars...will an e34 m20 be different than an e30 m20 for wiring?