Thoughts on B34?

[BonnschE30]

I have an opportunity to pick up an 86 535i with M30b34 and 5 speed transmission for a really good deal. ($300 plus diesel fuel/dolly rental) Supposedly the radiator is new and the only real problems are that the tranny wont go into 1st/2nd and the starter is jammed. Should be easy enough fixes, assuming it is a clutch release bearing and the starter can be rebuilt. FYI - car/engine has around 170k on it.

I know the b34 is outdated/underpowered compared to the b35 (182 v. 208hp) and I've read threads here and on mye28 about the engines and their differences. I'm just looking for some advice as far as if people here are satisifed with their b34 or wish they would've held out.

I have an 87 eta sedan with big guibo driveshaft, so I'm really just looking at custom mounts, electric fan, and b35 oil pan and pump, if I've done my homework correctly. I think I can even use my eta harness with a few extended plugs. All this along with the necessary repairs, of course.

As far as performance modifications, at most I would be looking at a chip and some sort of exhaust upgrade, as well as something a little steeper than my 2.93 open diff. Maybe an e36 steering rack while I'm there?

So basically, I guess this is kind of a poll in a way? Would you guys be willing to sacrifice the extra power/compression/head flow for something that could basically be had for free after parting/scrapping the chassis? In actuality I'm really just after the engine, tranny, computer, harness, and radiator, right?

Thanks alot guys, I'm anxious to hear your thoughts...

[kronus]

It turns out that you have to splice in a bunch of wires to make the ETA harness work. I'm in the same exact situation you are, but have not had time to get the swap underway yet, so I don't know the particulars. ('87 big-guibo ETA, looking for an M30B34)

Check out my thread, it has a bunch of answers (although nothing concrete yet :()

[BonnschE30]

But could I use the B34 harness as plug and play pretty much then? If its just lengthening a few wires on the eta harness it would be no problem, but if things are being added and tapped into plugs and another things it could get hectic...

I'll check out your thread again, I'm pretty sure I've glanced through it a few times as well as those by joemadoo, jean, and a few others. Sometimes too much info goes in not enough comes back out...(of my brain that is)

[kronus]

Yeah, I need to go through it and condense it, but that will probably happen when I get the actual swap underway.

The 535is ECU (059) uses an onboard idle control, which requires some harness ins/outs that are not present in the ETA harness (for 027 ECU) because it uses an external idle control unit.

[BonnschE30]

ahhh aka the little green box!

So I guess the question is: Can the 535i harness be used plug and play. I'll do some research on that and get back to this...

[Erick]

I have a B34 with B35 electronics. Hopefully finishing my swap this weekend. I also got my B34 at a ridiculously good deal, so I decided to stick with it.

If I were to do it again though, everything the B35 has is a benefit when it comes to working on these motors. From the wiring, to the sensors, to the damn oil filter bracket.

We'll see though. If something ever happens to this B34, I'm definately sourcing a B35 as a replacement.

- Erick

[kronus]

I've heard that the 535i harness is a bitch to modify to get it to sit right in the e30 chassis. However, thinking about it, that might have been said regarding an e30 harness in a 5-series. One of those two directions is definitely difficult, so it is fairly easy to assume that both directions are.

Modifying the eta harness shouldn't be too bad. Sure, it isn't plug and play, but it'll work.

[Erick]

At least it's (mostly) color coded.

[BonnschE30]

hmm thanks for the input guys. I appreciate your responses. I read through your thread Kronus, it looks like Moosehead is the guy to speak with about the idle functions on the eta harness with 059 ecu. We need a damn write up! :(

Erick- I'm anxious to see how the b34 runs on the updated electronics. This might be an option down the line...so let us all know how it works out for you.

I guess its more homework on wiring before I decide to make my purchase, although I'm sure I can make it happen in the end with the right resources...

[Mastrcruse]

Just buy mine, its in Ohio and the rebuilt motor has about 1/8 of a mile on it. 3k

[drift]

At least it's (mostly) color coded.

Sorry to interupt, but Eventually, you are on D1 List . Way to go !

http://www.drifting.com/forums/general-chat-drifting-discussion-news-and-site-updates/27150-d1gp-may-30th-rd-2-drivers-list-announced.html#post226974

[BonnschE30]

Just buy mine, its in Ohio and the rebuilt motor has about 1/8 of a mile on it. 3k

and put it in my $800 mint e30? no thanks bro. i would rather rock a cheap b34, have brand new shocks, springs, wheels, and tires with a couple hund-0 left to spare.

any other thoughts on the wiring harness issue before this thread (like so many others) gets completely off topic?

[JuanPabloBongto]

I have an opportunity to pick up an 86 535i with M30b34 and 5 speed transmission for a really good deal. ...

so I'm really just looking at custom mounts, electric fan, and b35 oil pan and pump,

..., as well as something a little steeper than my 2.93 open diff.

I haven't started my swap (b34) due to being laid off a few months back, but your 535i gives you a great head start, possibly more than you know already:

DIFF: is there an LSD on your e28 parts car? swap the rear cover w/ your e30 open diff, and you can use that one.

MOUNTS / OIL PAN + PICKUP: contact Funkmasta and he can sort you out with both.

HARNESS: I haven't crossed that bridge, sorry I can't help yet.

[JuanPabloBongto]

ALSO: myE28.com is your place for parting out the 5er. Craigslist too.. those guys come out of the woodwork for a parts car.
I ended up with a free m30, g265 w/z3 short shifter, radiator, driveshaft, 3.25 LSD, chipped ECU.... after coming out a few hunnert ahead of the game!