M30 from Donor Car...What Tools/Parts?

[BonnschE30]

So I found a good CL deal on a B35 longblock with computer and wiring harness, and I'm going to be pulling it myself from the 92 735iL donor car.

Being more than an hour's drive from me, I definately will not be wanting to go back to get anything I've left out or forgotten. I also want to be sure that I take all of the tools necessary for the job, just in case something nasty pops up. I'm planning on just using hand tools, or possibly picking up an electric impact on my way.

I'm pretty sure I will need the 1st half of the downpipes to mate up with the exhaust manifolds for sure, so I'll need to take something with a cutting wheel. Other than that I'm just planning on packing all my tools, jack, stands, and hoist and going to town.

As far as anything else goes, I've really never been under the hood of an m30 powered car, but I've pulled motors before, a couple of M20s. I know its not too hard, but I want it to go as smoothly as possible. I've been reading alot in the forum and want to make sure I get everything I need. (with the exception of a tranny/radiator, which I'm sure I'll source later)

Any suggestions or help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance to the m30 guys, the only forum I really check out on R3V. Your swaps/stories are good motivation for doing things right and on the cheap, which is just my style...

[LowR3V'in]

No special tools.
Same shit as pulling an m20. :)

[Jean]

If the transmission is attached, make sure you get the right sockets for those bolts AND long extentions AND wobbly (sp?). I would take the manifolds DOWN to the cats or maybe even including the cats if he'll let you have those ...I wish I could find a 535/735i cat here...

[yert315]

- socket set ranging from 6mm to at least 19mm.
- some ratchets.
- long extension (about 3ft long) unless you plan to take the motor out with the trans.
- universal joint (the "wobbly" thing Jean was talking about)
- inverted torx set
- breaker bar
- can of PB blaster
- various other basic tools one should have in their arsenal.

I would recommend dropping the motor out the bottom of the car. It was far easier to do it this way than pulling it out the top.

I used the BMW tool kit for a good part of my swap (the one found in the trunk of the car). Mainly because I am a cheap bastard and BMW had all the right sized tools!

[BonnschE30]

Thanks for the quick and detailed responses guys. I'm planning on pulling the motor and transmission together through the top of the engine bay, then separating them once its all out. I'm not sure if I can get the car up high enough to drop it out the bottom. I have a decent hoist with a load leveler though, so hopefully with the radiator out and fan off I'll have enough clearance.

Damn I'm hoping to pick this up on Thursday since tomorrow looks like rain. I don't think I can go wrong for $100 bucks though! Now onto a tranny and radiator, and of course some mounts. A good LSD is also an immediate necessity. Looking foward to not banging the firewall and seeing what this torque craze is all about.

I've got a lead on a 535i manual parts car too, so we'll see whats up with that...anybody want/need a b34 with harness/computer?

Thanks again guys, I'll let you know how it goes.

[chadthestampede]

Looking foward to not banging the firewall...

Frankly I thought that was the most fun part of the swap. Honestly. Besides driving it of course.