Another E30 M30 Swap Thread, this time with an 84 318i

[the imitator]

By the time you need it, it's usually too late, panic breaking doesnt help that situation either.. cant disagree either way.

I've seen pictures of what you're talking about (I think we may be talking about the same thread), but it was also done in conjuction with the z3 trailing arms as well, correct? The Z3 trailing arms from a 2.8 convertible are around 20mm wider on each side.

I sold the axles, kept the torsen 3.15, and z3 driveshaft, and subframe.

[kronus]

Abs is nice to have when you need it...

What wheels? The z3 2.8 subframe will swap in, but widens your track substantially.

[the imitator]

Morning, another update to come; Here's whats goin on...

Confirming we can use a rear subframe out of a 1999 2.8 Convertible z3, Measurements were spot on. Comparison pictures to come.

not that I've meant to.. but it looks like I'm going poly everywhere, motor to diff, CAB's to RTAB's, going with raised subframe bushings since I'm on ground controls. If this setup is too rough I may try OEM with the drivetrain.

No ABS, I have no issues watching the road, texting and driving or any of that BS. Washinton gets plenty of rain and I love driving in it.

I want A/C for beach trips and other joyful activities.

Me and my good friend will do a side by side video on our , he has H&R's and going with all stock bushings. Ill have Ground controls, and all poly, and my rears are 705s, front to be confirmed. We plan to put daily items in the cars and comparing vibes and sound comparison. Although his is late model, my suspension is from an 89.

Rotors have been turned, need to email Ireland engineering and ask what their specs are.

[the imitator]

moar pictarz! moar updatez!

Today we dropped the motor out the bottom, separated the g260 from the m30, and found out that I have dual mass not single, doh!
2 oil pan screws were missing, and I was able to back two out by hand, not to mention the engine mounts had some oddball bolts used going into the block.

Any questions, let us know!

Low rider e30


Not a lot of room to work at the fire wall right there, this ended up not working, we hooked around the intake manifold, and used the front hook mount next to the water pump to drop the motor


Here she is, all chained up like she should be! ...


On the ground


In the air, the shell is indeed.. a shell


Engine stand is brand new, geared unit, 1K capacity

[the imitator]

Awesome! Got to be sweet having access to a lift and a garage.

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I couldn't be more thankful for the extra hands, and shop... Lets not even talk about air tools! The lift makes you feel really safe, and comfortable around objects that can kill you/take off limbs, its sort of a bad illusion; but without a doubt still the safest route to go, working on a car.

Another update tonight to come, Motor and transmission are coming out the bottom, separating the trans from the engine to get my single mass flywheel and what not, That g260/6 is going to my good friend, and I'll be using the g265 I have.

I will keep this disorganized thread here just for references for other folks doing the swap, and possibly make a second one in the "project cars" sub forum, that one will have a final parts list, better organized, etc.

[marshallnoise]

Awesome! Got to be sweet having access to a lift and a garage.

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[the imitator]

Another update to come tomorrow, with the engine pulled.
Heres another set of photos tonight. I now have every weld in reinforcement from garagistic, m30 swap mounts, along with Z3 shifter bushings since I am using Z3 components not e30.

here's some more pictures.



3.73 lsd

At one point, this car was driven through a location with fresh asphalt, that will be taken care of.

[the imitator]

(picture update on page 3, last post.)

That's awesome! I've been on a 15 day work schedule; My good friend has done me a great deed here! I can't thank him enough for getting the ball rolling for me! I have the next 2 days off and I have a books worth to writing, along with some wrenching to do! The rotors will be measured and turned to be true.

I don't have anything else to type, given my exhaustion from work and excitement for progress.

[Etfren]

Hey guys, so I am helping out with this project and stealing some parts off the parts car for my M30 swap too. Did some work on it tonight to prep for taking the motor out.

Front suspension and steering rack removed.



GC suspension and BBK off the car.



Also cleaned up the BBS wheels.



This one got curbed and will need some repair.



Rear rotors removed and getting the rear subframe ready to pull out.



Thats all for tonight. Motor and trans will be out before the weekend, more updates soon!

[the imitator]

Update coming soon. more prep work includes:
Getting parts car on lift and start removal of parts.

sold turbo kit, bought otis turbo manifold, M5 clutch,TB,etc.

[the imitator]

small update, nothing gnarly, got out in the 20 degree weather and spent a couple hours on getting the wiring lose, I came to the obviously conclusion, if I want ABS I need the entire wiring harness off the parts car.

This is the fun part, but It's been a leisure journey, jammin good tunes, and laughing with friends, makes this job seem effortless.. its more time if anything.







Just title every wire you unplug/remove.. easy.

[the imitator]

This will be a fun car, especially with the m102 turbo stuff

This is where I need motivation man... my parts list is great for turbocharging!
I have nearly the full turbo kit, I'm missing a return line and the work associated with tapping a return line.

I have the megasquirt 2 from diypnp, LC-1 wideband, coilpack, iat sensor; The engine already has arp headstuds.. blah blah.. I'm about 85 percent ready parts wise.

but for some reason I feel the "want" to sell the turbo parts.. the other side tells me "wtf are you thinking?"

[JoeMadoo]

This will be a fun car, especially with the m102 turbo stuff

[the imitator]

This brings back memories doing m30b35 swap in my 84 318i . It's damn simple :)
Can't wait to see it with turbo!

Might give this 84 ABS though.. not sure if the ireland engineering BBK will like it though.

[Jean]

This brings back memories doing m30b35 swap in my 84 318i . It's damn simple :)
Can't wait to see it with turbo!