How much time...(m30 related)

[Mike325]

About 95% of the stuff that you read will help you. Think of it as a m20b25 and an m20b27, but not as many things that are different. They are practicly the same motors, just some small (correct me if I am wrong) differences with the engines. When you drive it it will feel strong though;).

[Funkmasta]

I was under the impression that the trans needed for an m30 swap, whether you use the g265 or the g280, have a removable bell housing. So you could take the gear box off of the housing and leave the bell on the motor.

Nope...
The G260 and G280 are both 1-piece units. The 262 and 265 are the only transmissions with the removable bellhousings.

I am using a G280, and when we were fabbing everything up, we were using a G260. The 260 is nice because you can use an 87 325e driveshaft...

[Mastrcruse]

First good question:
What should I do about an intake? I have taken the dryer hose off. Just saw a pic of a gen 2 motors intake and man that thing is huge and doesn't really look like it would fit.

Can I use a gen 3 intake (I can picture georges motor) on the gen 2?

[george graves]

First good question:
What should I do about an intake? I have taken the dryer hose off. Just saw a pic of a gen 2 motors intake and man that thing is huge and doesn't really look like it would fit.

Can I use a gen 3 intake (I can picture georges motor) on the gen 2?

Yes, you can, just need the elbow, clamps, and fabb up a bracket to attach it (I used the bolt where the coil usually goes)

[der affe]

slightly off topic but with the position 2 1/2 mounts are there any clearence probs if you have an e-36 steering rack?

[Mastrcruse]

It's Alive!!

Well, today I took the battery out of my car and put it in to the new one. The battery put in by the trucker was WAY too small so this one should do the trick.

I went to start it, turned the key..ooo...alittle hesitation and everything shuts off. Again, does the same thing, the motor still won't start.

I look back at the battery, the main lead as a TON of build up on it. So I take sand paper and get most of it off and BINGO THIS THING STARTS UP FAST!

I have found a couple things alittle corkey. First thing, there is no oil level dipstick. Second, there is absolutely no coolant in the resivoir..hopefully there is some in the radiator. Third, there is wires every where and extra relays and things. So I might be posting some pics for some help when wiring becomes an issue.

[george graves]

My advice? When you pull that thing LABEL everything, and take tons of pics.

Also, zip lock baggies(the kind you can write on) are your best friend.

Just snap a quick pick showing how it is mounted/connected, remove the part, and bag it with it's bolts.

You'll thank me when you are putting it all back together.

[Mastrcruse]

Yea, I have been thinking about that. My original idea was to put a piece of blue tape on all the wires/hoses/fitting and label where they go. A hose will have a #2 and were it connects to on the motor will have a #2 on blue tape also.

I am also looking for the part number of the oil level dipstick but realoem doesn't have e28 or e24. Any ideas?

[Funkmasta]

I did this once too.

I quickly found that tape does not stick to greasy hoses. ;)

[Mastrcruse]

zip tie tags on everything?

[Funkmasta]

photos. Millions. :)

[Mastrcruse]

haha, definately going to do that too. I was actually thinking about filming it.

[ldsbeaker]

oooh, filming it, that would be kickass too! I wonder how much movie time I get from a 1 Gb SD card?....

47min at 640
80min at 320
Maybe I'll have to get a larger SD card!!

[Teaguer]

I did this once too.
I quickly found that tape does not stick to greasy hoses. ;)

Hahaha , this is true . :D
Not too mention depending on how long everything takes , the tape can get dried out and fall off at the slightest breeze .

This is especially true if working outside like in your driveway .
Ask me how I know . :sad:

[Mastrcruse]

Okay, well I ordered a dipstick and a head gasket set (which I really don't understand).

What is the difference between the head gasket that I have to replace and the head gasket set? (obivously it includes more but what?)

Will that head gasket set have all the other little seals/gaskets that I will need to refresh on the motor? If not does anyone sell and gasket/seal set for the m30? What other gaskets should I replace (I have read the rear main seal on the tranny)?


Thanks guys, I just want to do this right the first time