Parts needed for an m30 swap

[E30SPDFRK]

I recently acquired an e28 535i with a 5 speed. From what I have read, the swap into an e30 is pretty strait-forward. What things should I start collecting before I pull the m20 out? I know of the mounts, e34 oil pan, and the maintenance parts, but what little things should I get? Thanks

Byron

[speedhop]

seta driveshaft (larger flex disc)

[E30SPDFRK]

Anything else?

[speedhop]

e28 535 radiator (you have it)
engine mounts
265/280 tranny
stock shift linkage
stock trans cross member
m20 wiring harness
probably lower ratio diff
Electric fan or stock (m20) ac fan
m30 dme

Since you have an e28 you could toss an e32/e34 head on it to make low compression and boost! That would make for a strong motor, but nevertheless it'll last forever (as long as you do regular maintenance)

....i think that might be enough to get it running, but to make sure and go to www.jaredsquare.com and double check it

Good luck piecing it together and let us know how it goes :)

[euroshark]

265/280 tranny

You can also use the 260/5 or 260/6. Your 535i will have the 260/6.

[speedhop]

You can also use the 260/5 or 260/6. Your 535i will have the 260/6.

exactly...didn't quite remember which one he had :D

[E30SPDFRK]

stock shift linkage
stock trans cross member

Stock meaning e30 or e28?
I read Jared's writeup almost every day and dream, but his swap was into an I with an e34 engine. Is it pretty much the same thing into an e with a b34?

m30 dme

Does this mean ECU, or is it something else. Wiring is the only part of cars that I am almost completely lost on. Am I right in assuming that I can use the e30 harness and just plug the m30 ecu into it?
Thanks again

[speedhop]

From what I've heard and read the stock e30 cross member works fine...but in case of failure don't blame me :)

I'm also not 100% sure on dme as i've not completed my swap, but extending some wiring on the m20 harness to the m30 ecu works fine, but you'll have both harnessess' in this case.

[E30SPDFRK]

So I am going to start off by getting
-Turner front sub-frame reinforcement kit
-An e34 oil pan (535, right? I thought I heard that you use the 525 oil pan somewhere)
-Joe's mounts
-Super eta driveshaft/flex disk- do I need this or is it just better?
Is this all I need to get started besides for the maintenance items? Tell me if I am missing anything; I am going to try to get this done by the end of Thanksgiving break.

Byron

[euroshark]

Hey, off topic, but how are you liking the 9000 CSE? The 9000 is the same platform as my Alfa 164... I think it's got to be one of the best handling FWD cars of all time! Sexy too (that goes for the 9000 as well, especially the late ones!)

On topic: The driveshaft is a tossup I believe. I'd count on having to have one custom shortened or lengthened, at least that way it won't a surprise. If you are using a Getrag 260/6 you should be able to get away with an E34 535i front half mated to your stock rear half, but like I said, it's a tossup and this is the one area where I found absolutely no clear information... Only way to get it right is to try!

Also, you need either an E34 535i or an E32 735i/il oil pan AND pump. It's got to be from an M30, and it's got to come out of an E34 or E32 to clear the E30 steering rack. You have to have the late pump or it's not going to fit.

That will be enough to get the engine in and your drivetrain connected, after that you will need to build an exhaust. E28 downpipes work great, you will just have to have the middle custom done to connect the downpipes to the rear half of a stock 325i system or whatever you decide to go with. I had to "modify" the passenger side firewall / footwell area to get the exhaust system to fit without touching the body.

Damn, I can't wait to build another one... Should happen this winter.

[E30SPDFRK]

The 9000 isn't bad, but its no e30:). The passing power of the engine is what really drew me to it since it is my highway commuter car. Handling is good, but I haven't driven many other FF cars, so I cant compare. One of my good friends parents have 6 (I think)164's, they are nice cars; I am surprised with how well they hold up after hearing so many bad things about Alfa's.

I have a junkyard near my house that has quite a few BMW's, so I can find all the parts I need to mix and match. If I find something that works with all BMW parts, I will tell to try to clear up unknown areas of the swap. Will the e32/4 oilpan fit over a e36 m3 rack, or will I need to modify it? I need to replace mine and was planning on upgrading.

The exhaust shouldn't be a problem, that is one of the fun parts of the swap!

Thanks for the information and good luck on yours

Byron

[E30SPDFRK]

The junkyard that has all the BMW's just crushed them all:(. I found an e32 that I can get the pan and pickup off of. Did I understand you correctly that I could use the pickup off of that?

[speedhop]

You can use the pickup off either E32 or E34. If you tried anything different you wouldn't be able to clear the steering rack! Oh noesss!!

[E30SPDFRK]

I just thought of something: What do I do about the gauge cluster situation? I don't want a 4500rpm redline m30;). Is an "i" cluster plug and play?

[euroshark]

Not sure on the cluster but I think it should be plug and play... I vaguely remember reading about some pins or a chip or something... I dunno, I'm at work and I'm pooped.

On a sort of related note, I'm buying PSloan's girlfriend's '90 325i Two door and I should be gathering M30 swap parts pretty soon!