m42 bolt up 89 325i?

[Airplanecar8]

Hey guys a little new to this whole bmw scene. just finding out if an m42 swap is pretty straight forward. any help would be great.

thanks.

[Haraise]

From what I understand it's not very straightforward at all. If you're not on AZBMW check it out. :)

[trackjunkie21]

If you have a late model 325, then yes it's straightforward. Not worth it in my opinion, search for an m50 from an e36, much more rewarding.

[Massimo]

They many be many a resons why he may want an M42. Yeh late model shell I believe it is a basic swap in and out. but an early model is not so.

[///digitalme]

wont you need a driveshaft? i know the m42 uses a longer driveshaft

[shEck3lls0]

I have looked into swapping an m20 into my 318is before. However, I decided to not go that path. In the process though, I did find out a couple things.

-Electrical issues: If you have the harness, you should be fine. Also, the ecu is needed. Electrical issues however are the most difficult to deal with.
-Engine will bolt right to the same mounts.
-You will need a different flywheel and clutch for the m42.
-As I have understood, the G240 and the m20 transmission are interchangeable. (I don't know this for sure), however, I would just find a G240 and use that to not run into any problems later.
-Driveshafts are different lengths I believe.
-You are better off getting a radiator from an m42 as modifying the coolant system from the m20 might be a little difficult to get everything right.

Otherwise, it is pretty simple as if you have all the m42 parts, it will slide right in and everything bolt right up. The only thing that might be difficult is getting everything wired up right if you aren't too good with wiring. Good luck with whatever you decided to do.

.... one last thing. Do your research and get all your homework done before getting stuck somewhere in the middle of it not knowing what to do. I mean, it is pretty simple, but don't rely on one person.... I may be wrong. Once again, good luck.

[///digitalme]

What he said you'll need a flywheel conversion I say just find a 318is it's more of a hassle swapping that engine into a 325

[trackjunkie21]

I have looked into swapping an m20 into my 318is before. However, I decided to not go that path. In the process though, I did find out a couple things.

-Electrical issues: If you have the harness, you should be fine. Also, the ecu is needed. Electrical issues however are the most difficult to deal with.
-Engine will bolt right to the same mounts.
-You will need a different flywheel and clutch for the m42.
-As I have understood, the G240 and the m20 transmission are interchangeable. (I don't know this for sure), however, I would just find a G240 and use that to not run into any problems later.
-Driveshafts are different lengths I believe.
-You are better off getting a radiator from an m42 as modifying the coolant system from the m20 might be a little difficult to get everything right.

Otherwise, it is pretty simple as if you have all the m42 parts, it will slide right in and everything bolt right up. The only thing that might be difficult is getting everything wired up right if you aren't too good with wiring. Good luck with whatever you decided to do.

.... one last thing. Do your research and get all your homework done before getting stuck somewhere in the middle of it not knowing what to do. I mean, it is pretty simple, but don't rely on one person.... I may be wrong. Once again, good luck.

You have it wrong, he wants the m42 in a m20 car.

[shEck3lls0]

I know, I was saying what I was going to do and the research I found and what differences there are in the m42 and m20. I was originally going to put an m20 into my 318is, but didnt do so. Reverse of what I was gonna do, but essentially would include all the things listed above.

[Matt-B]

you will need m42 and all its accessories and the drive shaft, plugs right into late 325 wiring