M42 swap into an '89 325i (reviving a parts car)

[BenM]

In anticipation for swapping an M50TU and 5-lug into my '91 318i, I had a crazy idea about swapping the M42 and some suspension into this parts car I've had.

The parts car is a real looker too. 1989 325i 4dr. Bronzit with an Automatic Transmission, custom moldy interior smell complete with small dead rodents! Faded paint and rust included too! I'd really just use it as a backup/beater for when winter strikes here in NE.

I figured I could swap the suspension that I wasn't using along with the complete M42 drivetrain, but wanted to know if I could reuse some of the stuff from the car.

- I have a spare M20 radiator and expansion tank, can those be used in conjunction w/ the M42 upper and lower radiator hoses?
- Does the C101 from the M42 Harness need to be rewired for the 325i chassis or can it be plugged directly in? Wiring info for the 91 318i is misleading.

Anything else that I should be anticipating or does that about cover it? Opinions/comments/suggestions welcome.

Thanks,
Ben


Edit- forgot about the 4cyl. coding plug and all the associated clutch pedal bracket, clutch master and other.

[lifeiskaos]

i think it'd be a good use of parts you have laying around if you can swap it out all yourself but i were paying somebody to swap an engine, i'd put in some sort of 6 cylinder

[Hick]

c101 plugs are the same. nothing needs changed. cant answer the rad question, but im sure you could find a way to make it work

[BenM]

i think it'd be a good use of parts you have laying around if you can swap it out all yourself but i were paying somebody to swap an engine, i'd put in some sort of 6 cylinder

Yes I will be doing all the work myself. That would be the whole point, to use what I already have and not spend much money. A cheap backup car is what I'm looking for.

The motor itself has 230K on it, and burns a little oil when cold. Other than that, runs perfect. Still gets <25mpg and the Timing chain tensioner has recently been replaced.

[lifeiskaos]

ahh then go for it! yes you can use the m20 radiator. some of the 24v guys use m20 radiators, some of them us m42 radiators. it will work

[BenM]

c101 plugs are the same. nothing needs changed. cant answer the rad question, but im sure you could find a way to make it work

Awesome. Guess I could ground the wire for the oil level sensor so that the light in the check panel wouldn't be on all the time.

ahh then go for it! yes you can use the m20 radiator. some of the 24v guys use m20 radiators, some of them us m42 radiators. it will work

Excellent, that is good news. I was thinking the airbox might interfere with the M20 coolant tank, but I don't think that will be a problem.

Another question/problem is I might have to go COP, since the 325i doesn't have the bracket for the coil packs. Either that or weld the spare one onto the shock tower. That could probably work.

Thanks guys.