90 e30 325i engine swap into 87325is

[bmwaddict]

Hi Guys,

I installed a 90 e30 325i and manual tranny into an 87 325is which also had a manual tranny.

Does anyone know which pins and wires on the 90 engine harness needs to be reconfigured to work with the chassis harness on the 87 325is?

You help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks allot.

BTW I did do a search on this site but did not find any explination it.

[Jordan]

Should plug right in without an issue... its a good idea to use your 87 harness though to ensure everything is happy.

Changing all the cooling system related items over is the only "big" hurtle.

[bmwaddict]

Should plug right in without an issue... its a good idea to use your 87 harness though to ensure everything is happy.

Changing all the cooling system related items over is the only "big" hurtle.

I was told that the electrical should be plug and play but it's not, I smoked a wire coming from the main relay straight to the fuse box. i am now trying to find the color and pin out for it.

The cooling system is already done, I am just held back but this gremlim electrical issue.

Thanks for the reply.

[tommyboy]

hurtle == running over a turtle?

[Jordan]

So swap your 87 harness on. It takes ~30min

[bmwaddict]

So swap your 87 harness on. It takes ~30min

OK, I will do that in the morning. Gees 30 mins, you are fast :)

[James Crivellone]

Unless you want to rewire C101 and C104 you will need to use the 87 Harness as it requires the C104 connector for Tach/Fuel/MPG Function (IE it wont start without this connector)

88+ cars integrated C104 into the C101 connector by adding the pins.

So in short, If you use the 90 harness the engine will not start and you may fry something.

EDIT, and for the cooling swap over, all you have to change is the waterpump to an 84 - 87 model....thats it.

[bmwaddict]

Unless you want to rewire C101 and C104 you will need to use the 87 Harness as it requires the C104 connector for Tach/Fuel/MPG Function (IE it wont start without this connector)

88+ cars integrated C104 into the C101 connector by adding the pins.

So in short, If you use the 90 harness the engine will not start and you may fry something.

EDIT, and for the cooling swap over, all you have to change is the waterpump to an 84 - 87 model....thats it.

Thanks for the reply James. I have the whole engine installed and all the wiring so tidy, it will suck to have to undo it, but which would you say is more pratical and faster, the harness swap or rewiring C101 and C104? Jordon said it will take 30 minutes, but this guy looks like he works fast and neat seeing his car :)

I did see more pins on the 90 (17 pins) as opposed to the 87 which has 17.

Thanks for your advice.

[uflnuceng]

Nice practical swap... kudos.

[bmwaddict]

I will do the harness swap guys, I looked at it and it's no biggie really. It seems like it will be 30 minute job as Jordon said.

Thanks so much for all the help, I will keep you guys updated and I might post some pics after.

[bmwaddict]

Hi Guys,

Just remembered to give you an update. I did swap the harness the next day and the car started within 5 seconds :)

Thanks for the advice.