Question... Engine Swap

[Nygdup]

Thinking more and more about swapping out my m10 for another motor. However, per the recomendations made here I am now thinking about putting in a m30 from an older 5, 6 or 7 series. Is there a DIY or writeup somewhere of what is needed for these engine swaps? I know the m10 doesn't have the computers or wiring harnesses some motor swaps require. But if I pull an m30(?) from a early 80s car, is this an issue?

[euroshark]

This is a good place to start looking: http://www.jaredsquires.com/ndp/335i/. Also check out www.e30zone.net. There are a handfull of M30 swap guys on the forum, myself included, who can help you with any questions you might have.

Fitting the motor physically in the car isn't a big issue, especially if you buy the motor mounts from www.e30.de. Electronics won't be incredibly difficult, but you will need a wiring harness from an M20 or M30. Feel free to PM me with questions, I'd love to help!

[Nygdup]

Great info in those links. Now I just need you to move to Atlanta, buy the parts and do the work for me!

I guess my first step is to find a motor/tranny combo and go from there.

[Rennsport]

do a search in the engine swap sub forum. there is alot of info there.

[bimmerdreamer]

Think long and hard before you drop too much cash. If you just want a fast street car you will save a lot of time and money buying a new car (325is or M3) or turbocharging the M10

318i's lack ABS, rear disk brakes, and LSD's.
I personally am building up an M10 because 1) it was free (thanks insurance) 2) I found a good turbo kit 3) it already has the body kit and interior I want 4) It already has a track-able suspension and 5) its my first car so it has sentimental value

if I had a stock M10, I would keep it stock and enjoy the 35+ mpg and unique driving experiance. A 325is would give you much more bang-for-your-buck. But, if you enjoy wrenching- can find a cheap motor/tranny/diff- and love your 318I GO FOR IT, just think about it

[Nygdup]

Love the 318i... and while it wasn't my first car, it was my second one. Wrecked that one ten years ago and decided to buy another (it was $700, so what the hell, right?).

The interior is nice. And I do enjoy wrenching. What I don't have is a handful of money, so I need a slow build up rather than just going out and replacing what I've got.

I've found a cheap ($450) e23. I was seriously thinking about buying it and stripping the motor from it. Howver, I can't find any info on anyone using an m30 out of that chasis. Does it even have a true ECU? Or is it more like the m10? Will I still need all the other parts, like the new oil pan?

[Digitalwave]

A bone stock 84 318i is not an ideal platform for a big horsepower increase - unless you are upgrading the rest of the car (suspension, brakes, etc.) at the same time. I'd also suggest saving up and getting something faster, a 325i for instance, and you'll have a much faster car with better brakes, a more robust suspension, etc., straight from the factory.

[trent]

Even at the age of these cars, they need a complete suspension refresher, including TA bushings, subframe bushings, front end, etc. There is no reason not to start with an 84. A 325i would need the same amount of work.

[2002maniac]

go for it. Upgrading the suspension and brakes isnt even a big deal.

[Garageaholic]

m30 ftw!

[Rigmaster]

Thinking more and more about swapping out my m10 for another motor. However, per the recomendations made here I am now thinking about putting in a m30 from an older 5, 6 or 7 series. Is there a DIY or writeup somewhere of what is needed for these engine swaps? I know the m10 doesn't have the computers or wiring harnesses some motor swaps require. But if I pull an m30(?) from a early 80s car, is this an issue?

Don't take this the wrong way, but from the way you asked this question, I get the impression you need to do ALOT more research before undertaking ANY engine swap.


The first thing I can think of to tell you is- if you're really going to do an M30 swap, don't waste your time with anything less than a late M30 from an E34 535i or E32 735i. The later (~88-up) M30's are better than the early M30's.

Other than that, you really need to plan ahead for this, or it will cost you a shitload more $$ than you can imagine. Every little part you have to purchase new from a dealer at full retail will just add to the cost. Plan ahead, take some time sourcing all the necessary parts, do your research- and you might be able to make it work without breaking the bank.


Bret.

[george graves]

Yea, what these guys said....

The later motor is called a m30b35. It's motrontic 1.1 or 1.3. It's a lot of work, and not all the info is easy to find. As far as the "318i" is conserned - it's the wrong car to start modding for the most part.

here is a few pictures to let you know how much work the swap is....

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=78914

HTH...

...

[euroshark]

The first thing I can think of to tell you is- if you're really going to do an M30 swap, don't waste your time with anything less than a late M30 from an E34 535i or E32 735i. The later (~88-up) M30's are better than the early M30's.

They are good, but an early high compression euro M30 is the titties... overbored (93.355mm instead of 92mm) and 218hp... The throttle response you get from the shorter stroke is noticeable as well, and it seems to like to rev out more easily. :) Like one guy said, upgrading brakes and suspension is easy if you are capable... DO IT.

[george graves]

an early high compression euro M30 is the titties... overbored (93.355mm instead of 92mm) and 218hp...

Def! Refered to as the "L block" motor because of the letter L on the block. Awesome motor. Hard as snot to find in the US though...

[Fanzotti]

As far as the "318i" is conserned - it's the wrong car to start modding for the most part.

I was under the Impression that a Later model 318 say a 89 318is would make a good platform to do a S52 swap. If this is true what year/models make good platforms?