anyone have pics/measurements of these oil pans?

[nando]

meaning, M50 (525i & 325i) and ix (good luck finding that!). Just trying to figure out how possible it would be... an M50 motor probably costs about as much as fixing a blown M20. ;)

so what are the differences between M20 and M50 oil pans? I'm sure oil pump location is one of them, but what about bolt spacing? and sump location?

[iXer]

I wish I could give you answers straight away, but I will try to find out for you in a few weeks. I will visit this guy I mentioned in another thread a while ago, he built an S50 into his iX and modified the oil pan. Last post by me in this thread:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=88006

I probably can't get any measurements, he has probably done it all ad hoc when both oil pans and the new engine is on the work bench.

[nando]

I never saw that thread, excellent information.

it's nice to see that the ix engine mounts basically bolt on to the block. it also looks like the oil pan modification is pretty simple (those are nice pics!). do you know what the tube is for?

that's a euro S50 too! of course I doubt I'd go that far ($$$). I think the US motor will clear the brake booster fine, but I wouldn't feel bad about modifiying the intake a bit to make it fit if I had to.

the only variable left is the exhaust, but any decent shop should be able to do that no problem. maybe get a set of shorty headers and have a custom down tube made that goes to my SS exhaust.

[James Crivellone]

you pop your m20b25 nando?

[nando]

naw, still runs fine. just autocrossed it yesterday actually. but if I ever did, I wouldn't waste my money rebuilding or buying another M20, and it appears that the swap on the ix is almost as braindead as any other E30. I need a 5 speed before I need more power of course. :)

[Nate325ic]

they ever make anything like a 525ix?

[nando]

yeah they did. I think modifying n ix/M50 pan would probably be easier and cheaper than trying to find parts from a 525ix though! even if the dealer could order the pan for me, it would probably cost around $500 (vs ~$100 to have it welded).

[Bryson]

all m20 motor mounts work on m50s ;) you may want to try an ix pass. side motor mount bracket and an m50 driver side mount bracket to raise the motor up, correct the tranny angle and hopefully clear the brake booster.
FYI: to anyone doing an m50 swap using an m20 tranny.. m20 motor mount brackets can be used but there will probably be clearance issues with the brake booster. This will eliminate the need to modify the selector rod because the tranny will no longer sit at an angle

[DrMcDave]

nando i still got that swap stuff in my parts car, i am still fixing my head gasket and haven't gotten around to doing any parting lately.

i was contemplating the other day, about just doing a swap. We'll see how much info i can get. an aluminum m52 would be amazing ot say the least.

[nando]

you know I want the 5 speed out of that car :P

even a regular M50 would be a nice starting point. by ditching the AC and getting a lightweight flywheel, and maybe using some other lightweight parts, it might be possible to bring the weight balance closer to 50/50, plus having a much better motor as a starting point. It's also possible that fuel economy will improve, which would be a pretty nice bonus. :)

[BS87]

How bad is the fuel economy in your iX?

[nando]

I get 22.5mpg.. which is what it should be. I think the i/is is around 25mpg?

[Bryson]

with a 24v motor and stick you'll probably drive it harder. 22.5 is AMAZING, I get like 18-19 in my car

i have a stick ix tranny+transfer case also if you happen to need one

[nando]

with a 24v motor and stick you'll probably drive it harder. 22.5 is AMAZING, I get like 18-19 in my car

i have a stick ix tranny+transfer case also if you happen to need one

I think you should give it to me. I'll pay shipping. ;)

[DrMcDave]

well the fact that you drive hard and get 18-19 isn't a bid deal because if you wanted to get good gas mileage you could. I could get around 27 driving normally in our old 325is w/ vanos. my sister on the other hand with a non-vanos.....gets on it all the time and gets around 21 ish