R1dd1ck913's 91 318is M50tu swap

[R1dd1ck913]

Hi my name is Chris and I live in Kansas. I just bought a 91 318is for 410 dollars. It is not running at the moment but the body and the interior is a 9 out of 10 the car was a 2 owner car with under 130,000 miles on it when I got it. So what I joined this site for was to find some info on the timing guide update. So my 318 has the o so common fault where the timing idler sprocket breaks off its mount. I'm really just trying to find some info on this update and a parts list of what I need. Any ways even with this car not running I'm still showing it lots of love as I really want to get it up and running. I have done some minor weight reduction like removing the airbag system and the old as can be in car cell phone. I have also made some custom led lights for the glove box, license plate, and trunk. I also need to find a few small parts like a lighted widow switch, rear window defrost switch, cigarette lighter trim piece and a interior light for the driver side. Any ways I hope to find the help I need here. Thanks

[vpilarrt]

So my 318 has the o so common fault where the timing idler sprocket breaks off its mount.

Never heard of this issue but you probably need item 1: http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E3...e/timing_case/

I have all the switches, etc you're looking for - $30 shipped.

[R1dd1ck913]

I would definitely take what you have. Any chance you have a pic of what you have?. Thanks Today I will be putting some newer tires on this car since the old ones are splitting from sitting for so long.

[vpilarrt]

Got a number or email I can send them (pics) to?

[R1dd1ck913]

Ok so here's an update on my car. I have the motor most of the way out. The car is getting a m50 swapped into it from a 95 525i that I just bought for 400 dollars. It's wrecked but still runs and drives. Now here's the problem. The done m50 car. Is an auto and my e30 is a stick. What do I need to keep my transmission.

[R1dd1ck913]

I thought it might be time to post a pic of my E30.

[efficient]

damn 4x4 status lol
looks like it needs a clay and wax to make the paint look nice, looks good though

[sfinsf]

The timing idler sprocket breaking off is not that unusual. It's hardly a reason to kill another perfectly good 318is by putting a m50 in it. The swap is a mighty large undertaking. The idler sprocket is attached to a replaceable part which will be a bit less of a job than a swap. That car and M42 at 130k is just getting broken in. I just hit 220K on my original M42. Please consider all your options. The M42 is an incredibly solid motor and is perfectly balanced for that chassis. If you do some research, you will see how much heavier the M50 really is.

[htown318is]

m42 is ton o fun.

[R1dd1ck913]

I'm just trying to look at cost. To rebuild the m42 I'm looking at around 1500 dollars. Witch don't get me wrong is not that bad of a price. But at the same time I can buy a running and driving m50 car for 400 bucks and then scrap what's left and not have a dime in getting a running motor. As for doing the swap. I can do that. But on the other note I'm not going to fully kill the m42. It's getting rebuilt and installed in my buddy's 1973 bmw 2002.

[R1dd1ck913]

damn 4x4 status lol
looks like it needs a clay and wax to make the paint look nice, looks good though

Yes it does. But on that note once it is running again. It will be going to the body shop to have the antenna shaved and repainted.

[R1dd1ck913]

Ok been doing some research and I have a few questions on the swap. First if I use my g240 tranny do I use a stock pilot bearing for it on the m50? Then the next question. I read that if you are using the g240 that you need to shorten the shifter linkage or use a euro 320i shifter. Do I need a euro shifter or will one out of usa 320i work? Also I can use the booster out of the 320 as well right?

[R1dd1ck913]

Ok so today I picked up my M50 donor car. Here she is.


Here is my cars soon to be new motor. Also is this the best DME to have?


I also got this for my 318 out of the donor car. I don't think mine ever had one since there was a piece of foam in the plug for the flash light.

[R1dd1ck913]

Well the got motor preped to be pulled today. Every thing in the engine bay is unhook with the expectation of the exhaust.

[R1dd1ck913]

Well the donor car is scraped. My M50 is sitting on the floor and today I picked up a driveshaft from a 87 325.