Beckster's M52 325IS

[bangn]

Interesting.. I think you've got the better deal anyway. Too many big holes in the body for the mtech kit mounts.. opens it up to rust.

[BECKSTER]

I thought all the 325IS models came with an Mtech kit on it? This just looks like a normal 325I with an airbag wheel.. sure its an IS?

To my knowledge the USA 325is did not come with an Mtechnic kit.

The 1990 US spec 325is also came with an airbag wheel.

The features the US 325is came with was
The trunk lip, an LSD, basketweaves BBS wheels, I think slightly stiffer springs, sport seats, and an mtechnic wheel ( mine came with an airbag since it's a 90'.)

[bangn]

I thought all the 325IS models came with an Mtech kit on it? This just looks like a normal 325I with an airbag wheel.. sure its an IS?

[BECKSTER]

Alternatively, I recommend Dave @ Markert Motor Works for Flashing pretty much anything to do with BMW stuff OBD2 or newer.

I don't currently trust myself at tuning my own ECU so I'll most likely get it sent out, and maybe have it performance tuned?

I'll be selling the wheels of my car and running bottlecaps for alittle while so I can have some extra cash to play with and get everything I need.

[Northern]

I talked with a few people with m50/m52 turbo cars and they have said that for obtaining 300-400whp with boost, a obd1 m50 will be easier and slightly cheaper than building a m52 turbo for that same power goal.

Would argue the complete opposite. M52 gets more displacement, better ECU, a forged crank, lighter valvetrain, and a few other things. Only real downside is the oddball oil filter housing, which is only really a problem if you hulk smash it.

So here is my question, since I'm getting a free m52 and already have an e34 oil pan and 413 ECU (413 because I thought I was going obd1 m50) how much more money am I looking to spend on completing the obd2 m52 swap?

Sell the 413, and if you're just trying to get the swap done cheaply and run it around N/A for now, you can buy an INPA cable and a 20-pin to OBD2 adapter (Here), the chipster MS41 flash tool (here) then download/set up romraider.

Do some reading on the RR forum (here) as well as the slightly easier to navigate OpenMS41 site (here) and figure out how to modify the control bits and turn off any emissions stuff you need and your flashing is done for ~$60.

You could make it even cheaper if you wired up an OBD2 port in the car instead of buying the adapter, but its easier to just plug in the adapter.


Alternatively, I recommend Dave @ Markert Motor Works for Flashing pretty much anything to do with BMW stuff OBD2 or newer.

[BECKSTER]

ST1G and Farbin will be happy.

Plot twist. I'm no longer getting an m50.

I'm receiving an obd2 m52 from an automatic 328i with low miles for free.
So here is my question, since I'm getting a free m52 and already have an e34 oil pan and 413 ECU (413 because I thought I was going obd1 m50) how much more money am I looking to spend on completing the obd2 m52 swap?


Input appreciated, and if there's any potato farming locals that would like to contribute to my swap you will be well rewarded with either steak/ribs or $.

[BECKSTER]

That looks great , going to be nice to have it all back on the road...hopefully by June 18th so I can see it at c/c:)
jm

Thank you John, I know I'll have it running by the end of the month.


I'll be on the hunt for new wheels as well;D.

[2002jm]

:)

That looks great , going to be nice to have it all back on the road...hopefully by June 18th so I can see it at c/c:)
jm

[BECKSTER]

M20 is out

M20 is pulled out, so that means I have to drop something in it.
I'm thinking that maybe I drop a few mixtape's and a big bonfire inside the bay before the 24v arrives.








Pressure washed and degreased, I think it came out great.

[BECKSTER]

Why don't you just put another gasket in and properly torque it?

Then take the time to get an m52.

I have the whole month of June as free-time for this swap, the m20 has 300,000 miles and is tired. I'd rather not put anymore money into it.

I talked with a few people with m50/m52 turbo cars and they have said that for obtaining 300-400whp with boost, a obd1 m50 will be easier and slightly cheaper than building a m52 turbo for that same power goal.

I'm not looking for crazy performance as of right now. I just want a reliable 24v I can pull 180-190whp with a chip and headers until I have money for F/I.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Why don't you just put another gasket in and properly torque it?

Then take the time to get an m52.

[BECKSTER]

Found the cause of my blown headgasket.
My head-studs where only torque'd to 20ish lbs.

The motor I'll be receiving is a
M50b25tu out of a 1993 325i.
The engine has been maintained, and has great compression.


List of things I have or receiving.
- Motor.
- Harness.
- Motor arms.
- EBay m50 headers.
- Garagistic transmission mounts.


List of things I need (feel free to pm me if selling these items.)
- M50 red label ecu.
- E34 525i oil pan, pickup tube, and dipstick.
- 24v swap brake booster.
- 24V swap transmission crossmember bracket (will probably order garagistic.)
- E28 535i mounts, or condor 24v swap mounts.
- clutch/LTW flywheel combo.

[BECKSTER]

More Updates.

After I put my driveline back up, I changed my oil, topped off the coolant and let it run then I drove it and it was a blast.

The next day I checked my dipstick and it looks like I have officially blown a head gasket because my coolant and oil have mixed hard.

If you look close enough you can see the coolant/oil mixture at the bottom.



I decided its time for a 24v, so I started pulling my harness in order to pull the motor out.
It's m50 time folks, i'll be collecting parts for the swap starting now.

[BECKSTER]

Headers installed, & with the help of my dad, I was able to build a 2.5' full exhaust for the car.


Smiley's wired up.


Old guibo.


New guibo.


New csb, the old one was pretty much non-exsistant.

[BECKSTER]

boots look good man, any close up pics?

Yes, I totally forgot to post it in my update. I still need to install the ebrake boot.



Matt-B boots are superb looking and the material is very quality stuff!
Give him a shout if your looking for boots!