Super ETA E28 engine parts worth anything to E30 owners?

[klavender1]

I recently purchased a 1988 528e strictly to use as a parts car for my 1984 533i. Mainly just for interior pieces. I don't have any need for the engine but it is a Super ETA. It has the 885 head but I know that it's slightly different than the 325i 885 head. Would either the head or bottom end be worth anything to E30 owners?

[Andre3127]

Would you be willing to sell the pistons and rods alone? If so, send me a message. I'm interested.

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[ButtJuice]

The short block is definitely desireable. I did the supereta/885 head swap and I’m happy with it for what I would consider an inexpensive swap. For reference, I bought my supereta bottom end and an 885 head (that supposedly was rebuilt 30k miles beforehand) for $700.

[klavender1]

Thanks for the info!

[ForcedFirebird]

The heads are the same as an m20b25, except the seta has only the outer valve springs and a seta-only 7 bearing eta camshaft.

[BUDNUNTA]

wiring harness for sure, only way to plug and play motronic 1.3

[ForcedFirebird]

wiring harness for sure, only way to plug and play motronic 1.3

On an e30? The e28 and e30 harnesses are different.

[klavender1]

Funny thing, it came with a brand new engine harness. However I will be using that to upgrade to 1.3.

[325e '87]

Where are you? My son wants to build a 2.7i for his ‘87 eta. We might be able to get together on the head, harness, and dme? He has three 2.7 engines but no 885 or harness. He bought the i pistons, intake, and throttle already. Regardless, if you’re not too far it would be cool to see your car.

[klavender1]

I live in Lugoff. The SETA has a 154 ECU. Would that work for an E30? The SETA parts car isn't much to look at. :D It's chalky white paint and missing parts.....But if y'all want to check it out, you're more than welcome.

[ForcedFirebird]

Where are you? My son wants to build a 2.7i for his ‘87 eta. We might be able to get together on the head, harness, and dme? He has three 2.7 engines but no 885 or harness. He bought the i pistons, intake, and throttle already. Regardless, if you’re not too far it would be cool to see your car.

You would actually want the whole engine. The regular 2.7's have flat pistons and give you a horrible 8.3:1 compression ratio. Take klavender's whole engine, install inner valve springs (all 325e has single valve springs), and a matching m20b25 camshaft (all 325e have smaller cams), use a 325i ECU and you will have a strong engine. Also make sure to use the 325i intake manifold and throttle (much better design than the SETA).


The flat top piston 2.7's only put down about 130whp, stock 325i's do about 150-155, seta with 325i cams/springs/ecu/manifold puts down 160+.

I live in Lugoff. The SETA has a 154 ECU. Would that work for an E30? The SETA parts car isn't much to look at. :D It's chalky white paint and missing parts.....But if y'all want to check it out, you're more than welcome.

154 ECU is a direct swap for the 173 variants. 153 is actually Motronic 1.1 and can plug and play with the 173 (Motronic 1.3) harness etc. The older two row ECU's are Motronic 1.0 and must be used with the corresponding harness.

[325e '87]

Thanks for the info John. I’m sure you hear this all the time, but, I really am saving up for a visit with you to refresh my ‘89.

Thanks klavender, we are planning to ride up to Hendersonville, nc Saturday to visit a bmw graveyard to see what kind of parts are there.

[klavender1]

I'd sell you the whole engine. :D