79 320I V/S 77 318I

[hammerdn]

I have just recently bought a BMW. I have never before worked on a BMW and I was wandering what parts are interchangable. I have a 77 318I and was thinking of buying a 79 320I if I can use the parts. will the body parts interchange on these years and what about the motor and tranny? they are both 5sp. What is the major diffrece in the 318 and the 320. Thanks

[will1506]

I'm not sure if there are any major differences. But The Engine I believe are different the 320I probably has a touch more power than the 318i. You have to becareful with the cosmetic parts though. A lot of the time the switches are not compatible (window switches) etc. They fit in perfect fine. But when I tried doing a swap for window switches from a 1984 325E with a 1991 318i. My 30 fuse kept on blowing. And I was wondering why until I found out that the switches are not compatible. But if you can get it for cheap. Than there are a lot of other parts that you can use. Like the fuses are all generic, you might be able to get away with spark plugs and the wires. The RADs and the fans might be the same. Tires, RIMS, speakers, seats. But do double check. But the motor and the tranny are not interchangable. A lot of work would have to be done if you want to do a swap with the engine and the tranny.

[BlitZeD310]

Umm not sure if you mean 77 316? Im not sure there was a 77 318. Either way if there was it will most definatly swap with out a problem. They both have the same M10 motor with the same getrag 5sp overdrive tranny. They also have the early CIS system with the K-jet. Most if not all e21 parts 77-83 are interchangeble minus some suspension, and interior parts. But either of the M10's whether it be the 2.0L or the 1.8L are the same, just a little difference with the crank and head/intake system...

[spiff325is]

yeah, what he said....