Swapped engine, ID needed... - BMW Forum

daklunk · 06-06-2006, 11:56 PM

Could someone tell me if there are distinguishing features on the blocks or heads that I can use to identify what motor is in my car? I have an '84 318i that had the engine swapped with an 85 320i... but it's a 4 banger, and every other website I've visited tells me you couldn't get an 85 320i with a 4, only a 6. I plan on some possible engine mods in the future, so know which engine I have could come in handy... :lol:

Thanks!

daklunk · 06-08-2006, 06:18 PM

Nothing? Can some one direct me to a site that shows how I can figure out which engine I have?

Thanks

JoeMadoo · 06-08-2006, 09:29 PM

I didnt reply becuase im not totally sure. But on the drivers side of the head there is a number that will either have the engine size or a part number that you could look up. Depending what it is you may have to take off the intake manifold to see it. I would take some pictures and post them up here for the pros to look at.

daklunk · 06-09-2006, 12:12 AM

Thanks, I'll see what I can do. My camera isn't much, I'll have to borrow a friend's or something. Also, the car is not at my house, it's sitting in town...

Which people in the E30 catagory are "pros?" I have a feeling I will want to get to know them, I have much to learn...

325eXTATIC · 06-10-2006, 12:19 PM

Starmavin is the e30 pro on the board. He is an ASE certified wrench too, so he's a great resource!

Josh W.

Starmavin · 06-10-2006, 09:53 PM

Thanks.

The e30 320s in the 85 year all had the m20 motor. The only SOHC 4 cyl m10 in the "320i" name plate were in the e21 body and went out in 1979 and would be a step down unless heavily modified. From 79 up to 83 it was called the 318 or 318i but still was the e21 body. To ID it correctly I'll need the casting numbers off the head, it starts with a 1 then a space then 6 more numbers, I'll need these to go further.

daklunk · 06-11-2006, 01:21 AM

Awesome, thank you! I think I'll be in town tomorrow, I'll see if I can get the number.

Thanks!

saltshaker185 · 06-11-2006, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starmavin

Thanks.

The e30 320s in the 85 year all had the m20 motor. The only SOHC 4 cyl m10 in the "320i" name plate were in the e21 body and went out in 1979 and would be a step down unless heavily modified. From 79 up to 83 it was called the 318 or 318i but still was the e21 body. To ID it correctly I'll need the casting numbers off the head, it starts with a 1 then a space then 6 more numbers, I'll need these to go further.

just wondering what kind of info can you get off of the numbers?? and how do you read them?

Starmavin · 06-11-2006, 01:58 PM

I compare them to other head numbers and that tells me the type of head/motor, approximate year/s and model/s it could have come from. Once I have that, I'll ask him about a few minor changes BMW made over the years, and that'll help narrow it down.

saltshaker185 · 06-11-2006, 02:02 PM

awesome, where do you get this info? a friend of mine is in the same boat as this guy and was wondering if there was just a site or soething that you could just type in the number and get info on it??

daklunk · 06-11-2006, 09:59 PM

I wasn't in town today, but my dad was. He can't find the number... Driver's side of cylinder head, cast into the head? The only figure was "1.8L" (M10?). There's a good chance I'll be able to take a look at it tomorrow, so we'll see...

Thanks

BTW, are these head numbers you'll compare mine to on a computer or a book or something else?

Starmavin · 06-11-2006, 10:51 PM

I have a few books I use, and a handfull of web sites. BMWs are not nearly as popular to build up as other makes are so this info isn't wide spread as some would like.

daklunk · 06-12-2006, 06:36 PM

I just checked and there is no 7 digit number. The driver's side of the cylinder head is blank save for the roundel near cylinder 3 intake port and "1.8l" towards the back of the head above cylinder 4.

Is there another number somewhere else I could use?

Starmavin · 06-12-2006, 08:28 PM

Take a look at the intake side in between the #3 and #4 intake ports there is a year stamp there, give me this. It's kinda hard to see unless you take off the throttle body.

daklunk · 06-13-2006, 08:58 AM

Hmmm, I will try that, but my dad had one of those mirrors on a stick and couldn't find anything other than what I found. Could this number be hidden by the aluminum cast piece connecting the intake runner flanges?

Also, I read on a different forum (bimmerfest I think) and I found a thread that said the engine serial number is located on the left side of the block, towards the front. What do you think? I won't have access to my car for a day or 2, so I won't be able to find a number for a little bit.. doh...

Thanks for the help!