318 to m3 engine swap possible?

[allill]

i was wondering if anyone has done this or can point me in the right direction. i am in california and have a 94 318ic which i am considering swapping the engine with an 95 e36 m3. i'm sure it can be done, but what are the legalities and troubles that i may run into? can it pass smog with the bigger motor? also, what would be any complications?


-thanks

[thekid]

I don't know about cali smog etc, but yes it can be done and has been done. There are several threads with lists of parts around here. Just a few off the top of my head:

Engine, ECU, wiring harnes, Tranny, Rear Subframe, diff, suspension, fuel system...

Unless you do the work yourself it would be cheaper to sell your car and buy an M3.

[allill]

i may be able to buy a whole m3 as a donor. it's a friends car that he doesn't care to keep so the price for the donor is extremely low. any idea on labor costs?

[tomctx]

Give these people a shout. www.zionsvilleautosport.com. they seem to specialize in swaps. You still could probably buy an M3 for what the swap is going to cost. Remember, with M3 power in the 318, you need to think about suspension and brake upgrades as well.


If you can buy a whole M3 for a bargain price, why not drive it and sell the 318????

[Delmarco]

I thought you meant a 318i engine into an M3 car.
woozers...


It's been done before and two things will happen.

1. Car goes faster.

2. Car's drivability-lifetime is shortened drastically.

One hell of an expensive mod that has been quoted to cost as much as $12,000 for a decent job and as low as $4500 for a risky and brutal DIY with your mechanic buddy pal you buy beer for to do it.

Bottom line is just save your money and buy an M3.

[allill]

i'll probably just buy the m3 and get her back on the road.

thanks