318is (m50 swap) - BMW Forum

jhotboy2nv · 10-06-2011, 01:17 AM

hello guys i have a e36 318is i wanna put a m50 on it i wanna know if the swap will fit perfectly with no custom work and i wanna know of the harness is plug and play ;-) please let me know i hate the m42 motor

Jack Dabsy · 10-06-2011, 01:32 PM

Well, it will certainly fit in the engine-bay !! Doubts on everything else because your M42 is 4 cylinder (M50 6cyl), so will definately need a loom (and maybe ECU), I would also say the tranny is different !!

jhotboy2nv · 10-06-2011, 11:05 PM

whats a loom exactly

Jack Dabsy · 10-07-2011, 03:03 PM

LOOM = "the veins" it needs to operate as a straight-six instead of a four-pot.

jhotboy2nv · 10-07-2011, 11:22 PM

I see well i have the ecu harness trans and drive shaft and diff i hope i dont need anything else

Jack Dabsy · 10-08-2011, 11:07 AM

Go for it mate ;-)

Jack Dabsy · 10-08-2011, 11:08 AM

Do you have the tranny ecu too?
AND are they all from the same donor car?

jhotboy2nv · 10-10-2011, 04:19 AM

Tranny ecu ??? Do u mean the main ecu yess idk abt a tranny ecu and no they are not all from the same car

Jack Dabsy · 10-10-2011, 02:29 PM

Then you might experience some difficulties starting her up as these ECU's are not plug 'n play... They need to be "Matched" via computer so that they can comunicate with each other AND your key-fob too !!