engine swap

[jazzyb63]

Hello to all! I'm new to the BMW forum--just purchased a 92 318. Gonna make it a project car. Has anyone out there completed an engine swap from the 4 banger to the six cylinder?

Jazzyb63

[jllphan]

Went from a 2.5L to a 2.8L i6. Was virtually plug and play save the fuel pressure reg, and a few other minors. Not sure about the four though...

[El Presidente]

yes, the e36 uses the same motor mounts for all its engines (1.6-3.2L). The most cost effective switch is to an M3 engine, rather than a 2.5 or 2.8.

With the 1.8, you will also need to replace certain parts [read: everything under the hood down to the smallest detail] and the shocks/springs to compensate for the weight difference, and you'll want to replace the tranny, drive shaft, and differential to compensate for the power difference.

[e36_m3_Turbo]

Originally posted by El Presidente@May 17 2004, 01:32 AM
yes, the e36 uses the same motor mounts for all its engines (1.6-3.2L). The most cost effective switch is to an M3 engine, rather than a 2.5 or 2.8.

i second that

[bimmer_boy]

Most cost effective is an M3 engine swap? How so? You're saying if I were to plant an m3 motor in my 1995 325i, it would be relatively affordable and simple to do? Anyone know the details of the price of the motor, and what all would be needed? If it was around 6 grand I'd probably do it.

[Andrewsd1985]

bimmer_boy the cost of an m3 engine and its horsepower comes out better than any other engine. you'd be lucky to find the engine alone for 6k.

[93is]

ken baker's bmw salvage!!! m3 engines 3500dollars bout 70 k on them.

[93is]

i dont believe the the 3.2 is that ez to hook up. u should go with the 3.0 definately.

[93is]

bimmer_boy ken baker has a 95 m3(3.0) for 3500. hooks right up ez

[skawful]

do they ship?

[dutchbmw]

Originally posted by 93is@May 17 2004, 04:35 PM
bimmer_boy ken baker has a 95 m3(3.0) for 3500. hooks right up ez

Here is a BMW salvage yard with euro M3 (<96 286 HP, 96< 321HP) engines...... 3000 Euro (3540 USD) excluding shipping costs. 50 - 80K miles on it

[skawful]

hey dutch ill take 1

[dutchbmw]

Let me know what you want....... B)

[skawful]

1 - 97 m3 engine, differential, 5spd transmission, anything else i need?

[camnipotent]

Originally posted by bimmer_boy@May 17 2004, 03:29 AM
Most cost effective is an M3 engine swap? How so? You're saying if I were to plant an m3 motor in my 1995 325i, it would be relatively affordable and simple to do? Anyone know the details of the price of the motor, and what all would be needed? If it was around 6 grand I'd probably do it.

He means if you are going to spend the money for more power, spend a little more and get a larger difference in HP.