Swaping help - BMW Forum

bimmer3214 · 01-22-2006, 05:31 PM

ok now i know not everyone will think this will actually happen and all the help people are going to give will be wasted but i really am doing this i just need a little bit of information. This summer i will be swapping my 325i convert. engine for a 3.2l m3 motor from bavengine.com or if the right ngine comes up on ebay. But this is one of the questions, I have an automatic and i plan on switching it to a Manual, what parts am i going to need to do this. i know the all the clutch, transmisson, shifter, consul parts, but can anyone tell me what else i will need? I will def. be asking the shop that is doing this, but i would like to know in advanced. and if anyone knows any other respected place to get an engine/transmisson that would be great information. And any other information you can throw in would be great from people that have done it.

Cruzin 323is · 01-23-2006, 01:00 AM

ok, so lets get serious for a min.... the engine alone is going to cost u 6k+ from that site... plus tranny, labor, and everything else... do u feel that this is a wise investment? when u can spend pretty much the same money, about 10k and get a real m3??

bimmer3214 · 01-23-2006, 06:21 AM

yes i have thought about that but i want something different and a 325i convertible with m3 engine is unique not everyone has one. so thats why my chocie was to go with this.

tomctx · 01-23-2006, 07:24 AM

Might also need to think about brakes and suspension. You're putting more hp into the chassis.

bimmer3214 · 01-23-2006, 10:48 AM

alright thanks tomctx

93 325i · 01-23-2006, 12:16 PM

there is a reason why there aren't many auto 325i's with the S52 engine manual swap conversion... reason being it doesnt make sense. Installation of the engine (you will have to have it OBDI converted) will cost 2 grand alone. PLus the cost of the engine & trans (which you will have no core to send back). Then you got the manual swap which will set you back $2500. So right there your easily going to eclipse $10,000+ AND you will NOT have the additional braking power, suspension, differential, etc. of a stock M3.. Take all that money you are going to pour into this project, plus sell your current car and you can get a M3 convertible and even have enough for some mods on that.. Do the math- your gonna get in way over your head.. Unless you got money comin out the ass this is just plain dumb from a financial perspective.

Cruzin 323is · 01-23-2006, 01:45 PM

my thoughts exactly!

bimmer3214 · 01-23-2006, 04:09 PM

ok guys i have read your post and i will re think this idea....thanks for the info cruzin and 93....im sure you guys are right. after thinking today i have realized that it is alot of unexpected money. sorry for the stupid post. but thanks.......Peace

94BMW325i · 01-23-2006, 05:16 PM

nah its not a stupid post, they are just trying to help you out, so you don't spend more money than getting a "real" M3.

93 325i · 01-24-2006, 12:01 PM

No prob... just making sure u take a look at the broader picture.. glad to see your re-thinking the idea.

BeachBunny · 01-24-2006, 03:50 PM

Awww.

: I know you guys are just trying to help... But what if he LIKES his car and just wants to do something to it? Besides, he wants a convertible. Yea, it wouldn't be cheap... but if he can afford it... Sounds like a good idea to me... Did you say you would get the motor from a junkyard or something?

tomctx · 01-24-2006, 04:16 PM

The M3 can be had in a convertible also. Best thing to do is figure out exactly what the swap is going to cost. Not only in money, but time. Do you have something else to drive? Then make a decision. I still vote for buying a M3 convertible, but it's your money time and life. Good luck in whatever you decide.

bimmer3214 · 01-24-2006, 04:17 PM

naw bavengine.com