1.9 318ci to 2.5/3.0 project help???

Hi Folks,

Myself and a mate picked up a project car between us for free(lodger went to oz got him to sign it over) the car its self is in great nick!
But the motor is dead Hg is gone and crank bearing, so basically scrap!

Now heres the question of BMW gurus of this site...........what do we need to get a 2.5 or 3.0 into it? Is it even possible? A 2.2 unit even if its easier?
So lads if you could give me a list and any ideas be great.

We have a lift and full workshop facilities to use so no prob with space,

I promis a full project report! :)

Thanks,

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Sounds like fun :)

M54B30 (330ci) all the way, I'd avoid the 2.2 like the plague. The M54B25 (325ci) is a pretty great engine too! Avoid the M52B25TU (323ci 2.5) if you can as it's not as potent as the M54, and this is where I'll shut up and let somebody more knowledgeable step in for the more technical details :P

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Originally Posted by E36

Sounds like fun :)

M54B30 (330ci) all the way, I'd avoid the 2.2 like the plague. The M54B25 (325ci) is a pretty great engine too! Avoid the M52B25TU (323ci 2.5) if you can as it's not as potent as the M54, and this is where I'll shut up and let somebody more knowledgeable step in for the more technical details :P

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Ya thats what we're thinkin go allout!, haha. The car is in great nick hans a good spec, and was owned localy for years be a pitty scrap it. trykeep her alive for future generations of petrol heads! :D

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Best of luck with it! Any photos?

328 engine should be worth a look too and a bit easier to pick up then the m54b30

328/323 M52tu engine is the best choice for you IMO as they are contemporary to the year of the car, also less messing trying to retrofit electric throttle.
If she was the later 1.8/2.0 car then i would go with M54 engine.
Are planning to swap just the engine or the full drivetrain? Bear in mind the 318 gearbox may not be up to the job of handling the torque of a 2.8/3.0 engine.

Good point actually, since it's pre facelift - 328 M52TU it is :D

The only problem with that is that full cars with good spec in great condition can be got for quite cheap so dunno if it would be worth doing unless you got the running gear for next to nothing... Or if you're doing it for the craic. That's as good a reason as any imo :)

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Originally Posted by E36

Good point actually, since it's pre facelift - 328 M52TU it is :D

The only problem with that is that full cars with good spec in great condition can be got for quite cheap so dunno if it would be worth doing unless you got the running gear for next to nothing... Or if you're doing it for the craic. That's as good a reason as any imo :)

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Ya it for the craic and the car cost nothing so not too bad! :)

So If I pick up a 328 M52TU, what do I need with it? Engine, box,loom,ecu? Also what exhaust would we need?

Thanks for the help, there will be pics once we have a plan! Haha

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You will also need the ews kit as well eg the key the ring around the ignition and the ews unit under the dash. And as much wire sticking out of it as possible. Caus some of them can be nearly impossible to get it removed. Best of luck with it well worth doing


E21

You're as well to buy a complete donor car starting and driving and swap all over and that way you can break or. Weigh in what's left. Don't get a 5 series donor ad the loom is different and adds to the workload.

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http://www.adverts.ie/car-parts-accessories/bmw-e46-330ci-parts-complete-engine-m54b30/4218348

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Originally Posted by Dod

You're as well to buy a complete donor car starting and driving and swap all over and that way you can break or. Weigh in what's left. Don't get a 5 series donor ad the loom is different and adds to the workload.

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Well I dont really want to get stuck into donar cars and breaking, the lad that owns the workshop has let us use a bif of space but dont want to take advantage of him either, fair play to him for letting us store it,

Plus I dont have a clue about electronics, scares the shit out of me haha

Any one know of someone who would do the transplant for me? Without costing a fortune?

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Originally Posted by BannerBmw

Any one know of someone who would do the transplant for me? Without costing a fortune?

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Motor Confidence or PerfectCar both on here, there cheap for the work they do.

Where are you from and what's your budget start to finish?

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Originally Posted by Dod

Where are you from and what's your budget start to finish?

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Im in limerick/clare but could travel, as for budget, I have no idea what it would cost, buy running gear & fit?

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I have a 00 323ci that i will start breaking from next week on if your interesed , can be sold as it is aswell

Ok, running gear and everything about 500 to go everything and the same again labour I'd imagine. I'd do it for less but I'm in Donegal.

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Originally Posted by Dod

Ok, running gear and everything about 500 to go everything and the same again labour I'd imagine. I'd do it for less but I'm in Donegal.

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There is hope for operation moneypit yet!! :)

I could buy one with the right motor and spec but no fun in that! Plus she'l be stayin with me a few years yet! Love that car this is my second time buying haha

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TBH, get a full donor car if you're going from 4 pot to 6 pot. Just done it in my friend car few weeks ago (from 02 318ci to 00 323ci) and now I'm replacing the running gear in my own 03 318ci.
If you not familiar with cables you'll need some help. It's not simple p&p, unless you want it to do some cowboy job with two separate keys (one for the locks and one for the ignition).
I don't know why people in here are avoiding 2.2 (m54b22) and early double vanos 2.5 (m52tub25). With few simple mods those engines will have more torque and power than 325 or 328.

just get 323 or 325 engine ,ews key and ring your 318 box can work fine as said we can fit in perfect car very easily pm for price if interested

edit what is the car i assumed it was e36 till i relooked and seen 318ci so i assume its e46 a little bit harder

What mods can be done to m54b22 to make it have more bhp and torque then the 2.8 ? :huh:

E36 M3 Evo exhaust manifolds, twin exhaust system, good quality air intake set up and a chipped ECU should leave it there of there abouts.

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On an m54 ? There the most un-tuneable engine there is if they were easy to get any more power from I would have done it a long time ago

Very hard engine to achieve good results from unless your willing to supercharge or spend 1000's

omg , back street engineering started :hehe!:

I was told 210bhp from the 2.5Tu engine is relatively straight forward with only entry level mods, 210 is plenty for a daily driver.

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Originally Posted by Valdelisbmw

omg , back street engineering started :hehe!:

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What is back street engineering?

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