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

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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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[Peter-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

[BannerBmw]

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

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!

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[Peter-E36]

Best of luck with it! Any photos?

[Gar]

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

[John_D]

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.

[Peter-E36]

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

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

[BannerBmw]

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

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

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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[ducky1]

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

[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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