any BMW techs, mechs or people here?

[Takid455]

Situation:
1987 325is. dropped valve and broke cam.

have a 5 series w/a 325 engine that someone started but never finished.

My intentions are take the motor from the 5 series and install into the 325is. car will most likely be used for a DD. maybe a turned into a track car later. my investment into both cars in under 100 so adding some coin is not a concern, but do intend to go nuts.

questions:
is the 325is engine/ head different than a 325?

Can an M3 head easily swap onto a 325 block or is it more of a headache. Is swapping a entire M3 engine the better way to go?

[MCMLXIX]

swap in an LS1/T56 and have fun...

[401Spirit]

I have been a BMW tech for 37 years. I build Spec E30 engines and track prep cars. '87 to '91 325i and '88 to '90 525 engines are the same. '91 and up 525i engines are DOHC and are not the same. '84 to '87 325 and 325e engines are low rpm and are different. If you dropped a valve, the piston is usually trashed also.

[wmhjr]

I have been a BMW tech for 37 years. I build Spec E30 engines and track prep cars. '87 to '91 325i and '88 to '90 525 engines are the same. '91 and up 525i engines are DOHC and are not the same. '84 to '87 325 and 325e engines are low rpm and are different. If you dropped a valve, the piston is usually trashed also.

As for the M3 motor, it's different - even between years, right? (and between countries - the S52 motor is way different than the europe version prior to the S56, right?). You've got VANOS vs double VANOS to think about with those heads, right? I've never (had to) wrench on any of my BMW 6's other than normal maintenance and minor tuning mods so I'm not COMPLETELY sure about that, but would be interested in the answer.

[marc_b]

I would go with an s52 motor swap, it's ob2 and came in the 96-98 e36 m3. I have a couple of co workers that have done this swap no problem into thier e30's. You should hit up some e30 forums or search around since this is not a uncomen swap. Or you could go with an s54 from an e46 m3, not to expensive now.

[Takid455]

thanks for the suggestions. For now, i'll prob just swap the motors as it wont cost anything other than time and misc. items. If the time comes for an M3 swap, I'll probably find a whole engine and wiring from a E36 or 46. I did notice that E46 M3' can be had for high teens to low 20's. while it is a bit of coin, that is not bad for a car that was 50k new. the idea of putting the M3 head ?& whatnot on the block I would have, would be more trouble than just getting and M3 unit.

[wmhjr]

I would go with an s52 motor swap, it's ob2 and came in the 96-98 e36 m3. I have a couple of co workers that have done this swap no problem into thier e30's. You should hit up some e30 forums or search around since this is not a uncomen swap. Or you could go with an s54 from an e46 m3, not to expensive now.

It also came in the 98-02 M-Roadster. BTW - I believe the canadian M3 used the 3.0l and not the S52, but am not completely sure. If you go to the newer S54 you need to be just a little careful. Cars built between Feb 01 and May 03 reportedly had issues resulting in the extension of factory warranties. Failures included spun bearings, oil pump failure and some other reported issues. A voluntary recall of those vehicles involved replacement of rod bearings, some sort of oil pump mod, and I don't know what else. I'd guess you'd only be at risk if you bought one built between those years that had not had the recall work done.

[marc_b]

It also came in the 98-02 M-Roadster. BTW - I believe the canadian M3 used the 3.0l and not the S52, but am not completely sure. If you go to the newer S54 you need to be just a little careful. Cars built between Feb 01 and May 03 reportedly had issues resulting in the extension of factory warranties. Failures included spun bearings, oil pump failure and some other reported issues. A voluntary recall of those vehicles involved replacement of rod bearings, some sort of oil pump mod, and I don't know what else. I'd guess you'd only be at risk if you bought one built between those years that had not had the recall work done.

I thought the s52 was done in 2000. The s54 replaced it even in the e36 m roadster/coupe for the 01-02 model. I've seen a few 01 and 02 M roadsters and coupes sporten the s54 at work.

[wmhjr]

I thought the s52 was done in 2000. The s54 replaced it even in the e36 m roadster/coupe for the 01-02 model. I've seen a few 01 and 02 M roadsters and coupes sporten the s54 at work.

You're right. Brain cramp. S52 VANOS to '00 (really mostly '99 in terms of production numbers), S54 Double VANOS until the "new" M's.

Both of them great motors! The S54 obviously the one to get if you can deal with the electronics. An S54 in an M-Coupe is a cool little go-kart at the track. It's a little heavy, but it's stiff. The M-Roadster was designed from the ground up as a roadster and not a coupe. The conversion to a coupe took the stability of the roadster, and added more strength. Completely the opposite of how most cars are designed - first as a coupe, and then modified to be a vert. I've been on the track while M-Coupes were torturing Porsches and C5 Vettes.

[Takid455]

good info to know here.

a second ?

I have friend wants to know if a 5spd from a 86 325 will fit a 74 2002. I see that the 80-82 320i trans works, but what about the 325? reason is I have a 325 that will be striping and if the trans will work, great. I know there is a mech to elec speedo issue, but I think cable X should cure that. obviously the d-shaft and x members may need fabrication. do the bell housings interchange and would the floor need to be massaged?

[wmhjr]

I have no idea on this one, even though I also owned a 2002tii years ago.