M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS
DISCUSSION => Swaps, Turbos, Buildups => Topic started by: Noel Higa on November 23, 2006, 10:41:11 AM
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OK, I admit it, I'm an opportunitist and a Craigslist junkie. And, I've been bitten by the e30 bug. I'm 30 years removed from being even an adequate back yard mechanic and have been driving a variety of nice reliable boring Japanese cars for those 30 years while career and family have taken priority in my life. However, having stumbled into the e30 world a couple of years ago, I now remember how much fun driving and messing with cars can be. So, putting all my CL addiction and rekindled passion for cars together, I started buying e30s and parts when they were locally available and the price seemed right. In addition to a few cars that I have resurrected using bolt on parts and doing minor repairs for myself, friends and family, have now acquired a big old pile of parts that I think I can make into a pretty nice rig. But it'll be a bigger project than anything I've ever undertaken. Before I dive into this I wanted to get the advice of others more expert and experienced. I'm not interested in making the fastest car known to mankind, nor a motorized skateboard, just want to put it all together for a fun reliable driver.
Here's what I have and what I paid:
'85 318i with a straight body and in need of paint $300
'93 318i m42 engine ECU and tranny $600
wiring harness $ 75
'93 to '91 m42 conversion stuff, intake, pan, etc. $100
'86 325e parts car, no engine or trans $ 50
m3 springs $100
Bilstein sport shocks $160
So, I think I have the bulk of the makings for a pretty nice car for under $1,300. I'm thinking I should start with the engine and tranny to make sure I can make that work. I'll do the conversion to the '91 m42, using the '93 harness and ECU and drop that into the 318. Assuming I can make that work (a big assumption), I'll then tackle making it stop and handle adequately. I'm planning to take the entire rear subframe, including diff and brakes; the brake booster and master cylinder; and, the front struts and brakes from the 325e and installing them with new bushings and the m3 springs and Bilsteins.
I've no doubt that I'll spend at least another $1,500 to $2,500 on new "while you're at it, you might as well" parts. I'll want to rebush the front suspension and steering (rubber, not urethane), replace all the drive train rubber mounts, replace the timing chain and the rubber engine externals, and, replace clutch, pp and flywheel. I've read all that I can find on-line regarding the various pieces of this project and I think it's all within my modest mechanicing ability.
So, how stupid is this? Am I forgetting anything major? Is my budget even close to realistic? Will I have a good fun daily driver when I'm done? Anyone see any "won't work" roadblocks?
I don't want to get started only to end up with another unfinished project. Should I just sell this pile of junk and go out an buy a 318is? Any and all advice, encouragement, chiding, admonishment, etc. will be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Noel
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Sounds like you are in the blocks and ready to jump. This club will give you some of the best help and opinions in the E30 world. There are members who are mapping performance and making conversions. Then there are those of us who can break stuff but really do a good detailing.
The 318 is one of the most enjoyable cars out there. You will pleased with your labors. Enjoy and drive.
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Thanks for the encouragement. Reading through the DIY and tech sections, it looks like just about everything I need to know is documented here.
One more question. I've read about incompatibilities with "OBD I and OBD II". Is this just about getting the right diagnostics and error codes and such? Or, will it make for lots of electrical and electronic tail chasing in doing the conversion?
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Am I forgetting anything major? Is my budget even close to realistic? Will I have a good fun daily driver when I'm done? Anyone see any "won't work" roadblocks?
Thanks,
Noel
You are forgetting the consequence's of drinking the "M42 Kool-Aid". But it's too late to stop now.
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Thanks for the encouragement. Reading through the DIY and tech sections, it looks like just about everything I need to know is documented here.
One more question. I've read about incompatibilities with "OBD I and OBD II". Is this just about getting the right diagnostics and error codes and such? Or, will it make for lots of electrical and electronic tail chasing in doing the conversion?
The motor you have came from a 93 318is...thats 3 years before OBD II came out...you have nothing to worry about in that regard.
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Nice project. Be sure to take plenty of pics of before, during and after. Hopefully you also can provide write-ups for whatever we dont have or improve on some existing. Good luck with it.
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If I read this right you are going to put the M42 in an early 318 which origionaly came with the M10.
I went through this same thought after my first 318is got totaled. I decided against it because I did not have the time to invest in a project. I liked the fact I could get into a running car and go. And if I wanted to change something it wasnt open heart surgery. The early cars are lighter and the M42 in one would be fun but in the real world of school family work and the other complecities of life a few extra pounds in a car are not going to kill you.
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Not sure if you mentioned it or not, but while you are swapping subframes change the front struts/brakes from the 325e as well.
The 325e differential would also be a poor choice becasue it has a really low ratio. I think it was like 2.93:1 or something rediculous like that.
you will want a 4.10 or 3.9.
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the m10 donor car will have drum brakes (rear), so you will want to swap something else in...
btw that will be a hell of a ride when you are done. less weight more fun.
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Thanks to all for the advice and encouragement. My internet connnection has been down for a week due to the heavy snows we had here in Washington, so I haven't been able to read these and respond until now. So, what a great surprise to see so many posts, and nary a negative word! Does anyone know of anyone who has actually done the engine swap? Is there any documentation anywhere online? I've had a couple of folks on other boards say it's not documented because it's so straight forward. I wish I could believe that. Since I'm no expert, I need all the help I can get. A couple of other questions: Where did the additional weight come from in the newer cars? Any recommendations for a diff? Will the e36 diff work or should I be looking for an e30 318is diff?
Thanks again to all.
Noel
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The E36 diff won't work with the E30 rear axle. You'd better keep your 318i diff.
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Any updates?
It's been four months...and the weather has been nice here in Washington (nicer still if you are east of the Cascades).
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