1994 E36 M42 into a 1992 E30

[DougMorgan7435]

Hi, New to M42 Club but also a new owner of a 1992 E30 318ic.  Bought for a M52 swap then did some research and decided to stay 4 cyl.  Motor is dead; and I lucked into a 1994 318is last night.  My intention is to pull the e36 engine / trans as a set w engine harness and dme  and drop it in the e30.  As its running and driving now w all accessories , I was going to stay serpentine but need the e30 p/s and a/c.
  Both trans are manual and I think I read that the 250 in 10mm longer but fits fine w its own slave cylinder used.   Intake is different , which to use?  Sensors swap?     Pitfalls on this swap?  Roommate is a bmw tech at a independent shop but makes me learn and do my own research.  Performance upgrades that are tried and true?   Chip? header ? Cams?   Nothing fancy for now.  Thanks

[DougMorgan7435]

Hi, New to M42 Club but also a new owner of a 1992 E30 318ic.  Bought for a M52 swap then did some research and decided to stay 4 cyl.  Motor is dead; and I lucked into a 1994 318is last night.  My intention is to pull the e36 engine / trans as a set w engine harness and dme  and drop it in the e30.  As its running and driving now w all accessories , I was going to stay serpentine but need the e30 p/s and a/c.
  Both trans are manual and I think I read that the 250 in 10mm longer but fits fine w its own slave cylinder used.   Intake is different , which to use?  Sensors swap?     Pitfalls on this swap?  Roommate is a bmw tech at a independent shop but makes me learn and do my own research.  Performance upgrades that are tried and true?   Chip? header ? Cams?   Nothing fancy for now.  Thanks

    on inspection I would tend to think I would want to use the existing e30 harness and swap sensors as needed.   

[DesktopDave]

Welcome! Sounds like you've got your priorities set out, that's great.

I'd personally recommend using as many E30 parts as possible. Swap the oil pan, mounts & intake manifold, use the E30 DME, harness & coil packs. The serp. belt setup is nicer than v-belts, but you'll have to figure out what to do with the oil dipstick. There's a few swaps documented here and at R3v.

Post some pics if you get a chance!

[DougMorgan7435]

Thanks Desktop Dave,
     E30 318ic is a triple black 5 speed  convertible getting the engine trans swap and adding header and chip.  Paint actually good on sides and doors open w pinky. Hood and trunk texture feels like light rhino shield so roommate gonna pull and spray soon as swap done.
     E36 328is is donor car and is sold to roommate after engine / trans pull  , ebay coil overs available tho ( pd $570 delivered)
     E36 328iC has the $46K  window sticker in the owners manual, 180k and runs better than she looks. just a mil for torque converter solenoid showing
     Last E30 pic is internet sourced and what i am shooting for w mine

     Looking to change to stiffer sport springs , struts +and related hardware then  build original m42, as next step. probably Turbo'd