e36 m3 engine into e36 328i body

[SirSparky]

as the title says how difficult is it going to be to swap over an e36 m3 motor into my e36 328i body?wiring,engine mounts,etc....

 

[ClassicB]

I dont think this is worth the effort, i have seen E36's with M3 motors, and the problem at the end of the day is that you can not build an M3, it will still be over shadowed by the original and you wont be happy with the final product, unless you getting an m3 motor dirt cheap.

Rather sell the 328, take the money you were going to spend on the conversion, and buyer a complete M3.

Just my personal opinion

 

[SirSparky]

thats just the thing,do it sleeper style.keep my 328i badge on but under the bonnet is a diff story.Iam not going to get much for the 328i and how much are m3's going for now?crazy money.

 

[ClassicB]

It is a good option, but those motors are also pricey. Have you sourced one yet or have one in mind? (if the price is good they are strong motors!)

Have you thought about a turbo conversion? Should be cheaper and will kill standard M3's.

 

[KeepItTidy]

There are E36 M3 engines for sale online. Check gumtree or junkmail.

 

[neelsie88]

Interesting thread, I'm gonna keep an eye on this one coz I am also looking at getting a M3 motor later on.

 

[StK]

The main problem with putting in an M3 engine is EWS...So you would need the Key/Barrel/EWS module/ECU as well...The best option would be to get an M3 donor car ie one thats been in a prang then you can use all the bits you would need for the conversion :thumbsup:

 

[Sankekur]

The main problem with putting in an M3 engine is EWS...So you would need the Key/Barrel/EWS module/ECU as well...The best option would be to get an M3 donor car ie one thats been in a prang then you can use all the bits you would need for the conversion :thumbsup:

+1
This is usually your biggest problems, had the same problems when I tried to put a M54 325i engine into e30 coupe.

 

[calypso]

The cost of upgrading everything else to M spec will soon get you close the the price of an e36 m3.
Thing is the e36 m3 will have a much higher resale value then then car you want to build.

 

[1lum1nat1]

Not that I'm against any transplant, but don't you think this might be the reason why you having all sorts of shit with your cars?

 

[WerriesM5]

The main problem with putting in an M3 engine is EWS...So you would need the Key/Barrel/EWS module/ECU as well...The best option would be to get an M3 donor car ie one thats been in a prang then you can use all the bits you would need for the conversion :thumbsup:

It is posible to make the DME work in your 328i, it will have EWSII then the M3 DME also must be from a EWSII car. You just need to recode the DME to work on a new ISN code from the EWS.
I am doing it on my 340i conversion, making a EWSII 740ia DME work with my EWSII from my 328i and factory keys.

 

[StK]

It is posible to make the DME work in your 328i, it will have EWSII then the M3 DME also must be from a EWSII car. You just need to recode the DME to work on a new ISN code from the EWS.
I am doing it on my 340i conversion, making a EWSII 740ia DME work with my EWSII from my 328i and factory keys.

You could also do an EWS delete if you have the right equiptment to do so or you could put in a standalone ECU.

The 740 engine conversion is interesting.Many problems to overcome...What sump you going to use?and how you going to overcome the issue of clearing the steering column,I believe you need to tilt the engine 15 degrees and use the 325 deisel steering column as its better heat resistant...I hope you are documenting all this work too :excited:

 

[WerriesM5]

I havent done much on the 340i conversion lately, I'll onley be back home in December..
I have already got a post '97 325tds steering rack in the car. I am having a custom oil pump made out of billet aliminium to relocate the pump to fit the engine in the correct position and with a custom made sump. Alpina used a custom oil pump infront of the steering rack, but I want the pump behind the cross member (where it belongs on a e36) Then I can mount the engine lower down and as far back as possible.

 

[StK]

I havent done much on the 340i conversion lately, I'll onley be back home in December..
I have already got a post '97 325tds steering rack in the car. I am having a custom oil pump made out of billet aliminium to relocate the pump to fit the engine in the correct position and with a custom made sump. Alpina used a custom oil pump infront of the steering rack, but I want the pump behind the cross member (where it belongs on a e36) Then I can mount the engine lower down and as far back as possible.

I have heard the E9? M3 sump pan works a treat on this conversion :thumb: Could be worth looking into.Also the Alpina had an upgraded oil pump because of oil starvation on this conversion too,Its popular to put in a dry sump but they are ridiclously expensive...