E46 318 motor swop to 3.0

[Mr.Psycho]

Good day ladies and gents

I've been doing some research etc and very little information comes up when googling or searching different forums.

So my car is 100% stock and in not to bad shape, for the price I got it for Its not worth selling and buying the larger 330i.

Has anyone done the swop before to the larger motor? Chassis wise I fully understand its bolt in but I'm uncertain as to what all is needed. Logic says gearbox motor ecu and wiring. Cluster as well but would rear diff and prop also have to be replaced?

Sorry for the long post, I just enjoy having enough info to make a proper informed choice.

 

[TBP88]

Just at a guess the heavier motor would also need different shocks and potentially a different rack, gearbox and diff also, brakes all round as well I'd guess... Unless you have a 318 shell, would be better spent just buying a 330.

@gizmo is the man to talk to about these e46 swaps, he's done a fair few and will know.

 

[Straight six]

What Gizmo says about the E46 is Bible

So make contact with him....All your questions answered:thumbs:

 

[Yuben]

In my opinion it is too much work and the costs might make it more feasible to pay extra and just buy a 330i.

 

[moranor@axis]

it will be cheaper and easier to buy a 330i swap any better bits from the 318i into the 330i

then sell the 318i

 

[bobbychoo]

As others have said, there is some work involved, BUT if you are looking at this as a learning experience, then you can do it, lets just say it wont be the cheapest route, unless you get a rear smashed 330i for free and do all the work yourself, yes you can swop the drivetrain from the 330 into the 318.

Engine, gearbox, ecu, diff, prop shaft, suspension, auxiliaries etc. all needed.

 

[that_guy_Ettiene]

Trust me, just buy a 330i...

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

[Straight six]

Good day ladies and gents

I've been doing some research etc and very little information comes up when googling or searching different forums.

So my car is 100% stock and in not to bad shape, for the price I got it for Its not worth selling and buying the larger 330i.

Has anyone done the swop before to the larger motor? Chassis wise I fully understand its bolt in but I'm uncertain as to what all is needed. Logic says gearbox motor ecu and wiring. Cluster as well but would rear diff and prop also have to be replaced?

Sorry for the long post, I just enjoy having enough info to make a proper informed choice.

Sent you PM

 

[Mr.Psycho]

Thanks for the replies all.

So doing the physical labour isn't much of a problem, I enjoy swinging spanners from time to time. It's not a project for right now but "if" the n46 motor decides its tired.

The 318 has been in the family since new, so realistically I know the full history of the car/what maintenance has been done.

I do understand buying a 330i would be best as its a complete car though, but still interested in the general idea of the motor swop.

 

[zippy320]

I have to agree with the other guys , Is just not worth it , also does not matter if the 318i has "Been in the family since new" as you are going to change most of everything , and that falls out the door imo.

You may end up ruining a good 318i for having a scrappy 330i worth nothing in value , rather sell it and buy a 330i . Its not just a matter of swapping engines and gearboxes and bits and its not just about "Swinging spanners" Its a Big job that can easily end in disaster . Dont be a Psycho :smilebounce:

 

[Mr.Psycho]

Ha ha ha won't be doing it anytime soon unless motor dies, which I doubt will be soon.

I've done a few other motor, gearbox etc swops on Opel's, minis etc. But still interested in what has to be changed. But fully understabd the thoughts of ruining the 318.

 

[Nikhil]

Ha ha ha won't be doing it anytime soon unless motor dies, which I doubt will be soon.

I've done a few other motor, gearbox etc swops on Opel's, minis etc. But still interested in what has to be changed. But fully understabd the thoughts of ruining the 318.

engine
gearbox
diff
ecu
exhaust
propshaft
wiring harness
braking system
cooling system

That's what I can think off at the top of my head.