S54 in '84 E30?

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old325e

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Hi,

I have just gotten an '84 325e because my dad picked up a 97 328is. I really driving my car, but I would like more power and am on a limited budget. I would like to put in the S54 engine, but I don't know if it would fit or not, or how easy it would be to install. Im also not sure how the car would compare to the E36 M3. I know it wouldnt be as good, but if there would be a huge difference I will start saving and go for a M3 in a year or so. Any info at all would help a ton, thanks.
 
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epj3

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It would cost more than you think.

You'd have to replace (besides the engine and engine mounts) the tranny (most likely), electronics (this is what makes it super expensive), your dash, exhaust system, suspension, and last you'd have to probably put a new differential on.

This probably costs more than the M3's you'd be looking at.
 
xLibelle

xLibelle

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id say just go with an M3, the electronics dont cost that much at all, if anything extra than usual. tranny could fit with minor mods.
but yes, there is a lot that adds up in the swap.
 
Rukus

Rukus

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I say, if you are going to do an engine swap in any car like that, Looking for oem parts (electronics and sensors and such) would cost ALOT more than installing an aftermarket engine management system, which would ANYWAYS be alot better!
 
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AutoXfreak

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Instead of getting a whole new motor take a look at the i or e thread. Some guys in there have some good comments on using the eta block and an i head. If you plan to do all of that work and then in a year buy an M3 its not realy worth it. Just keep your money and spend it on the M3 and make one scary fast car!!!
 
junglestylz

junglestylz

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I saw an S50B30 euro engine dropped in an E30 M3. It supposedly only added 60 lbs. to the front. As far as being able to do it, with the right amount of money, you can throw any engine in it. I posted a link a while ago that had an E30 with a V12.
 
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travis325is

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Dont mess with putting obd2 engines in that car, you would have to convert it back to odb1 and thats a total pain in the ass. If you want to do the swap start with the m50 or s50 engine, youll need the electronics, the transmission, and an e30 m3 driveshaft to bolt it all up. I think if im not mistaken you also need the oilpan off of a e34 525 for it to fit over the steering rack.
 
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bluntheadtrauma

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travis325is said:
Dont mess with putting obd2 engines in that car, you would have to convert it back to odb1 and thats a total pain in the ass. If you want to do the swap start with the m50 or s50 engine, youll need the electronics, the transmission, and an e30 m3 driveshaft to bolt it all up. I think if im not mistaken you also need the oilpan off of a e34 525 for it to fit over the steering rack.
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hes right but its not hard at all. i have a 98 3.2 in my 87 325is and i did all the work myself. converting it back to obd1 is easy if you have the parts list. the most difficult part for me was making the wiring harness. its a monster once its done and well worth the cost you cant buy anything that performs like this for the same money. dont skimp on brakes
 
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rjp325i

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You are probably better off installing a 1995 M3 engine that is already OBD1. That avoids many of the headaches and cost associated with an electronics conversion.
 
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bluntheadtrauma

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rjp325i said:
You are probably better off installing a 1995 M3 engine that is already OBD1. That avoids many of the headaches and cost associated with an electronics conversion.
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2 rules of thought on that. with the 3.2 you get the extra down low grunt. i thought if im going to do it im going to go all out. 3.0 is easier for sure but they are getting to be high mileage motors too. mine has 36k on it and cost me 600 dollars to convert it back
 
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rjp325i

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So much of the cost and aggravation depends on how much the individual is capable of doing himself. This is true with any conversion. Other factors such as good prices on needed odd parts also enters the pic. What might be a piece of cake for the experienced can be a nightmare for the novice.
 
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bluntheadtrauma

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rjp325i said:
So much of the cost and aggravation depends on how much the individual is capable of doing himself. This is true with any conversion. Other factors such as good prices on needed odd parts also enters the pic. What might be a piece of cake for the experienced can be a nightmare for the novice.
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very true. i was just trying to point out its really not that difficult a conversion. this is my first BMW and altho im somewhat mechanical id hardly consider myself a pro.
i will admit i was nervous diving in to a swap like this but once youve done it you look back and the mysteries not there. i love to pass on my knowledge ive gained from this making it easier for others. i had plenty of help along the way via email from guys and i like to pass that along
 
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rjp325i

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Its always a good thing to be able to draw upon the experience of others. Hopefully it helps avoid costly mistakes. Still not knowing the mechanical and electrical capabilities of the original poster one must be cautious in undertaking any involved project. My experience with swaps is with American iron and as long as time is not an issue it makes it easier as well. Many times the calendar and/or funding becomes an issue that causes compromises that can be costly. The swap you performed was probably a real "fun" job. I would have loved to have been there with you on the project. However, if the person is not going to keep the car for an extended time then I would advise buying a later model to begin with. His 19-20 yr old 1984 is likely in need of several other upgrades to make the swap work as it should. I wish him well.
 
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South Africa E30 driver

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Do it, it's the best thing you can do for your car I did it, my car was faster than the E46 M3, and as a daily driver you won't feel the weight difference, you only feel it on the track. You don't have to change the suspension at all. and you also don't have too change the gearbox, although I would recommend it cause it complicates matters, and the car runs out of gears when it can still accelorate more. The braking on the 325i is also still quite adequate for street use (but i don't know what brakes the 325e uses). It is also so much fun pulling up next to an M3 at a stop light in your sleeper and thumping the guy so hard he runs home with his tail between his legs. Add a Turbo or Supercharger to this and this is gonna be one hell of a scary, but fun ride. I know!!!!
 
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