BMW e36 engine in an e30

IrishMike

is it possible to swap the engines and if so are there a lot of other changes
that need to be made such as gearbox or is it pretty straightforward
head blew in my e30 and ive spent the last 4 weeks trying to get a
replacement engine but to no avail, like hens teeth so they are
so was thinking a e36 engine might be an option
thanks for the help

kdevitt

Its possible, not a direct swap though. Plenty of lads have an E36 M3 engine in their E30's...

IrishMike

does the transmission have to be changed aswell m8?
was selling my E30 and the head went on the damn thing and its in too bad
shape to skim, trying to find a replacement engine is proving impossible so i
was thinking if its not a huge conversion i would try and get an E36 engine

kdevitt

Yeah - tranmission would naturally have to be changed. Unless you get someone who really knows what they're doing with this, you'll end up with a car you'll never sell by the way, so I'd think carefully before you do anything.

Can't see why you're having so much difficulty getting an engine by the way - theres loads in the UK, and unlike the E36 engines, they'll drop right in. Try fabdirect.com or quarrybmwspares.co.uk

Andrewf20

And just to add......I have a BMW car magazine at home with an article on a guy with the M52 328i E36 engine in an E30 body. (and the dash for that matter!)

trojan5

Little bit out off theme, but about BMW e30: LINK

Fey!

AFAIK, there's a guy in Kildare doing recaonditioned e30 engines for about €600. Think it costs about another €300 to fit.

Unfortunately, I don't have any more details - was told by a customer and can't remember which customer it was! Sorry!

Seth Brundle

Sure a fella got a V12 into an E30 IIRC.
Your insurance company may not be impressed with it though and as mentioned a mod like this can affect resale.
What E30 is it?