"duurtlang" (duurtlang)
01/01/2015 at 13:21 • Filed to: E30 Touring
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"duurtlang" (duurtlang)
01/01/2015 at 13:21 • Filed to: E30 Touring | 0
| 13 |
While browsing old BMWs I've seen many with a swapped engine. My gut reaction is to avoid them at all cost. But should I? Take the E30 Touring below as an example.
This '89 Touring with a M50B25 from an early 90s 5-series is a car I spotted not too far away. It used to be a 318i.
Front:
back:
The swap in this specific car was approved by German inspection authorities.
505Turbeaux
> duurtlang
04/13/2015 at 13:23 |
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as a driver, if it is what you would do anyways, then it is worth it if it was done well - like this one. As an investment it is hard to say. If that had an S38 in it sure - this just isn't interesting enough to cause a blip on the radar
random001
> duurtlang
04/13/2015 at 13:25 |
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If you're swapping an LSx into here, then yes, always worth it. ;0)
GUYMANDUDE
> duurtlang
04/13/2015 at 13:27 |
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Fun daily for the right price.
MegaSuper
> duurtlang
04/13/2015 at 13:38 |
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Is that the German TÜV? Are you based in Germany?
If so, I would imagine that's a good sign. Regulations regarding engine swaps and mods seem to be much tighter in the EU than elsewhere.
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duurtlang
> MegaSuper
04/13/2015 at 13:42 |
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Yes, German TÜV. I'm located slightly over half an hour from the German border, in the Netherlands.
Officer Jim Lahey is not a real cop
> duurtlang
04/13/2015 at 13:46 |
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I support this.
djmt1
> duurtlang
04/13/2015 at 13:48 |
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I say no but I'm biased since for me tuning/modifying is a waste of time and money since whenever the thought crosses my mind I always end up at the same point. Just buy a faster car. I guess that is the result of having cheap used cars. Either way are you willing to continue someone else's project?
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MegaSuper
> duurtlang
04/13/2015 at 14:08 |
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Nice! I was looking for someone like you to reply in my "Which European country is best for motorists?" topic.
Is it really true that the Netherlands has massive traffic jams and tons of speed cameras? Didn't they invent them?
Have you ever seen a Spyker? :D hahaha
Klaus Schmoll
> MegaSuper
04/13/2015 at 14:10 |
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They are actually pretty lenient when it comes to engine swaps compared to some other mods. If the build quality is o.k. and you follow the rule "bigger engine = bigger brakes" the sky is the limit. There are much more specific rules on stance/wheel sizes/clearances and body kits etc...
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duurtlang
> MegaSuper
04/13/2015 at 14:15 |
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The Netherlands does have massive traffic jams, but I'm not sure they're extraordinary compared to other countries. I've spent more time in traffic jams in Germany than in the Netherlands. Having said that, I don't live in the overcrowded 'Randstad' area with the many intertwined overcrowded cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Speed cameras are similar I guess. The last ticked I got from a Dutch speed camera was in 2012. I got 2 speed camera ticket in Germany in 2014.
I have seen Spykers, but very very rarely.
jkm7680
> duurtlang
04/13/2015 at 15:53 |
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Usually not. No telling what the PO modified and messed with to get in there in the first place.
avusblau
> duurtlang
04/13/2015 at 16:53 |
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If it's done the right way...speedo, central key works, rear diff, sway bars and driveshaft from 6cyl version, breaks swap (bigger breaks in front, discs in rear), suspension parts from 6cyl version or even E36 ,5 lug swap (rear taken from E36 318ti/compact, front from any 6cyl E36), air-condition works (if there was oem) i would say it's worth it. I don't know E30 so good but in E36, 4bangers and 6 bangers have different suspension parts. If body is in good condition and it's given an engine with much smaller mileage than stock one it's a good trade. Even versions with bigger stock engines can have issues and while making the swap, bad parts are often changed to new ones because it's probably the only moment in life of a car to really inspect and check condition of engine, suspension and so on(from my experience, for ex.changing engine and gearbox mounts really make the difference).
DasWauto
> duurtlang
04/13/2015 at 17:35 |
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That is a very common swap for an e30. Especially lower powered models like the 318i and there are kits out there specifically made to do this. IIRC, you can use any M50 engine but you have to get the oil pan from one that went into an e34 to clear to the front subframe/crossmember. Anyway, if the TÜV signed off on it I would assume it's up to snuff.
The m50 is a good engine. Not a huge jump in power but it's a bit lighter than the M20 (aluminum block vs iron), quite reliable and easy to maintain. You won't have to deal with the short timing belt change interval of the older engine either so that's a big plus. If you're looking for something fun to drive, this should fit the bill.