View Full Version : E34 M30 or M50 swap?
goodfolk1
10-21-2009, 02:48 PM
I have a 1990 525i 5spd manual. I need a motor and I have found two cars that I can get the motor from. One is a 1989 535i(M30)automatic and the other is a 1991 525i(M50) automatic. Which of these is the easier/ better/ cheaper swap to do. I have a tranny from a 1993 325i cabriolet(M20 motor). Will it work w/ one of these motors. Will my drive shaft work?
jfj707
10-21-2009, 02:57 PM
I don't believe any of those are really "easy" or cost-effective. I'm sure the others will have more helpful details.
I see M20 engines go for $300-400 around here.
nmp411
10-21-2009, 03:33 PM
I'm pretty sure the M30 would be an easier swap, but you would need a new trans as well.
goodfolk1
10-21-2009, 03:47 PM
which tranny will I need?
strad
10-21-2009, 05:45 PM
For an M30b35 you need a Getrag 260/6 (as opposed to the 260/5 which is what a five-speed M20 car would have). There might also be other M30 transmissions that will work -- I only know what would be installed in a manual E34.
An M20 trans will bolt up to an M5x engine, but be aware that the shift pattern will be canted 10 degrees off to one side.
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.