1983 E21 320i...needs guidance for M42 swap from 94 E36 318

[anonymous4l]

Hi,

I'd like to swap the motor from my 1983 BMW 320i - E21. I sourced a motor from a local junkyard with transmission. It came from a 94 E36 318, and I'd like to know what parts I need, computer software, any hiccups, etc.

Thanks in advance for your guidance.

[Unique320]

There a a couple of M42 swap threads on this forum. I just recently posted mine. Check my profile and post history and you'll be able to find it.

[Tom D]

here's a list of the things you definitely need.

engine
trans
computer
engine wire harness
exhaust header
shifter, lever, linkage, and carrier
flywheel and clutch

E30 oil pan and oil pump pickup this is a must because the E36 pan will not fit behind the E21's subframe

these are the things that will make the swap easier
E30 318 drive shaft
E30 radiator

- - - Updated - - -

I have never done the swap with the E36's 250G transmission and have only used the G240 out of the E30 so this is new territory. the other thing I have never done is used the E36's DISA intake manifold, so again I don't know about any clearance issues.

[Damatheus]

A guy by the name of Sellick here on the forums was doing an M42 swap with the motor out of a 94 318i, he'd be a good one to contact concerning the swap of that particular model of M42. I haven't seen him post anything in a long time though.

[HipMF]

Don't forget the MAF and airbox if you choose.
+1 for the driveshaft and radiator

[anonymous4l]

How do I contact Sellick? And what about TomD he's seem to know a lot about e21s. Where do I get motor mounts from? Is there a kit or should it be custom fabrication

[bflan2001]

Here are three build threads that have pretty much all the information you need. The last link is Sellick's build. You're much better off reading through everything in these links before you start asking questions. There are a few other well-documented swaps on the forum, those were just the first to come up in a google search.

https://sites.google.com/site/straig...rivetrain-swap

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...87-Spring-Swap

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...ick-s-M42-swap