Well, I've gone and done it now. I picked up a 2000 328i with the tu engine for way less than the parts cost of my 318ti rebuild...let's just say considerably south of $1000.
Sport package, fairly straight, and I'm a sucker for the style 44 wheels, which were in pretty good shape.
The PO had put some aftermarket wheels on his other e46 and swapped the OE center caps off of this car for the new wheels. So I already have a used set of center caps coming for these style 44s. I plan on getting this car safe and dependable and pass it along to someone else. I got it cheap because the head is cracked. Engine is a mess inside. It'll crank and start, run, but you don't want to run it for long. But a buddy of mine has a m52 from an e36 that I'll put in it. Nothing wrong with the single VANOS.
So I'll keep track of the progress here. Never pulled an engine before, but there's a first time for everything.
Last edited by e30topdown; 04-17-2017 at 11:36 PM.
1987 325is Zinneberot 5spd totally stock multiple show winner
1992 325iC M-Technic factory appearance package, Diamantschwarz metallic, black nappa leather, black top, Dinan chip, K&N CAI, Remus exhaust
1997 528i Schwartz II, 5spd stick daily driver
1999 M Roadster, Dakar Yellow II, Dinan Stage 3, Dinan CAI, Dinan throttle body, Redline driveline, LiquiMoly 5w40 engine, BC Racing BR coilovers, Motion Motorsport under panel, S54 radiator and fan delete, BavSound speakers, Kenwood CD/iPod/aux/Bluetooth
2001 Z3 3.0i coupe, Sapphire Black, auto (dang), suede headliner, LeatherZ sunroof screen
2016 228i, Sapphire Black, 6 speed, M Sport Package
1993 325iC, Schwarz II, custom leather, Bilstein HDs, Ansa sport, Royal Purple engine and driveline SOLD
1997 318ti Active, Bostongruen, daily driver SOLD
Got the m52b28 from my buddy. He even delivered it!
Put it on the engine stand and drained what little oil was left in it. Put new crush washers on the oil drain and block drain plugs and torqued them to spec.
Pulled the e46 into the garage. No room for the M Roadster or e30 M Technic, so I'd better get this motor pulled and swapped quickly. It's not like we're in storm season here in Texas.
Now I'm figuring out which e46 parts will swap directly over to the new motor. So far, I know the oil filter housing, motor mounts, and oil pan will swap directly. Since the e36 ECU won't be able activate the electric thermostat from the e46, I'll just go with a mechanical in an e36 or e39 t-stat housing. I'm doing an e46 radiator and hoses, but I'll lose the quick adapter on the thermostat end. And the e36 CCV setup. I'm ordering all new sensors, since the ones in the e46 are trashed from the toxic mix of coolant, oil, and sludge. Still wandering about O2 sensors, since I'm running the e36 ECU through the e46 harness.
Progress should start soon!
1987 325is Zinneberot 5spd totally stock multiple show winner
1992 325iC M-Technic factory appearance package, Diamantschwarz metallic, black nappa leather, black top, Dinan chip, K&N CAI, Remus exhaust
1997 528i Schwartz II, 5spd stick daily driver
1999 M Roadster, Dakar Yellow II, Dinan Stage 3, Dinan CAI, Dinan throttle body, Redline driveline, LiquiMoly 5w40 engine, BC Racing BR coilovers, Motion Motorsport under panel, S54 radiator and fan delete, BavSound speakers, Kenwood CD/iPod/aux/Bluetooth
2001 Z3 3.0i coupe, Sapphire Black, auto (dang), suede headliner, LeatherZ sunroof screen
2016 228i, Sapphire Black, 6 speed, M Sport Package
1993 325iC, Schwarz II, custom leather, Bilstein HDs, Ansa sport, Royal Purple engine and driveline SOLD
1997 318ti Active, Bostongruen, daily driver SOLD
Did you ever finish this build? I want to do the same to stay far away from the aluminum block. But wonder what’s involved with integrating the ecus and harness
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