Engine swap

[Burfy]

Hey guys,

I recently purchased a 2000 323CI, had a blown headgasket and I found a low mileage 2002 325i M54 engine. I have been picking away at it for a while now, I have run into an issue with the intake manifold. I noticed that there is a slight difference between the M52 and M54 with respect to the adjusting unit (?) the piece that has the rotating flap that isn't the throttle body. It has a different bolt pattern and harness connector. I thought I took pictures but I can not find them. I will update ASAP.

My ultimate question is - is there any advantage/disadvantage to putting the M52 intake on the M54 engine.

Also, I have oil in my engine ECU that I assume came from the oil level sensor.. Is this common?

And lastly - not really, I have more stupid questions to come in the future - has anyone replaced their exhaust mani studs with bolts? I was able to get my hands on some M7 bolts at work and we have spacers that just matched up perfectly (see pictures). I am hoping it is not a complete disaster. My logic is that heaven forbid I need to change my cats I will not be fighting for clearance. If no one has attempted this, I will update you once I get everything reassembled!

Thanks in advance.

[Eurostyle]

"My ultimate question is - is there any advantage/disadvantage to putting the M52 intake on the M54 engine."

Without the intake and a few other external details, the M52B25 and M54B25 are the identical 2.5 motor! So in other words NO. You will get the same engine you started with, so you will eventually run into the notorious Tbody problem of the 323/328...

[Burfy]

Ok, my next question then is it easier to source a 325 engine harness and ecu or find a good condition 323 harness and just clean out the oil from the ecu.