Possible M3 Swap???

birtch3 · 09-21-2009, 05:41 PM

Driving a E36 96 318i.
Thinking about doing a M3 swap. What would be needed? How much$? and which m3 motor would be best for this?

birtch3 · 09-22-2009, 05:34 PM

Questions to see the compatibility...
ECMS/COMPUTERS compatibility?
Throttle Linkages
Exhaust (Bolt up)
Wiring Harness
Rad (right location? Right hoses?)
A/C (fits)
Drive Shaft?

birtch3 · 09-22-2009, 10:48 PM

Come on people...need some help to make a toy into a machine.

328is · 09-23-2009, 07:03 AM

it's a direct bolt-on. Since your car is a 96, you cann either go with a 3.0L OBD1 or a 3.2L OBD2.

But... there is more than the engine to make an M3. The brakes are bigger, the suspension is better. In my opinion, it's stupid to uprade the engine without upgrading the braking system and the suspension. Finally since you have a 318, you will need a transmission too. Oh ! and a diff also...

I think that the swap is about 3-4000$ instaled ??

doogee · 09-23-2009, 03:45 PM

Ya I'm not positive but I think you're looking at:

S52B32
ZF Tranny from M3 or 328
Driveshaft
LSD
Possibly half shafts
M3 Wiring harness

birtch3 · 09-23-2009, 11:17 PM

Alright thanks guys!
Anyone else know any info they want to throw in it would be much appreciated!
And I've been doing some looking and apparently its more common to swap a Chevy LS1 V8 into it haha and was thinking about checking that idea out too

Darkness95m3 · 09-24-2009, 10:38 AM

I'd go with the Chevy LS1 V8.

Dr. Flyview · 09-24-2009, 12:38 PM

Byebye fuel mileage though.

Panerai · 09-24-2009, 12:58 PM

Or you could just buy a M3

WHOA THIS ONE LOOKS LIKE A GREAT DEAL!!!!

http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124954

Jon@Bimmersport · 09-24-2009, 04:44 PM

dont forget the FPR!! 318 didnt have the FPR underneath, so you need that from a 328/M3

Ihavenocar · 09-24-2009, 06:15 PM

i was seriously considering a motor swap then considered a turbo but i think i have decided to just find a nice 328/m3 and just get that

doogee · 09-24-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ihavenocar

i was seriously considering a motor swap then considered a turbo but i think i have decided to just find a nice 328/m3 and just get that

I've been having the worst time deciding what I want to do. Whether its a supercharger, turbo, S50B32, or S54.

Sooo hard to decide haha.

Dr. Flyview · 09-24-2009, 07:14 PM

^^ S50B32. And yo, stop modding your car. Everytime I come on here I find another stock part for sale. SOOO JEALOUS

c4sh · 09-24-2009, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ihavenocar

i was seriously considering a motor swap then considered a turbo but i think i have decided to just find a nice 328/m3 and just get that

dont quit man ! m3 power 318 insurance !!

Quote:

Originally Posted by doogee

I've been having the worst time deciding what I want to do. Whether its a supercharger, turbo, S50B32, or S54.

Sooo hard to decide haha.

boost the s50b32

birtch3 · 09-24-2009, 07:49 PM

exactly haha im a young male, wouldnt be able to swing the insurance on a m3. hence the reason im driving a lower model in the first place.
Anyone know what it would take to do the LS1 swap? My dad has that motor in his firebird and the thing is rediculous. couldn't imagine it in somethin like a 318 thats why i want to do it.