E36 316i compact- e46 2.5 conversion

[Jamesmate123]

I have a 1995 bmw 316i e36 compact and I also have a 2002 bmw 325i e46, would it be possible to but the e46 lump knot the e36? Or is there a better option looking for more power to possibly rally? Anyone done this or know anything about please let me know?

[helix402]

Yes, it's possible, however an M52 2.8 from an E36 would be a lot easier.

[Jamesmate123]

My problem is I already have the 2.5 e46 engine and don't see people really wanting to swap for a 2.8😂😂 how much work is involved in doing it with the e46 lump?

[LocoBlade]

Not sure its worth bothering with when you can pick up an E46 325ti compact for £1-2k unless you just want to do it for the challenge of doing it. Flogging the two cars you have would probably raise most of the funds required to get a ti wouldn't it, and you'd get the later E46 rear suspension rather than the E30 based rear suspension on the E36 compact (unless that's desirable for rallying?)

[Jamesmate123]

The 316 I have though isn't worth anything no mot no tax nothing been off the road for about 2 years so needs work and I probably won't get much for just the 2.5 engine alone

[Andy70]

I was going to put a 330i engine in my 325 compact, I still might, its a relatively cheap option and I believe the most power you'd get in relation to cost, even more tempting after one of the chaps on here stated that I'd get more power than the extra 40bhp the engine produces in the 330 as he said the diff and gear ratios in the 325 are different, so would get even more.

[Jamesmate123]

I still have the enigne and won't get much for it so I have what I have was just wondering if there is a way or is it completely impossible? As much as I qould love to have a 330 bulk to stick in I don't hahaa

[LocoBlade]

Sorry thought you had the entire E46 325 as well, the 325 engines seem sell on Ebay for ~£300+ though so might generate some cash.

If you want to rally it I'm pretty sure you'll need to make it roadworthy and tax/MOT it anyway.

Jamesmate123 said:

The 316 I have though isn't worth anything no mot no tax nothing been off the road for about 2 years so needs work and I probably won't get much for just the 2.5 engine alone

[Jamesmate123]

Yeah I will tax and mot after I get the engine in hahaha is it possible or not?

[LocoBlade]

Anything is possible, the question is how much time/effort/money it might take!

[E-bmw]

Don't forget that if all you have is the engine you will also need the ECU, wiring loom, engine ancillaries, exhaust, inlet, MAF, throttle body, gearbox etc. etc. etc.

[Jamesmate123]

Yeah got all that mate

[E-bmw]

Sounds like a goer then.

[iSore]

Jamesmate123 said:

Yeah got all that mate

Plus a complete disc brake rear axle, type 188 diff, prop.

Post up some pics when it's done.

[Benjamin J. Hamula]

Hi, im new to this site and not sure where to go to post my damn question.

Im able to get my hands on a 1998 e36 2.5L petrol turbo car. Everything on the car from gearbox to calipers to break pads etc is brand new and fresh. How much would it cost on fuel MPG? any ideas

[helix402]

A very difficult question to answer. This is because adding a turbo to an non turbo BMW is not a common change. Hence there are very few people who can answer your question.

[iSore]

helix402 said:

A very difficult question to answer. This is because adding a turbo to an non turbo BMW is not a common change. Hence there are very few people who can answer your question.

Plus it'll never happen. These 'projects' never do.

[SebringMan]

Don't forget things like brakes and different fittings between engines etc.

After being there and doing that I'd buy a ready done car .