Has anyone here done a E34 535i engine drop into a E36?

[gumballer]

Starting a new project and keen to talk to a few people who have made this swap, donor is a 320 E36 saloon, should be a fun track car once done.

[M3John]

I'd suggest asking this question over on www.e36coupe.co.uk mate. Sounds very intresting though !

[carlosvalderrama]

Which 3.5 is it? If it's the early 12 valve there's little point as they were only good for around 220bhp. I think...

[gumballer]

cheers john, havign a chat over there now!

yes the early lump, but now iv spoen to a few peeps there might have been a change of plan...



cheers

[mmm-five]

Seen a few e34 M5 engines being put into E30s and E36s, a few e39 M5 engines being put into E34s, and a few V12s being put into all sorts of things.

It's usually cheaper & more cost effective to get a 328 instead of converting a 320 though - but I understand for some people it's all about it being 'their' car.

[shalmaneser]

You'd be mental to do this swap. The M30 is a boat anchor. Fair enough dropping one in a e30, but an e36?!

[sniff petrol]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I know what you're thinking but most 6 cylinder M3 engines are at least £1500, maybe the OP can get the M30 for a lot less.

[dan101smith]

There's a chap over on BMW5 currently transplanting a Rover 3.5 V8 into what was a 318is. He says both lumps weight around the same, and is a straightforward(ish) way for getting on for 300bhp when tuned.

[gumballer]

talking to the guys on the E36 forum, im wondering now either to keep her a 320 and go lightweight and just have some fun or go for a engine from a different marquee, how about a fiat 20v turbo engine running a steady 350BHP? just looking at how many nightmares that throws up now.