Z3 1,8 8V engine replacement

[londonninja]

Hello,

My dad has a Z3 1.8 8v which is in great condition except that it needs a new engine. He has offered me the car if I pay for the replacement engine and I was wondering if any of you guys could offer me some advice on this.

I drove the car before the engine issues and it was a bit gutless so I would want to replace it with a 2.8 or 3.0 engine however I am unsure if this is ok.

Can the engines be swapped i.e. smaller capacity to higher capacity with minimal issues?
Would I need to upgrade any other components i.e. brakes, clutch, exhaust? (the existing components are in good condition)
Any ideas on how much this would cost?
Any recommendations on people/garages to do it? (the car is in Scotland and I am in London)

Thanks for any advice you have to give.

Neil

[paoloh]

There never was a 1.8 Z3

[ShadownINja]

Get a V8 in it.

[londonninja]

It must be a 1.9 then??

[rassi]

Not the definitive source, but apparently it was produced in 1.8 and 1.9 I4 guise http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_Z3

Either way, the 2.8 litre I6 would be my choice if you want to upgrade, but try to factor everything into this, and you may be better off looking for a 3K Z3 2.8i rather than upgrading, as resale value will not be reflected in your efforts.

[8Tech]

The Z3 1.8 was produced from Dec 1994 to Sept 1998. It was one of the better M43 engines which should be widely available. Fitting a bigger 6 cylinder engine is a great idea until you start getting into the engine management wiring, modules, exhaust etc etc. Rebuild it for what it is or end up spending more on it than you could just go and buy one for.