Ep.2: Engine & Drivetrain - E30 M50/M52 Swap Guide

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Find Episode 3 Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp6agHuJhMd7rtk

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

I assure you no one gives a shit

[@Ebzyy__]

@@slightlyMADcustoms meatball found it, u have any sticking or sensitive throttle issues?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Good meatball, nah it worked great. Felt OEM

[@Ebzyy__]

@@slightlyMADcustoms appreciate it, thanks.

[@poppeddropped7699]

Wanting to give a shout out to the great information, quality video! Doing a swap currently with a m52b28 from a 96. Just Pulling the m52 so I have some hurtles to overcome but I have most main parts.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Awesome! Thanks so much! We appreciate it

[@86_E30_Blondie]

M50b25 is faster and stronger than the M50tub25 (singlevanos) the M50b25 got a more agressive intake cam than any other m50/m52 (240° instead of 228°), double valve springs (m50tu and m52 have single valve springs) and the internals (rods and pistons) are slightly different than the Tu version. Just stick with the non vanos M50 because they run and sound much, much better than the single vanos one. Have driven and drifted both of them for along time and i take the non vanos over the TU anytime i can.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Thanks for this ^

[@mrnobody8006]

thx to you i know what i need to do my swap

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Perfect

[@jasper6004]

No 10 deg tilt with a ZF S5D gearbox.

[@claytonhaske]

Can you use the shifter that came with the car originally, on the m50's transmission?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

I believe you can but you’ll need to bend the selector rod a bit to work in the e30 chassis. There’s a full write up explaining it all on E30Wiki

[@Haubemotors]

I pulled the engine and trans from a manual e34. Will that whole setup drop into my e30? Mainly asking about the trans

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

My understanding is that it’s the best trans to use for a M50 swap. It’s identical gearing to an E30 trans so you don’t need to alter your diff ratio, it’s the same length as an e30 trans so you can use a e30 manual driveshaft, and the belhousing angle has been shifted so your shifter will pop up straight without modification. You should be able to use the e30 trans crossmember with little or no modification

[@SkitzoFPV]

When you said you can get two left mounts.. were you referring to two left engine support arms as well? or just the rubber mounts?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Skitzo FPV Just the rubber mount. For engine arms you use E36 ones!

[@hamzal89]

@1:20 the TU does have only 1 Vanos on the m50, the 1st gen m50 does not have Vanos at all...

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

This is true. Thank you for that

[@L7Fx]

is there a big difference between the m52 vs the m54? you recommend a m52b25tu, and from what i’ve heard there’s not much difference between that and an m54b25. i’m working on putting an m54b30 with a 6 speed ZF trans into my e30, but most guides seemed to be geared at m52 swaps. wondering how much of the info can be applied to my build.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

It’s similar but not identical for the swap process. If you google m54 E30 swap there’s a guide on it on one of the forums. I know it requires modifying the oil pick up tube, and relocating the fuel pressure regulator

[@dsmmonster]

Very nice videos very helpful..!! I’m doing a swap in my 318i e30... what short shifter did you get?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

dsmmonster I used the Z3 1.9 shifter and It’s a world of a difference! Even nicer than my E46 M3! Check out the link below! It is a complete guide on the parts you need and how to install a short shift kit in your E30: www.e30zone.net/e30wiki/index.php/Z3_short_shifter_conversion

[@zoty9661]

Hi, can you advise about drive shaft. I'm busy with e30 with m52b28tu swap, engine is already in with gearbox but drive shaft from m40 is too long to connect with diff. Is there other driveshaft shouldi could use or i need replace only front part from drive shaft?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

What trans are you using?

[@zoty9661]

I use getrag gearbox which came with engine (m52b28tu).

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

So I believe you need a e36 driveshaft with E30s front shaft on it

[@fueltexgarage2768]

The info i needed! Thnks going whit 2 left side engine mount thnks

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Good luck!

[@fueltexgarage2768]

@@slightlyMADcustoms good luck?? I tough u alredy tryed that combo, isnt it granted that will work? What i found is that they work but you have to mount them in the outside holes

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Yes it will work. I’m saying good luck like I hope it all goes smoothly and you have a fun time with your build

[@fueltexgarage2768]

@@slightlyMADcustoms haha pk thnks bro!! Sorry if i sounded roud

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

@fueltexgarage2768 yesssssir

[@innocentbystander6]

M50TUB25 or any M50 doesn't come with double vanos.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Oops! You're right. Only a single Vanos. Thanks for pointing that out

[@connormr1036]

how much should i skim off of my m20 flywheel?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Look at the picture at 3:54. You can just take off that whole lip

[@vicfarns3721]

Is there any big modifications if I got a m50 that had an automatic and hook it up to my 5 speed.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

victor farnsworth My M50 was the same deal. Besides obviously needing a flywheel/clutch, one notable difference is the M50/M52s mated with a automatic transmission do not have a pilot bearing. The pilot bearing is a small bearing placed on the inside of the crankshaft for the end of the input shaft to ride on. You can get a pilot bearing from your local transmission supply shop with two simple measurements: 1. The outside diameter of the bearing (which will be the inside diameter of the crankshaft where the bearing presses in, 2. The inside diameter of the bearing (which is the outside diameter of the end of your input shaft on your transmission. The depth of the bearing doesn’t really matter as long as it’s a reasonable size (around 3/8”?). I apologize if this is a little confusing, message me on Instagram if you need more clarification!

[@vicfarns3721]

slightlyMADcustoms thank you for the help, looking to get my hands on a m50 here soon.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

victor farnsworth Awesome! Good luck with the swap, feel free to contact us if you have any questions

[@GearOilCafe]

5:05 That's what he said LOL

[@hectorolmos1524]

I have a 97 E36 M3 complete donor car. Besides the engine and transmission what other components should I remove for this swap? I.E. can I use the new drive shaft and is it even recommended?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

I would pull engine, transmission, Tranny crossmember, harness & ECU, engine arms, driveshaft, & exhaust manifolds. I believe you need to piece the drive shaft together, one half from e36, the other from e30. You should also pull: differential, brake calipers, seats, front valence, wheels. They aren’t needed for the swap, but are worth good money and can help offset the cost of your build.

[@maxu8309]

Is there a difference between swapping a M52b28 and a M52TUB52? would it need a different ECU or anything like that?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

I’m not too sure on that one. Probably yes. Best if you could find engine harness and ECU all together

[@iamCairn]

What parts yard did you get your parts shipped to the border from? Would you do it again? I'm in Montreal

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

CAIRN Ya it was a very easy process! Just make sure to ask them for all the little parts you need and give them the address of the closest border storage to you. I don’t recall the name of the parts yard I used, but go to “car-part.com” and search for a 525i within the required years. That website is a database for all parts yards accross North America

[@ejengstrom]

Ugh. Double vanos?

[@xScarfacex15]

Can I use the stock transmission from a 318i 1984 for the m50?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Luis Cordon I believe it is possible although I would recommend finding a 6 cyl transmission if you can. With the added power from the new motor It’s best to set yourself up for success

[@InHouseBangers]

No the trans for the 318i from the m10 doesn’t bolt up

[@almonther2788]

what about 325ix any recommendations on oil pan and drivetrain?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

No idea sorry. Although I have seen it done before!

[@almonther2788]

what about taking parts from e34 525ix ?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Sounds like a good place to start! Sorry I don’t know anything on it

[@silenceimurderyou]

Lot more work for a 325ix, the AWD components are in the way.

[@Ebzyy__]

what throttle cable did you end up using for this swap?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Watch the other videos you meatball

[@TimSlee1]

@@slightlyMADcustoms 😢

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Don’t give me those puppy dog eyes, watch the other videos

[@irangeu36]

I just bought a totaled manual 1999 328i with a m52. Is there any special parts I will need because it is a newer year or will all the things listed in this series work?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Noahd Everything should be the same! You may encounter some small differences but the information in these videos will get you very very close

[@irangeu36]

@@slightlyMADcustoms awesome thanks for the response. one other question i only have 72 hours to get the thing pulled and sent to scrap since i dont have much room for cars. So i will be rushed, any other parts you can think of i will need from the e46 that i can use on my e30 other than engine trans, ecu,harness and steering rack?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Noahd Keep the driveshaft just in case it works for your application. Also if the car has a LSD differential or nice sport seats, they are quite desirable and you could sell it to recuperate some money

[@jesusgonzalezjg255]

Place on where I could get the transmission mounts to use the oem Getrag with the m50?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Jesus Gonzalez Using the E30 Getrag you’ll need a modified transmission brace but you can use the mounts that come with that transmission. For OEM replacements check ECS tuning, pelican parts, or a local shop that can order BMW parts. If you want performance mounts such as polycarbonate, check out garagistic, or condor speed shop

[@ariasena]

Is it possible do it with automatic gearbox? What automatic gearbox that you recommend? I have a problem with my knee..

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

ariasena yes absolutely! You would need the matching automatic for the m50/m52, along with the harness and ECUs. It would be ideal to get everything from the same car and just swap everything over to insure it will all work together

[@ariasena]

@@slightlyMADcustoms thanks man... Will update you with the result later..

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

ariasena Sounds good! Good luck

[@maki_m50]

great vid bro, but m50tu is a single vanos😊✌

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Ye ye

[@Unknown-fu9gn]

Hy i going to swap m50b25 with original transmission its capability 370/390 hp do i need to modifies shaft

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Hey Nokila! When you say original transmission, do you mean the original transmission to the e30? Or the m50?

[@Unknown-fu9gn]

@@slightlyMADcustoms m50b25 transmission

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

I’m not completely clear on which combination of front and rear shaft will work with your set up, but if you find yourself e30 & e36 driveshafts,you should be able to find a combination that works well. This is what E30 wiki says about modifying the driveshaft for using a m50 Tranny:Propshaft should be fitted with an E30 centre bearing fitted to the rear section

[@Unknown-fu9gn]

@@slightlyMADcustoms thanks

[@guneytopcuofficial]

Will a 2.5l M20 oil pan from 525i work or does it have to be m50?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

It has to be for a M50 unfortunately!

[@guneytopcuofficial]

@@slightlyMADcustoms Thank you! you are so fast with any questions.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Not a problem! If you have any other questions just ask! Also you can message me at Instagram @slam.bandit

[@BostaGold]

Would a Getrag 260 gearbox handle a m52b28 ?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

BostaGold Yes I believe it would. As long as you’re not insanely aggressive with your launches and shifting it should hold up just fine. Also assuming you’re not running a turbo or anything.

[@GearOilCafe]

no link popped up to see the first vid...

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Opps! Thanks for letting us know, we've added the link. The full playlist is available here kzbin.info/aero/PLxtzbWJjJJMosC7I4o_RBWjIkBQrFDfIw

[@vicfarns3721]

do I need the section of the harness going to the transmission?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

If you’re using a manual transmission there are no wires that go to the tranny. If you’re using an automatic on the other hand, you would need a engine harness from an automatic car and the ECU.

[@vicfarns3721]

slightlyMADcustoms I’m using the 5speed I had in my e30

[@vicfarns3721]

So I can just delete the wires for the auto transmission?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Yes you won’t need those. Just make sure to not cut out the O2 sensor wires that also kinda go down it that area

[@almonther2788]

hey everyone im kinda confused now about the transmission I will go I know that the getrag 260 from 325i is the perfect a for the build but I saw in some sites that the getrag 240 from late e30 model(316i_318i) that comes with m40 engine might fit I really want to know cause the e30 325i are freaking expensive and rare to find while the 316i and 318i are cheap and I'm looking for one with blown or broken engine to do the swap and to keep the budget low as possible

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

I would recommend not using a 240. They’re weaker and less reliable. 260 is already on the weak side, but has been used with decent success. I would say 260 is the minimum

[@pohotnabalansstanga1929]

So much wrong info here…avoid