I have a 1989 bmw 325i bad engine...does a engine from a bmw 1995 318i fits in it?

10

Asked by sdca Jul 25, 2008 at 12:31 AM about the 1989 BMW 3 Series 325i Sedan RWD

Question type: Car Customization

I have a 1989 bmw 325i with bad engine...does a engine from a bmw 1995 318i fits in it?

17 Answers

27,885

With a car like a BMW I would contact the dealership/corporate to get some idea what can be done with the unique problem that you have.

105

Definitely ask someone who deals w/ bmw parts. But your car has a 2.5 liter inline 6 engine and the 318 is a 1.8 liter inline 4. Now, I know that displacement isn't necessarily indicative of the dimensions of the engine, but it should fit if the displacement is smaller. Now, why not just find another inline six from the same e30 (82-91) style of 3 series?

1 people found this helpful.
105

Or you could go with a 2.7L I6 from a 325e =)

3 people found this helpful.
35

i have an E30 Hartge.i think it can be.because i see somebody that change their E30 engine with E36 engine

55

Yeah it will fit in the e30. i have seen people put V12's in those cars so a small inline four will for sure make clearance.

100

Yes, it will fit. Although, there is really no reason to do so. The M20/M42 camp is very split. I hardly ever see people doing that swap. If you're just wanting to get the car on the road, get another M20. If you want performance, get an M50.

10

Do you know where I can find one used and how much am I gonna spend? Thanks

1 people found this helpful.
10

Do you know where I can find one used and how much am I gonna spend?

105

Not sure if this is the exact one, but an m20 engine for 425 on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts-Accessories_Car-Truck-Parts-Accessories__BMW-Used-Long-Block-Engine-M20-E28-528-528e-325-325e_W0QQitemZ220260610016QQddnZPartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQadnZCarQ20Q26Q20TruckQ20PartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQddiZ2811QQadiZ2865QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item220260610016&_trksid=p3756.m14.l1318

100

M20 engines run anywhere from 250-750 USD stock. I wouldn't pay over 1000. M50 engines aren't much more, maybe 400-900.

85

i know with some of the bmw's they make small block chevy conversion kits for them. it would prolly be cheaper and you would have a crap load more hp potential.

55

if im not mistaken, the e36 318 motor is a m42 which can be made to fit an e30 with a little work but i would stick with a replacement m20 engine or even perhaps upgrade to an m50 from an e36 325 preferably from a 92 which doesn't have that vanos junk

35

i own a shop in colorado that deals with mercedes and bmw. the 318i won't fit and can't run unless you change the harness and ECU. i would just replace it with another single overhead cam 2.5 inline six. and they are really common. if you're interested, i can help you find one for cheap

2 people found this helpful.
385

Yes the engine can be retrofitted but the 318i engine is not as good as the the engine that came out of that car.You could a 325 from a 92 and up to fit that is a wonderful engine!No timing belts to deal with they never break down, just keep up the regular maintenance.

255

can it be done* the expense of the change out is not worth the money. find a good used engine, drop it in and be done

30

i have a 89 bmw e30 318i trying to swap out the engine for something better but not trying to spend much im located in vegas (this is a german spec car) any help on what engine would be good?

1 people found this helpful.

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