318i to 328i engine swap

[reginalb]

I am doing an engine swap from my 1995 318i (I know it isn't a ti, but it is pretty close, and you guys seem to know your stuff) to a 1997 328i motor. What all is neccessary for the swap? I have the engine, tranny and wiring harness, and I am looking for an ECU (if anyone knows a good place to get one let me know). What else is needed, and what is recomended but not absolutely neccessary (as I would rather save that stuff until I can afford it).

Thanks in advance,
Reggie

[J!m]

If the 95 is OBD-I then you need an OBD-I ecu and wiring harness, as the 97 is OBD-II and not compatible. If the 95 is late, and has an OBD-II ecu, then it is compatible (assuming the same options) but will need dealer help to get it to run.

Bolt engine in and drive with OBD-I. This is why it is the more popular swap.

[reginalb]

"Bolt engine in and drive with OBD-I. This is why it is the more popular swap."

I am not sure what that means, if it isn't compatable (as I am sure it is an OBD-I) then how do I bolt in the enging and drive with OBD-I? Are you saying that the more popular swap is OBD-I to OBD-I? Also, I was planning on doing the swap myself. Is the dealer help for getting around that security thing? How much do you think that will cost?

[J!m]

"Bolt engine in and drive with OBD-I. This is why it is the more popular swap."

I am not sure what that means- Just what it says: OBD-I is 'swap-friendly'

if it isn't compatable (as I am sure it [I assume 'it' is the car] is an OBD-I) then how do I bolt in the engine and drive with OBD-I? You need OBD-I electrical: wiring and ECU

Are you saying that the more popular swap is OBD-I to OBD-I? Exactly!

Also, I was planning on doing the swap myself. Is the dealer help for getting around that security thing? Yes

How much do you think that will cost? Please see signature below... Depends on the dealer. Some will not do it at all.

[reginalb]

as long as my car's drive train is alright, then I think I will go for it, and then just trailer it to the dealer to get it going. (Joy, I hope the closest dealer will do it, it is 45 minutes away from my house). Thanks Jim, I appreciate your help! :)

[J!m]

CALL THE DEALER FIRST!!

Make sure they will do it- don't just 'show up' hoping they will be able to help you.

I went into the dealer in person, after making first contact by phone. Explain the situation, and when is convenient for THEM if they are willing to accept the car. Then BE ON TIME for your appointment.

Some shops have minimum labor rates, some don't. Shop rates vary too, some up to $90.00/hr.

[reginalb]

I do plan to call first, and yes, the Bimmer dealer that I have used is actually over 90/hour, but it isn't my first choice for this job (as it is closer to school, and I will be home for the summer). But, I have been told that I may need a new drive train, do you think I will? The costs for going OBD-II are getting higher, lol.

[reginalb]

alright, I have pieced together some info, and my drive train should be alright. But if I am switching out the tranny, will the linkage from MY 5-speed work with the new 5-speed tranny? With that info I think I should be set to go

[J!m]

You will need the linkage/shifter mount from the donor car.

You MAY need the drive shaft as well. I don't think you will, but better to have it...

[Turbo-ti]

All the shifter linkages are the same from the 80 to the 2000s, With the 95 you can bypass EWS so you dont have to take it to the dealer for EWS alignment. As far as OBD1 it is much easier to swap OBD1 to the car. Your car is OBD1 but you need to switch the 97 328 motor to OBD1 instead of OBD2, so you will need all the electronics and ECU from an OBD1 car...

[J!m]

EXACTLY what I've been saying!

The trans linkage/shifter mount had to be modded in my car- but I used the ti trans with the 3.2. I cannot guarantee any particular linkage will work, however I have HEARD (but not seen first hand) that if the M3 trans is used with it's linkage, it will work. REMEMBER: the ti motor sits about an inch or so further forward than the 3.2 does for weight.

I also retained my ti's drive shaft. It should be changed with the trans if the M3 trans is used.

Change the guibo while you have it apart. It's cheap insurance... :D

[Turbo-ti]

All this fitting stuff is good, but i had an auto car and went to manual M3 tranny so things might be different from auto to stick cars!!! I used M3 drive shaft and had to have the linkage rod lenghtened by about 1/2'' or so for me to have second and 4th gears..But everything else is okay...
All i can say is good luck and seems like there are a couple of peaple who have done a swap and between all of use we should be able to figure it all out!!!!

[gooten1]

obd-II m44 would be a pain to swap with a 2.8?