97 318ti and 99m3. What problems will my shop run into?

[Silver00spike]

I will most likely buy the car next wednesday, and take the engine, transmission, and whole front suspension from it. I'd like to know what problems my shop will run into with the install. I remember reading something about a/c lines.

I also have a UUC Stage2 flywheel with E34m5 clutch in my car. What would be the best way to keep that in the car?

Thanks in advance!

I will also be taking off my DASC supercharger, and putting that on Ebay

[Tyler]

How much are you charging for your S/C?

[Silver00spike]

I've been offered $2100, but hoping to sell it for more. It needs a new belt, but those things are cheap. It has 10k miles on it

[SportAuto]

I'm in the process of completing a 98 M3/98 Ti swap in my shop right now (see my other post re: S52 swap). I'd be more than happy to share my findings with you, as info is pretty limited on OBDII swaps...

Tucker
SLO, CA

[Dredder]

Power steering line and a/c line should come from the M3. Also the shop needs to know how to sync the EWS. You can either that you can take it to the dealer for sync (GT1 or similar diagnostic tool). The clutch and flywheel setup should be able to migrate without issues. I recommend getting new clutch disc but not necessary. You can leave the radiator but make sure you install the 80C thermostat to keep the engine cool (if you live in a sunny environment recommend going with m3 radiator and bottom support). If you are using the M3 transmission you will need to modify the shift linkage, if going with 318ti tranny it’s a bolt on. If you’re using 318ti front suspension it will work but it rides really low. Ideal get M3 front shock and spring setup. M3 sway bar connects to strut while 318ti connects to LCA. Once you’re done with the swap you will enjoy the heck out of your car again. You will no longer smell your opponents exhaust fumes. Make sure you get fresh synthetic oil for your tranny and differential. I recommend using either the royal blue or redline product. It’s really thick. Get fresh brake pads if you’re going to stay with 318ti brakes.

[Silver00spike]

Power steering line and a/c line should come from the M3. Also the shop needs to know how to sync the EWS. You can either that you can take it to the dealer for sync (GT1 or similar diagnostic tool). The clutch and flywheel setup should be able to migrate without issues. I recommend getting new clutch disc but not necessary. You can leave the radiator but make sure you install the 80C thermostat to keep the engine cool (if you live in a sunny environment recommend going with m3 radiator and bottom support). If you are using the M3 transmission you will need to modify the shift linkage, if going with 318ti tranny it’s a bolt on. If you’re using 318ti front suspension it will work but it rides really low. Ideal get M3 front shock and spring setup. M3 sway bar connects to strut while 318ti connects to LCA. Once you’re done with the swap you will enjoy the heck out of your car again. You will no longer smell your opponents exhaust fumes. Make sure you get fresh synthetic oil for your tranny and differential. I recommend using either the royal blue or redline product. It’s really thick. Get fresh brake pads if you’re going to stay with 318ti brakes.


Thanks a lot! I recently put in a 3.45 LSD from a clubsport, should I just keep it? I am swapping the whole front suspension, including brakes, so thats no issue.

So everything pretty much bolts on if I use the stock tranny? Is there any reason not to use the stock tranny?

What kind of performance can I expect with this setup. I know 0-60 doesn't tell that much, but I figure if an M-coupe weighs 200lbs more, then I should be close to m5 territory?

What do I do about the exhaust? I currently have a remus system

[Dredder]

If you have ways to monitor what your exhaust temps like the GT1 diagnostic then you might get away with just modifying from catalytic to M3 headers. You probably wont get the same performace increase as going with custom exhaust. In regards to the 3.45 differential, if you are not abusing your car then the stock lsd might last(who knows). The stock tranny is good for 400whp from what the dealer mechanics told me. Other than that i believe if your just going mild mods on an m3 swap i dont see why not. You might just need to flush the oil more often than usaul (synthetic at that).

Hope fully it stays sunny this weekend. If it does i might be at PIR. lets just hope it doesnt rain.

[SportAuto]

I'm having fitment issues with the stock tranny- the shift tower and rod must be shortened by 1/2 inch. The M roadster diff flange sits 1/2" forward of the stocker as well, so the driveshaft must be shortened accordingly to compensate.

Tucker

[SportAuto]

The M3 ps line won't fit, I had the stocker shortened and bent to accordingly- don't forget the restrictor. Also, only one of the M3 AC lines will bolt right in, the one from the compressor to the condensor. The M3 line to the evaporator has a larger fitting at the firewall flange than the Ti, so I've had to cut the fitting off the stock Ti line and fit it to the M3 hose. My shortened shift tower and linkage placed the shifter perfectly- have 1/2" removed from both if you intend to use the stock trans. Still waiting on the shortened driveshaft and proper axles.

Tucker
SLO, CA

[Dredder]

What year is your TI and the motor?

[SportAuto]

98/98. As of 30mins ago, it runs! I recieved the DS and axles this morning- the 1 inch shorter DS fits perfectly, and the 27mm I.D. CV joints from the M3 axles will fit the stockers fine.

Tucker

[Dredder]

On my Ti, the AC line from 97 m3 was used from the compressor bumper connector and to the connector next to the battery. The rest of the AC line was from the stock TI. We used the 95 M3 power steering line. see http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CG53&mospid=47505&btnr=32_0650&hg=32&fg=20. Number 5 and 8.

[Silver00spike]

unfortunately the donor car had undercarriage damage, and I didn't want to risk it. So back to the hunt

[maurolin]

what are you looking for??

what exhaust u using??? I have a 1995 M3 with the Cats removed I am gonna sell cheap!. My new track pipe will arrive on the 10th. I need bigger flow for the s.charger I am gonna install.

[Silver00spike]

I'm looking for a salvaged e36 m3 donor car, under 100k miles, for $4k

[maurolin]

i know of a guy selling an S52 for about 4500 with transmission. under 60K miles

[Silver00spike]

My motor mounts went crap. There is a big chance of me getting a donor m3 car today. Which motormounts do I need? What do I do about the exhaust?

[Silver00spike]

any reason to use the m3 transmission instead of the stock one with a lightweight clutch and flywheel?

[Dredder]

If you have the m3 tranny then use it. If not thats just less money you spend on the swap. The Light lywheel and clutch como are great, but i dont know if i can stand the raffling during idle though.