Hello! First time owning a BMW E36
 

Hey everyone! Drove couple BMWs before but never owned one... So I made a big move and replaced my current Auto-cross MX-5 Miata for a 318ti with the S50 motor. I traded my 1.6L 105hp MK1 MR2 for the 318ti/S50 a week ago and had a blast driving it home. Not a big fan of electrical gadget stuff i.e: windows, stereo, door locks, and stuff...just handling/performance. Pics: https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hpho...3d&oe=551D8340 https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hpho...22&oe=54E7C92F

Couple things needed immediate attention: Both the old OE motor mounts are completely torned and shifted the engine about 1 forward as the oil pan is lying on top of the front sway bar. :eek: Then the relocated battery needs a lot of attention because it doesn't not have a any proper custom bracket made to hold, plus it is a normal lead acid base battery that isn't ventilated..another :eek:

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hpho...47&oe=54D6D1B7

Yosan;

Welcome to the .org! As an owner of a 6cyl swapped ti myself, I have to say, that looks clean. However;

1. Get those mounts fixed ASAP! Yikes!!

2. The suspension looks like it is at an odd height, i.e. too high for a swapped car. And those rims are from an e39 (different offset (-20mm vs -46mm for an e36)), so the tires look too small (probably so they wouldn't rub). Not a bad thing, but it looks like the PO didn't really do too much if anything to upgrade the suspension and handling.

I own an NA stock class track Maita and a nice streetable NB Miata as well as a non-swapped Ti. It's fun to decide which one to drive on any given day!

I remember this car. The previous owner took pride in it. There are the obvious issues to tackle right off...yet, that's the name of the 318ti game.

I suggest this: Sell the e39 style 19 wheels. You can expect to get $1K for them if they clean up well. Low dollar is $500.
Buy a proper fitted set of wheels. Like James stated, in the et38-42 range. Then figure out the suspension issue. That may be as simple as replacing the shocks and struts. It is a Sport model car...which is usually lower than this cars ride height when stock.
Motor mounts can be replaced easily enough. Just one hint for ya...buy 2 8" extensions for a 3/8" ratchet. You will need the slim length to get at the nuts on top of the mounts.

Welcome to the Org

Thanks for the tip guys!

Definitely will get rid of those E39 wheels since I care less about them, but right now I just want to get those old motor mount replace so it's sitting in the garage on 4 jack stands and hopefully won't have too much trouble with both top bolts on the motor mount since its separated from the mount rubber. I am just waiting on the AKG motor/trans bushing since it's strictly not a daily. The only thing I am concern are the engine mount bolts as well.

As for suspension it's completly M-tech stock and that will come later..

New set of auto-x wheels(4)...and they are quite heavy... 255 40 17!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...ca8f5235a67a0c

lools like reps of LTW wheels?

I know this car. It was done right and well taken care of.

Nice! I've heard it came far from the east from PO...Today I received the new AKG bushings and just finished installing them which and didn't take long using two jacks to align and center the engine. This is my very first work on a BMW, and the trans mounts are next tomorrow. Note: I bought an engine support bar from harbor freight, but didn't need it to swap engine mounts.

Drive side took a little more work but easy
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...a4b518c57184d4

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...abb2e7fb5a6c00

One of the two still had the oil inside
https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/...90&oe=54D5DD6B

Replaced the old kaput transmission bushings...
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...953dc002a370f9

Couple things: Although I had a hard time installing by keeping the bushing sitting straight between the transmission and cross member that I had to used the extra slot holes on the cross member and bolt it under the frame + had to re-tap one of the threads M8x1.25. On top of that, I need to replace the output shaft seal too after pressure wash

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hpho...93&oe=5516ECFE
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...6195ab760766f9