The birth of another s52 Ti
 

So after searching and debating on which way to go with my Ti, I finally settled on pulling a s52 swap. I figured if I'm going through all the trouble I might as well get the best bang for my buck. This is the biggest automotive undertaking I have ever done. I know everything is pretty much plug and play, but up to this point all I have ever done is change a clutch and standard maint on cars. I have very little tools and even less space lol But I am determined to get this project done and earn the experience in order to do more swaps in the future. I am fairly mechanically inclined and hope to have this project done in time for bimmerfest.

And here is my 1998 318ti

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...psnnmpx4bv.jpg

Of course the old m44 with 260k miles and blown head gasket.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...psns8d7sos.jpg

Figured It would just be easier to pull the whole front end off in order to make the swap go smoother.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps2j5t9x8g.jpg

I decided to start taking off everything I can sell or use.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...psaobufjbn.jpg

After a day I finally managed to pull the motor + trans out. This was not a one man job. But a few people flaked on me so I had to take care of business on my own. And sweet baby jesus!!!! there was more oil under the motor than in it. The transmission looked like it was dipped in a an old oil recycling bin.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps6rs9obxw.jpg

So out with the old and in with the new. The new s52 power plant.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...pse6jvbxcu.jpg

So far I've replaced the rear main seal, clutch, threw in a new 80c thermostat. And mated the transmission up to it. Waiting for cabin air filters and motor mounts. I'm planing on sticking with the ti's cooling system, radiator and fan with a 80c thermostat and water wetter.

Is there any issues with running the ti's A/C condenser with the s52 A/C compressor?

She's just about ready to be put back in. But i've hit a wall, I ordered a swap manual from J!M and have yet to receive it or hear anything from him. So i'm currently hung up on the wiring.

If anyone has J!m's contact info can you ask him to log back in so we can figure this out. Really trying to finish this up before bimmerfest

Good luck with your timeline! We'll see you at Bfest if you succeed.. If you don't, come anyway, and at least meet up!

Are you keeping the original Getrag transmission? If so, then you shouldn't need to worry about the driveline, but you will need to change the mounting place for the trans crossmember and manipulate the selector rod to get the shift lever back to place.

You can use the 6 cyl AC compressor, but you will need at least one of the 6 cyl AC lines

I'll Come by for sure. I live litterally walking distance from the fontana speed way. This is a great community and I would definitely like to shoot the **** with you guys.

I am going to keep the Getrag trans. It was still shifting great and I plan on going easy on it until I can peace together a whole new driveline setup. Thanks for the heads up about the selector rod.

I already have a Lead on the new Ac line. I'm assuming a ac place should be able to figure out how much freon to put in the system with the 6 cyl compressor and 4 cyl condenser.

It will always be great to see other members! I'll pm you my number later so we can meet up. Rich (Blackbmws) and I will be on the track (my black ti is #219) and have a garage to hang out in.

My Getrag has been solid as a rock after 6 years of a swap and many track days, so I agree that it is perfectly fine until it gives out.

For sure, I just sent you a pm with my contact info.

So I was hung up on the wiring. But after a little searching I managed to find a nice wiring harness break down for the s52. Not sure if this would be the same for the m52. But here it is in case anyone else needs it.

all credit goes to mspeigle on bimmer forum.
original thread
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...wiring-harness

http://pix.nauticaltech.com/E36_Info...s_numbered.JPG

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...pshgt195he.png

Great find. The harnesses are essentially the same for m/s52.

Nice! I'll confirm the color of the columns for you and bring them down with me. Drivers side, yes?

I'll check out my door card stash and see what I can work out that's not part of a full interior set.

Looking forward to meeting you. I think John will be coming down as well. I think he has a S50 0r S52 in his TI. :cool:

Correct drivers side for the door panel and a pillar. I need both rear pillar columns. Shoot me a pic of whatever you're willing to get rid of. I think ti owners are hoarders at heart so we'll take whatever we can get lol

Certainly looking forward to meeting everyone at the event!

The birth of another s52 Ti
 

[emoji41] I not a hoarder... [emoji15]

http://i402.photobucket.com/albums/p...psogref0xl.jpg


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:eek:
I'll got look at my car and see if I need anything else

#C62... got it, thanks! Muah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-haaaaa

The birth of another s52 Ti
 

Haha! I routinely get folks asking me if I'm selling parts when they pass by. While I am good at buying stuff, I suck at selling stuff. This 10' x 15' locker is mostly TI parts.

I will be posting E38 and E39 wheels to get back some space. I have a full set of f/r seats and f/r door cards to offer up if anyone is interested. Pick up only. All attachment points for the cards as well. Leather door cards. I think the are SandGrau. One of the comfort seats are in the top right corner of the photo.

I'll post here first of course, before I do Craigslist.

Need to make room for E30, E39 and E28 parts I still have at the house.

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at least its organized, or looks like it from the outside. my FIL is also a BMW parts hoarder and his garage is basically a pile of parts

Ya, organized it this weekend to find parts, then snapped a photo. I couldn't walk in previously. Once I get all four TIs up to shape, I can pare down to valued and rarer parts.


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Arrrrgghhhh!!!! 1 step forward 2 steps back :/

I spent 2hrs today at a pic a part tearing into every bmw at the lot looking for the power steering pump line to the reservoir. and I took off 2 connecting from 5 series bmw which happen to be just pressed into the pump with an o ring. then found a 3 series that happened to have the same setup and I couldn't quite remember it my pump was the same.... and of course it's not. So now I have to wait till Tuesday to get the part from a bmw dismantling lot that insist on charging close to retail for everything.

I figured I would just keep marching forward and toss the motor in, but before that I checked to see if the oil had been drained from the engine by the shop I bought it from. And as I was backing our the oil drain plug it fought me the whole way, every turn ate into my soul because I knew the inevitable was happening. Every last thread from the oil pan came out with the drain plug. I swear to god i will kick the teeth in on the person that cross threaded it last time it was change :mad: so know I have to to get a tap and thread kit And get that drain plug back in the right way. I refuse to use oversized self tapping drain plugs.

But I guess everything happens for a reason. I'm glad that happened while my motor is out, I would of hated to tap that drain plug underneath the car. And it gave me the opportunity to correct something that has been wrecking my sanity. I changed my rear main seal when I first got the motor. And foolishly wrenched Down the bolts for the flywheel without a torque wrench. so I have been kicking myself in the ass for not torquing them down To specs. But since all this happened today I tore back into the engine and rented a torque wrench and properly torqued down the flywheel.