318ti 1.9l to 2.8l swap questions??
 

I am sorry as I am new to this site and I am not familiar with engine codes so this may have been answered before.

I am torn on what to do. I am going to purchase a 97 318ti with a blown head gasket. I dont know if I want to go with replacing the HG and SC the 4 banger (~$4G +/-), replace the 4 banger with same engine (~$2,500 +/-), or do a 2.8 swap (~$3,500 +/-).

I am leaning towards the 2.8l swap as I get more ponies all motor in comparison to the 1.9l SC'ed and about $1G cheaper. I can get the 2.8L w/ "everything I need" as the people at Bavarian Auto Recycling said for $2500 shipped to my door minus driveshaft.

I would like to know, list style, what all is needed so I can make sure they send all of that. I would also like to know what I need to do on my end for the swap. I already know the 318ti stock driveshaft needs to be shortened but by how much??

Also, in case it matters, I am in PA so we have emissions/inspections here each yr.

Thanks in advance!

I've not personally done the swap but I'll throw out a couple of things you should be aware of while making your decision.
1. The Downing Atlanta supercharger *may* not be available anymore. You'll need to call them and verify that they still have some if you think you want to go that way.
2. There's a member here named J!m who has literally written the book on engine swaps for these cars. Details in the thread below.
3. Welcome and good luck.

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12912

DASC has been called and they have about 3 months worth yet. If I do the SC'ed 4 banger route, HP will be less than stock 2.8l..And I will save $1G doing the 2.8l swap in comparison. :confused: decisions!

welcome to the org.
Do the 2.8l, thats what im doing. Plus so many options later on

Buy this, take what you need, part the rest. Bav Auto Recycling are a bunch of thieves.

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/pts/2182087530.html

Where in PA are you?

Besides the blown HG BMW compact you are contemplating on getting, do you have reliable transportation?

Yes, I have a few other cars. :)

Reading. Towards Shillington side of Lancaster Ave.

+1

Bavarian Auto Recyclers are notoriously overpriced and not reputable...

Do the 6cyl swap...

THANKS!! I contacted the guy. It is still for sale, does not have the front seats, hood, grille, and headlights. The motor has 200,000 miles on it. It was owned by a doctor and supposedly was well taken care of. The guy said the motor is clean enough to eat from..

I have done VW swaps before but I have never owned a Bimmer. I don't have the specialty tools the bimmers require. If I do get that donor car, I will just take what I need and junk the rest unless I have someone willing to help me with the swap that is interested in the remainder of the car and cash for the help. :)

+2 for Bavarian Auto Recyclers. Only heard horror stories about them.

I would love to get that wreck but it has 200,000 miles on it! :eek: I am on somewhat of a budget. I do not have the $ to buy the car, rebuild the motor, pay for install. I DO have enough to buy the wreck and have it installed but I am affraid of taking the chance of something happening to the motor and then I have no drivable bimmer AND no $. LOL.

Here is my M52/S52 "Project X"

http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...magejpeg_2.jpg

http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...agejpeg_23.jpg

http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...agejpeg_22.jpg

http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...agejpeg_27.jpg

http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...agejpeg_26.jpg

http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...agejpeg_25.jpg

I have the same exterior color. What kind of rear valance is that? Is that the factory M-tech? I guess mine has been under a cover so long I can't remember what it looks like...