318ti.org forum - View Single Post - 318ti swapping in M52... Need opinions help

**wolferj-RIP** · 03-22-2015, 01:26 AM

There are many threads on what you need for the swap... However, some things aren't mentioned here...

What year is your Ti? Hopefully 96 or later. Trying to put an OBDII motor in a 95 ti which is OBDI will present far more challenges..

Your existing trans will bolt up, no problem. There are 2 mounting places for your trans rear crossmember, you may have to shift it to the rear position, however. The driveshaft should compress enough at the center bearing to compensate, mine did, your results may vary...

Swap the front suspension from the Sedan into your ti, it's all easily interchangeable..

Also inspect the rear main seal for the engine for leakage when it's out. Your gasket list is good, but also check the valve cover gasket.

You should use the cooling system from the sedan (Radiator/fan, etc), and will need the right radiator mount.

I swapped over the AC into mine as well, and you will need a couple of the hoses if you plan to do this as well.

The Automatic engine harness will be fine, but it will have a connection for the trans DME that you won't use. If you can find a harness from a manual, it will be better, but not necessary.

Also, the EWS, DME and key will all be needed, or you can get the EWS deleted by a dealer or the member Midnight Tuning here on the .org.

If you search BluBimma's posts here and on bimmerforums.com, he has posted lots of information on swaps.

Good Luck!

03-22-2015, 01:26 AM	#2
wolferj-RIP Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: norcal - 94590 Posts: 3,186 '95 BMW 318ti iTrader: (16) Photo Gallery	There are many threads on what you need for the swap... However, some things aren't mentioned here... What year is your Ti? Hopefully 96 or later. Trying to put an OBDII motor in a 95 ti which is OBDI will present far more challenges.. Your existing trans will bolt up, no problem. There are 2 mounting places for your trans rear crossmember, you may have to shift it to the rear position, however. The driveshaft should compress enough at the center bearing to compensate, mine did, your results may vary... Swap the front suspension from the Sedan into your ti, it's all easily interchangeable.. Also inspect the rear main seal for the engine for leakage when it's out. Your gasket list is good, but also check the valve cover gasket. You should use the cooling system from the sedan (Radiator/fan, etc), and will need the right radiator mount. I swapped over the AC into mine as well, and you will need a couple of the hoses if you plan to do this as well. The Automatic engine harness will be fine, but it will have a connection for the trans DME that you won't use. If you can find a harness from a manual, it will be better, but not necessary. Also, the EWS, DME and key will all be needed, or you can get the EWS deleted by a dealer or the member Midnight Tuning here on the .org. If you search BluBimma's posts here and on bimmerforums.com, he has posted lots of information on swaps. Good Luck! __________________ James 95 active w/leather interior and sport interior conversion, Vaders, full M-Tech exterior conversion. Now m50 swapped* Eibach sway bars, D2 Coilovers, Depo's w/AE's, blacked-out sides and grills, LeatherZ console and door armrests, 1 series starter button mod, and custom finished Style 5's <--- in this color! Named "Roddy": *M50 6 cyl. swap with fan delete, S50 cams and chip, AFE stage 2 intake, M3 clutch and 11.5 lb Fidanza flywheel, 3.15LSD, battery relocated to rear and complete custom exhaust. Sweet! 97 318ti sport, Alaska Blue, Contours, coilovers, Dove Vaders and custom black/grey interior named "Max" 95 318ti Active in Cosmos, S50 swap in progress... named "Pit" SUPPORT 318ti.org! CLICK THE LINK ABOVE! Hosting a forum like this is not free. 318ti.org is one of the best BMW forums on the web because it is member supported, not vendor supported. The cost to become a Supporter is a nominal $10.00... A YEAR! DO IT! NOW!