need your vast knowledge 318ti

[6inarow]

first off i am new to the bmw world and this forum. i am a mechanic by trade and know my way around domestic vehicles. this is my first bmw so id like any input for what is interchangeable. i recently acquired my first bmw a 1997 318ti standerd with front end damage. i have also picked up a 1996 328i auto in full running order (its actually in mint shape) now for my plan.
-swap the 2.8 into the ti
-swap the sedan dash into the ti

now i have done some research and from my understanding the engine swap itself is pretty straight forward. i would like to know how the 4 banger manual trans would hold up to the 2.8 and if the 328i diff would work on the ti. is there a better budget route i can go for my front suspension and my rear end set up. i am not looking to set any land speed records here with my project just make a unique ride that i can use as my summer daily driver thats reliable and has a bit of snap. i thank any of you in advance for any input that would help before i start ripping and tearing.

[1996 328ti]

People have used the original transmission.
The diff will eventually go.
The dash is probably more work than it's worth.

Your car but why wreck a mint 328 for a ti that has front end damage?

You should be able to find a wrecked 328 or even an M3 that you can use.

My opinion, you are going about it all backwards.

Fix the ti and find a suitable donor.

[6inarow]

thanks for the input, my main reason for doing it this way is that i traded a dirtbike for the ti that has 15000 in receipts, steal i know. and the 328i i bought for 1000$ i also picked up brand new front fenders for 140 so as far as cosmetics go i got everything i need to fix the ti front end. as far as the interior the ti is in rough shape but the i is in mint plus i like the look of the sedans dash vs the compact. i love the looks of the ti and have always wanted one now as far as finding a wrecked 328 i havent found one for 1000$ can a guy use the 328i diff in the ti?

[1996 328ti]

OK. Good luck.
There is at least one ti with a 328 or maybe M3 dash.
I think there will be a gap and not sure about the HVAC vents.
The 328 uses different HVAC controls.

Are you swapping the seats too?
There are issues with the rear seats.

It's a big project for someone new.

[6inarow]

thank you i appreciate it! its gonna be my winter project.
i am hoping the dash swap will go smooth i plan on gutting the entire interior of the ti and the ti engine bay then start the processes of bringing the 328i parts over to it

i am swapping the front seats after i get them re-upholstered and keep the ti rear seats but just get them re-upholstered to match. a buddy that runs a upholstery shop that owes me some favors

[1996 328ti]

I can only find one thread about the dash.
http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=30615
Unfortunately the OP hasn't been here in a couple years.

[6inarow]

thank you! i appreciate the find. thats gonna help out so much

[zoner]

There is almost nothing rearward of the A-pillars in the 328 that will directly swap into the ti, other than front seats. Forward of the A-pillars, everything will directly swap (chassis wise). There are a few specific things that you'll have to do regarding the engine swap but as Steven mentioned, the 168mm differential will go sooner than later behind the torque of a 2.8L.

I think I'm with Steven on this one- if the 328i is in mint shape, why not keep that as-is and look around to find a 328 that is not so mint shape or, better yet, wrecked, to use as the donor? You might even be able to sell the 328, find a used M52 motor, ZF trans., and 188mm differential for relatively cheap, and still have money left over!

Also, member J!m on this forum has put together a swap manual for the ti that covers just about everything you'll need to know.

[HotChickenStrips]

Diff will not fit, the sedan uses 3 bushings where it bolts to the subframe, the ti uses only one and 4 bolts to the subframe.

Maybe remove the ring and pinion and install it on the ti diff housing?

[6inarow]

bah now i am second guessing here, i do got a line to sell the car i am just up in the air about getting rid of the donar car that potentially has everything i need (to a point) just dont wanna screw myself on a parts car