Nouveau propriétaire de 318i

[youngE30]

Ma 325i E30 est maintenant défunt, je cherche a me procurer une E36, peut-etre une 318i. Je voudrais savoir si quelqu'un a déja entendu parler de mettre un S52, moteur de M3 1997, dans une 318i 1995. Vu que le chassis est le meme ca devrait marcher. Je changerais la transmission et surement le driveshaft. Je suis surtout a la recherche d'information. Merci.

[Emre]

Je voudrais savoir si quelqu'un a déja entendu parler de mettre un S52, moteur de M3 1997, dans une 318i 1995.Honestly, it's just not worth the trouble. The prices of E36 M3's have dropped to incredibly low levels. You can find excellent examples for around $15K.

Once you buy an E36 318is, then buy all the mechanical parts from an E36 M3, then factor in all the time and labor...you will probably end up spending more than if you just bought a nice M3 to start with! Plus, the M3 has other nice things that the 318is is missing (like terrific seats, bigger brakes, better suspension, cool bdywork, nice wheels, etc.). Further, the M3 will still be worth more in the end.

Emre

[Andre]

15k ??? USD or Canadian?
Next time you see one of those Emre, please drop me a line.

-andre-

[Emre]

15k ??? USD or Canadian?
Next time you see one of those Emre, please drop me a line.I wouldn't buy a used car in Canada. The prices of early E36 M3's in the US are down to the $10K-15K range. Even 3.2L versions are well under $20K these days. There are literally tons of them available in the US.

Just check the back of the Roundel and see for yourself!

Anyway, the point remains. Buying a used 318is and trying to turn it into an M3 will end up costing the same as (if not more than) just buying an M3 to start with. These are not rare cars.

Emre

[youngE30]

Thank you very much for the info. I was thinking of doing this project because I wanted something unique, for the bodywork I already have something planned, along with the suspension and interior. And since alot of the parts are already at my disposal at a relatively low cost, it would cost less than by the M3. If it were the other way around I wouldn't even think of swapping. What I really wanna know is, time and money not accounted for, is it possible? Thanks for the input.

[Emre]

What I really wanna know is, time and money not accounted for, is it possible? Thanks for the input.In that case, yes, it is possible. The chassis is fundamentally identical. If you plan to swap out the whole suspension (springs, dampers, sway bars, and bushings), then there's no real difference other than the big brakes. The rear subframe area is reinforced on the M3 (it's a weakspot on regular E36's) so that will need to be addressed...especially with a stiffer suspension.

Lee Voung has a very nice big brake kit for the E36 that will beat the pants off stock M3 brakes. It's worth considering.

Emre

[youngE30]

thank you very much for the info. I'll let you know how it turns out.