BMW 325 Forum : “I have a 1989 bmw 325i bad engine...does a engine from a bmw 1995 318i fits in i...”

might have to do alot of cutting

With a car like a BMW I would contact the dealership/corporate to get some idea what can be done with the unique problem that you have.

Definitely ask someone who deals w/ bmw parts. But your car has a 2.5 liter inline 6 engine and the 318 is a 1.8 liter inline 4. Now, I know that displacement isn't necessarily indicative of the dimensions of the engine, but it should fit if the displacement is smaller. Now, why not just find another inline six from the same e30 (82-91) style of 3 series?

Or you could go with a 2.7L I6 from a 325e =)

i have an E30 Hartge.i think it can be.because i see somebody that change their E30 engine with E36 engine

Yeah it will fit in the e30. i have seen people put V12's in those cars so a small inline four will for sure make
clearance.

Yes, it will fit. Although, there is really no reason to do so. The M20/M42 camp is very split. I hardly ever see people doing that swap. If you're just wanting to get the car on the road, get another M20. If you want performance, get an M50.

Do you know where I can find one used and how much am I gonna spend?
Thanks

Do you know where I can find one used and how much am I gonna spend?

Not sure if this is the exact one, but an m20 engine for 425 on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts-Accessories_Car-Truck-Parts-Accessories__BMW-Used-Long-Block-Engine-M20-E28-528-528e-325-325e_W0QQitemZ220260610016QQddnZPartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQadnZCarQ20Q26Q20TruckQ20PartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQddiZ2811QQadiZ2865QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item220260610016&_trksid=p3756.m14.l1318

M20 engines run anywhere from 250-750 USD stock. I wouldn't pay over 1000. M50 engines aren't much more, maybe 400-900.

i know with some of the bmw's they make small block chevy conversion kits for them. it would prolly be cheaper and you would have a crap load more hp potential.

if im not mistaken, the e36 318 motor is a m42 which can be made to fit an e30 with a little work but i would stick
with a replacement m20 engine or even perhaps upgrade to an m50 from an e36 325 preferably from a 92 which
doesn't have that vanos junk

i own a shop in colorado that deals with mercedes and bmw. the 318i won't fit and can't run unless you change the harness and ECU. i would just replace it with another single overhead cam 2.5 inline six. and they are really common. if you're interested, i can help you find one for cheap

Yes the engine can be retrofitted but the 318i engine is not as good as the the engine that came out of that car.You could a 325 from a 92 and up  to fit that is a wonderful engine!No timing belts to deal with they never break down, just keep up the regular maintenance.

You could, but it would be stupid. It would cost as much as an m50 swap, and you would have less hp than stock. As mentioned, an m20 is only a few hundred dollars, and it'll swap straight in. If you insist on a 4 cylinder, the m42 out of a 318is would be an easier swap, but still will cost more because they're less common.