bmwe21.net forums

Hi again everyone.
So, a little progress report and some questions if people can spare some advice
The old 1.6 engine is now out - 323 front beam is in - old battery tray has been cut away - entire engine bay has been cleaned and sand blasted and painted (the picture of the bay is a before).
The next step is to put the clutch pedal in to turn it into a manual and then after that I will be looking for a M52 2.8 engine.

Q1) As the engine is out and before I start putting the M52 in is there anything else that needs attention??? Nothing I need to cut away to make room...
Q2) What should I look for in a M52 engine?? Should I look for no, single or twin vanos or does it not make any difference????
Q3) Will the power steering rack still fit or will it be in the way????

Thanks (will get her back on the road one day)

Some pics:

Hi again people - would just like to share some progress that I made before the new year
I finished converting her from automatic to manual - easier than I thought it would be actually
Installed the Z3 short shifter
Got the M52 in, still lots to do but its in - replaced the water pump, new belt and will be getting an alloy thermostat cover in the next few weeks

Looks great! Big lump inthere! Nice and keep those pics comming!

There wasn't much response initially but you clearly managed, wonderful! What M52 did you get?

Thanks for the positive comment - Its a 2.8 from a E36 convertible - believe its known as a M52B28.

Changed as many service parts as I can before putting the engine in - water pump, thermostat, oil filter and belt.

Next up : exhaust manifold and trying to sort out what radiator to use...

Ah well then you got yourself the best possible M52 lump!

Yep, b28 runs smooth!! Lots of power!

This thing will sure run like crazy!

Thanks all - hope its up and running for the summer

Big thanks to Nas for helping me out sourcing a radiator

Some updates.
Interior carpet fitted - got a £40 roll of 2 x 2 metres carpet and got to work with a Stanley knife
Got the engine in and kind of running I've taken some pics after speaking to NAS to check what I've done is correct - the bundle of red wires is only temporarily taped up as its a work in progress and I'm not even sure they all go together

Almost done!

love such a conversion, wiring however seems a pita.
good luck with this conversion.....keep up posting your progress here...

Nice work so far, you'll get it sorted!

Thanks for the comments - hope to get her sorted soon.
Better pics to follow when she's ready