E30 325i M20

[Dod]

I've had my 323i M20 standing for a long time now and because of this it needs to be rebuilt. I have also been offered a 325i engine with bottom end bearing failure.

I've also been told that parts fro, the 325 engine can be fitted to my 323i engine, is this true and if so, what can be done?

[arshad76]

yep! feel free to ask any questions, some helpful knowledgeable people on here - but I'd also use the search function, as that questions has been answered several times now

[murran]

theres no point buying a 325i engine with a bearing failure when a good unit with 100k on it (that doesnt need rebuilding) can be bought for £200/£250.
not when abig end and main bearing set is over £100 from bmw then youve got gaskets and everything else. to do a proper job rebuilding an m20 with genuine parts will cost knocking on £500! buy a good unit youve heard running before buying.

its not so much that "parts" from a 325i engine can be fitted to a 323i..... more the 323i can be replaced by the e30 325i engine very easily with nothing more than nuts and bolts and soldering 6 wires!

i wouldnt go swapping some s/h bearings from your 323 into the 325 engine? big no no!

[Dod]

Sorry, maybe I didnt explain myself properly. I'm going to be rebuilding the 323i unit, but was thinking about using 325i parts instead, so I'm just trying to see what my options are.

A rebuild is my best option, I'm based in Ireland and the 2.3 units arent easy to get over here, shipping an engine from the UK is an option but could work out as much as a further £100 and at least if I rebuild what I have, then I know exactly what I have instead of an engine that may not be as good as II hoped.

Is the 325i conversion a good choice? I like the idea of keeping the car origional-ish.

[nas80]

theres gotta be some e30 / early e34 2.5 m20 in Ireland.

[Dod]

Yeah with easily a €500 price tag on the engine's etc.I sourced one in NI, only wanting £400 for his.

At that rate, I just want to rebuild what I have here.