m20 transplant

calegrant · 11-17-2006, 11:01 PM

Finally found a motor with good mileage and it's affordable. It'll be going into an 84 320i. Now I just need to make sure I pick up all the needed parts. the 320i comes with an m20b20 vs the 325i's m20b25 so I'm assuming my exhaust will work. Will I need anything other than the 325i's computer to get this running? I know I know, I'm a tad over my head but I just want to make sure I don't miss out on anything obvious when I drop the car off at the shop. Unfourtunately vic doesn't have a shop that I can just drop the car off and know a bmw enthusiast is wrenching on it

calegrant · 11-20-2006, 08:08 PM

Called up a local shop and they're giving me a time frame of 13-16 hours for an m20-m20 swap. I personally say thats bullshit but then again I don't do anything that extreme on my car. Does anyone have a number for a VERY good bmw tech in toronto? I think I've heard the name Charlie floating around here a fair bit. Also of course input by anyone who's done it would be helpfull as well!

BMW325BMW · 11-20-2006, 09:05 PM

that sounds way high... i got a quote from a shop and they told me 15 hours for a m20 to m50 swap. I think you should keep shopping around

calegrant · 11-20-2006, 10:35 PM

Yea these guys seems really fishy. I've guessed at around 6-7 hours max since everything is compatable. The only thing I need to do is run wire for ecu as mine is jetronic. These are the same guys that told me $500 JUST for oem control arms not including install

BMW325BMW · 11-21-2006, 01:07 AM

wow!! it is too bad you are not in or near Toronto. Alot of reputable shops around here. I personally have not gone to any of the sponsors, but just from what I hear about them, if I had any major issue with my car, I would definately trust them. But shop around. I'm sure there is a good shop somewhere in Victoria that can handle this kinda task. May sound like a dumb idea, but check the dealer. They may charge you an arm and a leg per hour, but at least you know the job is being done by BMW trained technicians and on top of it, they would work faster than 17 hours, so you may end up saving in the long run.

RobY330i · 11-21-2006, 12:16 PM

I swapped my M50 for a S50 and did it in 10 hrs (well, my mechanic did).

Loozen_it · 11-21-2006, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobY330i

I swapped my M50 for a S50 and did it in 10 hrs (well, my mechanic did).

Did you have to source the S50 yourself? If so, where did you get it from? What did it set you back?

I don't know if its because Im new to Canada or there are just a lack of BMW performance shops in Calgary.

RobY330i · 11-22-2006, 12:38 PM

It was rebuilt with track duties in mind. Wiseco pistons.
Purchased for CAN$9000 in 2000 from Raven Performance in T.O.

Currently it's stuck at 270 hp (Conforti Euro-HFM) until i get larger injectors and a hotter cam.

Now it's used primarily as a grocery getter.

Gmas · 11-23-2006, 12:41 AM

The name Charlie you've heard tossed around is probably Charlie from Bimmersport. You could try calling RMP as well for a reference.