The Truth... 4cyl vs 6 cyl 3 Series

M

merlin

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#1
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#1
Hey guys... fantastic site you got going here...

I trying to clear something up....

Basically what i want to know is if there are any differences in the actual shell / chassis between the 4cyl (318is) and the 6 cyl (325/M3 etc.) .

The reason I am asking is I am looking at getting a 318, with intention of doing a conversion to a 6 cyl motor, but some people are telling me that you have to have a 6cyl beema to start off with as they have more room under the bonnet whilst somebody else says you can still fit 6cyls in.

So can you fit a 6 cyl motor in the 318is's or it just wont work ??

Any help/information/advice is GREATLY appreciated.....
 
E

epj3

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#2
Minor differences, but yea I would definitely start out with the 6 cylinder. Firewall is differnet I assume. You could fit a 6 cylinder in a 318is (i assume you're talking e30, or possibly e36?) but you would have to do a LOT of modifications. Definitely go for the 6 cylinder.
 
Kirby

Kirby

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#3
I have not looked at doing engine swaps in BMWs, but I have done or researched them in several other brands. Typically the frame and body are the same. The differences are the motor mounts, maybe the transmission, transmission mounts, exhaust system, sometimes the cooling/heating/AC systems are different, ECU, some of the dashboard electronics (i.e. tach pulse frequency is different). I've never seen any differences in the firewall besides the stuff that pokes thru or mounts to it.
 
G

grc

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#4
there are a lot of nickel and dime differences($500/$1000) like the radiator/hoses, electronics/computer/wiring harness, exhaust, throttle/trans linkage cables, intake tubing, springs, possibly trans, accessory mount brackets...i wouldn't even consider it unless i had a complete running donor car, even then it's a lot of work. just get the car you really want in the first place, or, do your research.
 
B

bmwboy

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#5
i have seen a 318 with an m3 conversion and it is defnitly peossible but it prob cost about the same as buyign the 6 in the first palce plus if you buy the 6 there is less chance of somthing going wrong like a covnersion most defintly will inlcude
 
Q-tuned

Q-tuned

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there isn't that many, i know a shop that only work on Mercs and BMW, and i asked him how much it would cost to take my 318is 4 out and put a M3 6 in, and he said that it would cost around 20K, he said that the whole electrical sestem had to be replaced and the tranny as well, on top of the motor change. Also i found this web page where a guy took his 318is and changed the engine for a C5 Corvette V8 engine and he shows all the steps and it isnt as hard as u may think. 318 with a V8, what a sleeper! lol
 
B

BMW-FW26

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#15
The S14 is more practical in a 318 because you trading a 4 for 4. A M50 or M52 (I think those are the 6's) are HUGE compared to the M10. And the S54 is a waste in the 318. The shorter crankshaft in the S14 means faster revving engine and 195 hp stock is nice and so is the comfort you can get 360hp out of it without forced induction. Although I have heard of the M10 having 1500 hp. BMW built it.
http://www.320i.com/turbocharging.htm
 
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