BMW V8 Swap think tank and potential build thread

[Telion]

BMW V8 Swap think tank and potential build thread

OK long story(s) short Part 1: about a year ago I bought a Magnum 318 (5.2l) V8 for my Jeep thinking that the engine was bad, turns out it wasn't and so now I have this extra engine here with 60k on it.

Part 2: My BMW 325i has had a few issues that I am not happy with 1. The tranny, or torque converter more likely is on the way out (I was aware of this when I bought it), 2: the starter has gone out for the 2nd time, 3: it is having some overheating issue.

So based on this combined storm of issues I have decided that I should drop the 318 into the BMW once the TT is running again of course. So I have done a lot of homework but know that there's always someone out there who knows more than me. I know the combined knowledge and ideas of the forum help generate solid progress, my car is a great example of that. So let the good thoughts roll. Oh I better throw this out there because it will certainly be asked if I don't "why an auto?" answer: my wife still needs to be able to drive it.

Here is what I have so far, to make this work I hope I will be using the magnum engine which will bolt directly to the 94+ Dodge Dakota 3.9 V6 bell housing, which will mount to an a340e Toyota rwd transmission. As for the fitment I have done some comparing to the commonly swapped LSx engines and it should fit .

My goal for this will not to be the monster that my car is (for a little while) but to be a nice alternative to driving my car most of the time, while putting to use extra stuff sitting around wasting space in my garage. I will upload related pics and inspiration ideas later.

[Grumpy]

Is the BMW pre-OBDII? That's really important, as it will never pass inspection otherwise (I imagine it is).

[Legend-Coupe]

i love the idea.

How big of a budget is there for the build?
Are there any performance goals?
What options do you have in gearboxes? (semi auto?)

We're talking about a E36 right?

[B+O]

what year BMW???

should be interesting.

[Telion]

1995 E36 325i . Not really any performance goals at this point till I get further into it and furtherout of having to spend money on the Legend. A semi auto tranny would be sweet over time but for now it will stay aut. It may get headers just though the natural course of getting the engine to fit. Then exhaust over time, and it will have a edelbrock performer style intake manifold on it. And I will be honest I have flirted with the idea of putting the m90 on it but really that's. A little too small for it. Oh yeah its pre obd2. Glad to see I have the interest of a few modding heavy hitters

[Vic Cardenas]

I think you should sell the BMW and the engine and use the proceeds towards getting the jeep reliable, or even better, sell the jeep too and get something not american or german made as a reliable DD. Keep the Accord as your wifes DD because it's much more reliable than any BMW ever will be. Haha, You know I hate your BMW and Jeep!

[Jonslegend]

That be cool. Those v8s are torquey. My bud has it in his Durango and has a hard time keeping traction.

[legend93g2]

Nice!

[Legend-Coupe]

it's going to need some nice wide tyres in the rear for traction.
Can the BMW diff handle the torque?

[Telion]

In its near future condition I don't think traction will be an issue as it will look like this


(not mine but same engine looks exactly like mine)


Now if I get a wild hair and do this I may have to address traction.