BMW 320i E36 questions? - NeilT
Hi,

I have a few questions which I hope are easy to answer?

1. would a 1994/95 E36 320i have belt or chain cam drive?
2. If upgrading to 2.5/2.8, is everything except the ECU the same?
3. Will an E46 320/323/325/328 engine transplant easily?

I'm trying to find out whether its worth buying a cheap 320i that needs a replacment engine.


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Neil T
Mondeo Ghia TDCi 130 Estate, SEAT Toledo 20VT Sport, Various Montegos...
BMW 320i E36 questions? - Aprilia

1. Chain. Some have VVT.
2. No, various other bits an pieces will be different. Think final drive ratio is different too.
3. Depends what you mean by 'easy'. The E46 engine is essentially the same, but you are likely to find a lot of minor differences (brackets in different places, possible connectors a bit different).
Little doubt it can be done if you really want - but what not just buy the 'right' car in the first place?
BMW 320i E36 questions? - NeilT
Engines on eBay are as a cheap at £200 for the 3 series. If I can get a car and engine for less than £1000 it allows me more spare cash for the rest of the work required...... it'll be my next track car.... why spend £2000 on a working one...

Final drive is ov no importance, just ease of work....
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Neil T
Mondeo Ghia TDCi 130 Estate, SEAT Toledo 20VT Sport, Various Montegos...