e34 conversion

[kapow]

hello, is it wise to buy 520 then convert it to 525 24V vanos?is the half cut easy to find? thanks

 

[moots]

don't ler...not worth the hassle and the 'things that could go wrongs' issues.get the real mccoy.price diff is circa rm8k.but of crs you have to fork out the additional higher tax diff.BUT....if you are DIY kaki...or if you have a mechanic who is also your best fren,and if you're cheap....like me....then conversion is the way to gooooooo

 

[kapow]

thanks moots for ur reply.i was thinking of getting a 30K+ e34 to do it up, engine + interior.will there be much diff, other than the engine compartment -between say an early 520 and late 525?somehow i have the mindset that half cut engine is better/more predicatble, am i wrong?

 

[bazet]

go for 525....if you have budget525i- leather seats- taller rear diff- better front discs- b25 engine with b25 ecu with b25 6-2-2 exhaust

 

[fabianyee]

Originally posted by kapow@Dec 10 2004, 06:53 AM thanks moots for ur reply.i was thinking of getting a 30K+ e34 to do it up, engine + interior.will there be much diff, other than the engine compartment -between say an early 520 and late 525?somehow i have the mindset that half cut engine is better/more predicatble, am i wrong?
when u start embarking on conversion, there's no telling that you won't stumble upon a 'rock' or a 'pothole' along the way. ...Retrofitting can cost more.... Half cut engine more predictable??? Compared to what?? Without knowing the history for tat engine, how to know whether some of its components are 'on the way', especially when it comes to the sensors... Then again, it's a gamble when buying used parts. Make sure Lady Luck is there with you...

 

[kevster30]

Originally posted by kapow@Dec 9 2004, 10:36 PM hello, is it wise to buy 520 then convert it to 525 24V vanos?is the half cut easy to find? thanks
WHY??????Why when you can buy the real enchilada right off and save yourself a heap of cash and time in the process!Retrofitting an engine may sound attractive on paper and ledger wise but like fabian has pointed out, who knows what's waiting round the bend and what evil lurks in the hearts of some mechanics!Just get the real thing and look for a nice set of wheels to go with it and enjoy the pinnicle of e34 motoring! Good Luck in whichever endevour you should decide on. B)

 

[schone]

Originally posted by kevster30+Dec 13 2004, 12:32 AM-->QUOTE (kevster30 @ Dec 13 2004, 12:32 AM)

 

[Lionel_Koh]

Originally posted by schone+Dec 13 2004, 02:22 AM-->QUOTE (schone @ Dec 13 2004, 02:22 AM)

Originally posted by kevster30@Dec 13 2004, 12:32 AM

 

[kapow]

thanks, u guys have been helpful.guess i'll start looking for one

 

[three28]

Wow... just saw this ...I would discourage the idea totallly ...Unless u geta 520i in an auction for a fraction of the price .. lets say 40% then maybe ...if not just get a 525 95/96 ...cheres

 

[kapow]

what is a reasonable price for 525 95/96 ?

 

[bmwky]

Originally posted by kapow@Dec 13 2004, 02:52 PM what is a reasonable price for 525 95/96 ?
Depending on condition from 36k up to 60k.difinitely go for 96 and above. The insulation is much better. And...oh it is ok if you can get a 520 cheap like 20k and do a M50 transplant. No worries.

 

[535i]

Or ... plonk in an old M30 engine (the cc is ur choice ... 2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.5 ..), install a manual gear shift ..... and u will be smiling ..Road tax u say ??? This can be discuss over TT ...

 

[chaiks]

Ehh.. correct me if i'm wrong. I thought the 525 should not be as expensive bcos of the road tax. The same reason why 520 will be sold more easily bcos of lesser fuel consumption?

 

[bazet]

Have been thinking of replacing my M20 for M30 B35 for zillion years..well decision is the hardest to make1. M20 B20 -> B25 ( crank,piston etc )2. Swap full M20 B253. m30 B35 + Manual GB......

 

[kapow]

so has any sifus done the transplant ? care to share ur experience... saw a few 520 selling for < 30K, very temptingactually, how do i know if the engine is a vanos? can i know just by looking at the engine ?

 

[Barry]

You need to go into this (transplant biz) with your eyes wide open. Whatever money you're going to spend in this project will have zilch return. Now having said that, the fun and knowledge gained, from buying an old car and tranforming it into a thing of beauty is worth much although impossible to quantify. Certainly, go for an 'old' basic E34 with a M20B20 engine, stick in an engine of your choice M50 (with or without Vanos) or the M30 (a little more tricky with the roadtax, I think). Supercharge (I'm still dreaming about it, yeah!). Maintain the stickshifter gearbox to maximise the 'fun' out of it. Enjoy, without thinking about the loss......

 

[ALBundy]

Wah...Barry now a Devil's Advocate kkekekeke

 

[chaiks]

Originally posted by Barry@Dec 15 2004, 10:51 AM You need to go into this (transplant biz) with your eyes wide open. Whatever money you're going to spend in this project will have zilch return. Now having said that, the fun and knowledge gained, from buying an old car and tranforming it into a thing of beauty is worth much although impossible to quantify. Certainly, go for an 'old' basic E34 with a M20B20 engine, stick in an engine of your choice M50 (with or without Vanos) or the M30 (a little more tricky with the roadtax, I think). Supercharge (I'm still dreaming about it, yeah!). Maintain the stickshifter gearbox to maximise the 'fun' out of it. Enjoy, without thinking about the loss......
Wow! All those trouble for performance on such a heavy & big car kinda miss the point. At least to me. :blink:

 

[ALBundy]

My advice is simple, if you could afford it, get a e34 525 with vanos and live happily ever after. If you have plenty of patience and also wanna save a few bucks then get the 1989 e34 520i and get a half cut and to the transplant. Al