I have an M3 motor(3.0l i6 OBD1 forget the engine code, something like s50) and heard its pretty easy to put into a 318ti hatch chassis, anyone done it or know how hard it is? I like the hatches and my motor is pristine, only like 70k original miles, I crashed the car, but its all body work because I only hit the curb, everything else is fine, but Insurance told me it was totaled, I kept the car for parts and stuff, so I have a motor to use. any info is appreciated.

 

you would probably get more help on a bimmer forum.

 

dont do it those cars are ****ing ugly

 

yeah its possible, but i wouldnt say its going to be easy. and i bet you would still have to buy some parts to make it work.

try bimmerforums

probably easier just to buy an e36m3 and sell your motor/tranny

 

I always wondered if its been done. The Ti has always reminded me of a civic hatchback in a sense...

 

I did some searching around, apparently its really freaking easy if you go OBD1-OBD1 which is what I wanted to do anyway... Basically just bolts right on if you have the harness and everything, which I do, ... and I LOVE hatches... (not including wagons) personal preference on the way they look... it would need to be slammed and rims, and a small spoiler, but, I like them, its not really that much different than the coupe anyway. I just saw a bunch of BMW people on here, so I thought I might get some input. Its been done a bunch of times already, with great results. I know what you mean about the civic hatch in a way...

 

It can be done, but its definitely not like a Honda swap. Dealing with the EWS and security chipping involves some work and BMW knowledge. I had my buddies at a local shop drop in a 99 328is into my 97 318Ti:

 

aside from a few like gsl... most are just a bunch of ex-honda fan boys who started to get into their 20's and thought it was time to buy a late model bmw 3 series and call it an "adult" car.

 

Good observation. I had some buddies who did what you said and have been drooling o er my Integra. They got out too soon. I'm a die hard Honda fan. My "adult" ride is my s2k. The Ti is fun w/ the 2.8 straight 6. I can explain it like a heavier, torquey, 200 hp gs-r, but not as balanced.

 

 

Ugly like yo ***. To each his own.

 

There's a local guy who has a 2.8 in his Ti, not sure if it's OBD I or II, though. Adapting to OBD I Isn't too much work and is supposed to net some more power from jump street. An M/S50 intake manifold/tb, some sensors and a 413 red label DME and you're good.

What year was the M3? If it was 95 it should already be OBDI If my info is straight. Should be a pretty straight forward swap, make sure you have an E30 medium case LSD for it.

 

318ti.com or bimmerforums.com, both pretty good and also a member on both