Bmw With Engine Swap

[tvmax]

Anyone have any experience with BMW's with japanese engines installed? Does this increase or decrease the value? Any specific problems with a 96 BMW 318 I should look out for? Do dealers normally give a guarantee on a used car and do they honor them?

Thank you

[ignis]

Anyone have any experience with BMW's with japanese engines installed? Does this increase or decrease the value? Any specific problems with a 96 BMW 318 I should look out for? Do dealers normally give a guarantee on a used car and do they honor them?

Thank you

From what i see the value decreases + insurance coverage is also less..

3 people that I know that have a different engines fitted, they have nothing but problems... guess if it just a engine swap maybe problems, or were all the other item upgraded to take the extra power/weight etc

most with Japanese engines installed are from the Toyota Crown

[dutchrdam]

Maybe a stupid question but why replace the engine, build with German craftsmanship, for a Japanese counterfeit engine?

With regards

[MrSnrang]

Maybe a stupid question but why replace the engine, build with German craftsmanship, for a Japanese counterfeit engine?

With regards

Maintenance is expensive and much greater performance can be attained more easily with the Toyota 1JZ/2JZ, Nissan SR or RB.

I've always thought that they would create problems with handling, reliability, service, and pretty-much everything.

[Bangkok2008]

what do you mean expensive maintenance ? fuel consumption or servicing?

because I can't see any reason take out BMW engine but only if the engine failed..

Of course in that case its cheaper to but second hand japanese engine and not BMW...right?

[MrSnrang]

what do you mean expensive maintenance ? fuel consumption or servicing?

because I can't see any reason take out BMW engine but only if the engine failed..

Of course in that case its cheaper to but second hand japanese engine and not BMW...right?

Sometimes servicing a BMW engine or replacing a broken mechanism can cost about the same as a high-performance Toyota engine.

My friend had to take his MINI to have a complete overhaul after about maybe six years of its life and it cost about 30k.

In a RWD BMW an engine swap is seen to be cheap (~50k) compared with the expensive BMW parts. Some speed freaks like having the extra power and tuning flexibility of a Toyota 1J/2J engine. There is a lot more you can do with a 2JZ engine, the Toyota Supra equipped with the 2JZ-GTE engine is famous for its users tuning them to outrageous horsepower ratings (think 600+ BHP).

Engines here are so cheap that it's not too odd to just swap a new one in instead of spending the money to fix an engine with a mechanical fault. I know my cousin swapped the stock motor out of his A31 Cefiro for a better Nissan engine though I'm not sure which one (the SR series comes to mind).

I still would advise against buying a secondhand car with a swapped engine. Chances are that a heavier/lighter engine has thrown off the weight balance and altered chassis dynamics resulting in unpredictable handing (snap oversteer) and this could be further-amplified by a cheap swapping job where other details have been overlooked. Keep in mind that the Japanese engines for sale here are generally secondhand, more than three years old with little to no service information. Shops may advertise the engines as overhauled but they may have used cheap fixes that will result in more trouble later down the line.

[stingray]

If the car has RWD, it's common and easy to do a engine swap. I bought many cars with toyota 1JZ or 2JZ engines. Even Nissan SR engines are very good. Never had any troubles. Important is who done the job. If the swap is professionally done, there should no ptoblem if you buy such kind of car. More troubles with front wheel drive cars. There is difficult to swap engines and common troubles are with the driveshafts, engine mounts, etc. If you buy a car like this, check carefully how the job is done. The value of the car is allways lower if the car have not the original engine. I my self fitted a 1 UZ V8 engine (inclouding transmission and 4x4 gearbox) in a 1975 Range Rover, after spending over 40'k on the original engine, which allways overheated. Perfomance and gasmilage was much better with the 1 UZ engine than with the RR engine. Never had any troubles again.

[philipm]

Dude, you have the 318? ok well first of they are the lightest of the 3series family,

to that added point you have several good choice engines out their, (all japanese)

these are the following:

1jz gte-280hp (single turbo 2500cc)-good drag engine

1jz-gte twin (approx 350-400bhp - twin turbo 2500cc)-modified block/turbo-good drifter/circuit

2jz-gte single (approx 400bhp- huge single turbo 3000cc)-modified turbo----awsome dragger

2jz-gte twin (stock form 320hp-twin small turbos 3000cc)-this engine i would recommend for Circuit racing, twins are good when you need boost from low rpm, and high rpm (these turbos work independently, one for lower rpm one for upper).

i didnt menation the vvti alternatives, as they are complicated to install, (alotttttttttttttttt of wiring and sensors), so the gte is easy, they can handle 600hp in stock block form, they are basicly bulletproof.

next alternatives:

RB25- (2500cc )-its a light alrounder/ (consider the rb25- as similar to the sr20's-siliva/Sx engines, 400bhp out of the rb25 and sr's, requires quite alot/expensive mods)-thus if you r looking for big power, leave these engines. but remember the sr engine are very well balanced- and would be a good set up for a drifter or daily driver that hits the strights well, but nothing scary haha.

now the rb26dett (skyline gtr engine) -2600cc twin turbo-(320hp)- these twin small turbos work extreamly well for drag circuit etc, (both turbos work simoutaniously), those the tranmission is setup for 4wd, its easly converted into rear wheel drive.-most expensive of all these engines and can handle up to 500-600hp on stock internals, only problem is that it would have to be converted thus, fabrication, thus expensive (100-150K)

last engine i can recommend you, as a strong all day daily driver is, 1uz-v8, (245hp v8 from the toyota prado)- its NA-non turbo/supercharged-though it can easily be done. i would recommend this for that little extra grunt and alot more torque, (very easy daily driver)-maybe the best replacement if you want something suttle-or go for the sr-rb25. those the v8-makes the new m3 look std haha.

hope this helps

[tvmax]

Thank you all for the response. I am looking at a BMW with a 2JZ twin turbo from a Supra. I am looking at it because I like the look of the BMW but would like a bit more performance. Also the consideration of cheaper to repair is also nice.

How does the auto trans hold up on the 2JZ supra? What kind of mileage would I be looking at out of this doing normal street driving on a stock engine? Last would one of these be a good candidate for an LPG conversion?

Thank you

[goldfish]

Must admit I have a bit of the 'open mouth' syndrome here. The fact that anyone would consider buying a car that's had an engine swap in a country where they still check tyre pressures by hitting the tyre with a lump of metal and haven't quite got the hang of the need to clean/replace air filters. The exploding gas tanks which are soon to become a daily occurence should be warning enough to the need for competant engineers reports for this kind of work.

In the meantime buy a bmw with a bmw engine

[initiala4]

I actually have yet to see a good swap job in Thailand. Just becareful of a few monkey jobs......techs here arent so careful.

[Plus]

I have no problems with my 2jz swap, so far.

The only complaint is that it's too loud at revs higher than 3,000 rpm.

318 engine was probably the cheapest and smallest BMW could find, there should be no tears for losing it. If I had 2jz in 318, it would fly like mad, and it's not even turbo (less power but greater reliablitiy).

200+ horsepowers is enough for driving a ten year old car in Thailand, imo.

[philipm]

hey bro, first of swapping your engine to any 6cilinder turbocharged 2500cc+, fuel consumption shouldnt be your motive......

2jz-gte (twinturbo) 320hp, its a really good.

though dude dont ngv or lpg it, first of its not safe (accidents can easily punture the tank-and gas line to the engine/fuel system, causes BOMBBBBSSSS)

petrol is cheaper than diesel so no one should be complaining concidering diesels are ment to me economical. yea sure it is, but with a price close to 40bhat its not that economical.

ohhh yes, try to avoide the automatics, try to get manual if you can. the auto tranmission is rubbish, remember these are 8+ year old engines, go for a manual if you can. though if u want the auto, your gona spend alot of money if u need to change the torqueconverter etc. (repairing it, is expensive and not many people can do it in thailand)....go for the manual (clutch) you wont have problems with power, tq delivery not to menation better controll and more aviable parts for either repairs or modifications.

alot of people have the 1jz nonturbo. its smooth no doubt, but in my opinion it wont really give u a grin on your face. thus to spend 40-60,000grand on it seems harsh unless u want economy!!! (gooddddd economy)-non turbo varient.

but spending 60+ for a manual 2jz gte (if your not looking for only economy...but power then u wont regreat this varient).

when do u wana do the swap?

[Plus]

One of the reasons I went for VVTi is the age - they are relatively new, mine is marked as 2003, only a few months older than my original diesel.

These engines come coupled with auto-transmission already, getting a manual one would add about 15k.

When I asked the same shop about their business last months, they said prices were incredible. Even 1jz, non-turbo, went up from 25-30k to 60, plus installation costs and extra parts, about 80k altogether.

I'm not sure that fuel price shouldn't be a concern for someone buying ten year old car, even if it's BMW. It costs a lot less than a new Toyota now, LPG is an easy way to save some money here.

[stingray]

Recommended: It's true, a manual gearbox always gives you extra power and extra fun when you drive, unless you stay in traffic jam. There is the reason why i would choice a automatic transmission in Thailand. But Toyota automatic transmissions, needs a very good feeling on your foot when you drive. Kickdown is to sensitive in my opinion. Mosthly they go 2 steps down in gear, when you "kock down" them and your engine jumps from 2000 right away up to 7'000 rpms. Therefore you need to feel how to push the gaspedal. Never push it fully down, only 3/4 for step only one gear lower. Releas the gas pedal shortly if you want change the next gear. By the way it's fun to play with this Toyota engines. If you using a 1UZ V8, you should separate the exhoustpipes compleatly. One left and one rightside. Fix only 2 short mufflers (each side one) right away at the end of each pipe. Important: keep the pipes separated. You'll get a nice deep V8 sound like a real american muscle car.

[philipm]

alot of choices bro, you should just weight out your options,

btw yes alllllllllllllll petrol engines prices have risen by over 50-100%, (supply and demand), diesel is so expensive so everyone is swapping.

btw if you havent read about the ngv, lpg gass explosion? it seems that its not tank that is danergous, but the line connecting the gas which is first of highly flamiable, to the engine seems to snap underimpact of verious things....thus if you want the gass option, i would try to perhaps import the line,

but yes if u get the v8, get twin tail pipes, just Y your catback, and add two split type mufflers.....(you will have a deep nice v8 rumble)

[tvmax]

So what price should I look to pay for a mid 90's BMW 318 or 325 with a 2jz engine and auto?

[BSJ]

Hi folks, If well engineered any engine can be fitted to any car. But that doesn't make it a good idea! I have included some V8 into Cressida pix's and a couple from a Hi Lux conversion a friend did. The Cressida goes quite well now! Ps: I forgot to say the Cressida is my friend's car....not mine!

[philipm]

oh wait dont u already have the bmw?

if your talking about the car, approx 600-1.5mil, that is if the year is b4 2000.

the swap though for the 2jz gte automatic twinturbo, approx 70,000. (depends on condition and year). they range up to 100,000 for auto that is just perfect.

if i was you i would leave like 100-150k for the engine/brake/cat/mufflers/maybe springs and shocks...depending on if you want it as a daily (then leave stock)-much softer, but for track u want stiff (aftermarket).

150k and you will be safe. perhaps with alot left over.

[philipm]

i think you should look around the 600-1,000,000 for a mid 90's 2jz gte swap. but my recommendation is buy the car seprate then do the mods yourself, you wont have reliability issues and other issues with a car with a modified engine (you know the driver thrashes it around)- so get stock, all parts should be in much better condition (less stress/power/tq etc) and just do the swap yourself (garage).

atleast you know everything will be in good condition.

[tvmax]

So could I expect to get 12 to 14 km per liter in sedate driving from a combo like this?

[culicine]

So could I expect to get 12 to 14 km per liter in sedate driving from a combo like this?

The same as a honda jazz? I doubt it:) Unless you mean 12-14L/100km.

But my main concern would be the condition of the engine you are putting into a car. Most of these engines seem to be 'off the shelf' and sold 'as is'. So you don't really know the condition of the engine. I think you should budget for a complete rebuild - especially things such as rings and valve stem seals, etc. Expect the worst and hope for the best!

I've seen a few bmw's transplanted with turbo engines and they seem in the 300K-600K range. Just budget for a rebuild/repairs and maintenance.

[MrSnrang]

So could I expect to get 12 to 14 km per liter in sedate driving from a combo like this?

The same as a honda jazz? I doubt it:) Unless you mean 12-14L/100km.

But my main concern would be the condition of the engine you are putting into a car. Most of these engines seem to be 'off the shelf' and sold 'as is'. So you don't really know the condition of the engine. I think you should budget for a complete rebuild - especially things such as rings and valve stem seals, etc. Expect the worst and hope for the best!

I've seen a few bmw's transplanted with turbo engines and they seem in the 300K-600K range. Just budget for a rebuild/repairs and maintenance.

Possibly. A31 Cefiros with stock 1JZ single turbos get about 9km/l.

[tvmax]

What kind of Km per Liter could you expect from a stock engine BMW 318/325 from the mid 90's?

[philipm]

dude im thinking if your really concerned about your fuel economy?

all i can say is that the 3.18 engine would defentally provide much better economy then any other engine alternative (6cilinder turbocharged)-

one thing you should think about, is that with a smaller engine esspecially the 318 (low power and low torque), you would be using more fuel, due to constant high rpm pulls, so if you just want something suttle with higher torque (then just pop an rb25-with minimal mods, headers, pod filter, catback exhaust pipe, turbo-a little bigger than stock, to generate more air, and an piggieback !!!!to tune your fuel delivery etc, twhich would be strong rb25, and tuned to run as a strong preformer (street), with customable fuel delivery-(can be tuned for more power or more economy)

[philipm]

you could go for the sr20det, which is frankly a very balanced engine and reliable.

reason i recommended the rb was the fact that its a 2.5L while the sr is 2L (thus the 2.5L would obtianed more torque easier and more on tap).

btw if u get a 325...its way to heavy for these alternatives, go for the 1UZ V8, or 1jz gte, 2jz gte would be your easiest swaps. if u want put lpg or ngv, your power will drop conciderablly, but hey you got better economy then. its your choice at the end.

[tvmax]

What is the difference in the BMW 318 and a 320? Is it wider, longer? How much heavier? Is it a big difference? Would the prices for mid 90's models be about the same?

[hansgti]

What is the difference in the BMW 318 and a 320? Is it wider, longer? How much heavier? Is it a big difference? Would the prices for mid 90's models be about the same?

Same car ,different engine.

As with anything in thailand expect to get what you pay for!

The more money you spend the better the car.

The 2jz toyota engine is designed by yamaha, its the nearest thing to a production F1 engine ever made, it can be modified to well over 1000bhp at 9000rpm on a standard bottom end, ive seen this figure many times, first hand, inside the dyno room at the porsche garage vipawayadi rd.

If the cars already been done and it starts drives runs on the forecourt for 30 mins without any problems take it for a drive, if your into modified cars then tuning the suspension to suit your taste you will know all about.Check the car over,chances are its probaly been fitted with a lowering kit, it maybe height adjustable already.

I had the an early classic bmw with a 1j motor and auto box i still regret selling it to this day.

Lastly dont poo poo jap motors in thailand,chances are no one will will want to work on your BMW engine except sp$cialists, nearly anyone can they fix your jap motor same day!

[BlackArtemis]

Wouldn't dropping in an Sr20det be the cheapest route?

[philipm]

not nessarly, 2jz are so widely aviable im sure you could find some at the same price as an sr20. plus sr20 engine is a bit to light for the car.