E12 engine??? into a 2002..

[Jeff Zanassi]

Has anyone put a E12 motor into a 2002?? I'm debating about it.. Its from a 79 533i with an E12 engine.. Its just a thought!! Any advice??

[Mike G]

4 minutes ago, Jeff Zanassi said:

Has anyone put a E12 motor into a 2002?? 

probably. What’s an e12 motor? Didn’t those have a few different engines?

[tech71]

16 minutes ago, Mike G said:

What’s an e12 motor? Didn’t those have a few different engines?

Stateside E12 cars were fitted with M30 (big six) engines of different displacements.

2.8L 3.0L and 3.3L.

Judging by its popularity I would assume that The M20 (baby six) is a more practical conversion.

 

Edited January 30 by tech71

[Mike G]

40 minutes ago, tech71 said:

Stateside E12 cars were fitted with M30 (big six) engines of different displacements.

2.8L 3.0L and 3.3L.

Judging by its popularity I would assume that The M20 (baby six) is a more practical conversion.

 

good to know. For OP here’s some reading or follow this guy on IG for current status updates

 

 

 

[TobyB]

An M12 is the DOHC M10.

 

An E12 got everything from an M10b18 to an M30b35.  What you gots there is an M30b33

 

The 'big six' was in fact perty farkin' big, as were the transmissions

that fit to it, so while a few did wedge them in,

cutting up the floor boards and firewall, historically, most found smaller,

higher bhp/lb options.

If you was a gonna do it, might as well go full M88/S38 for full effect.

 

Or smaller and lighter, M54b30.  

 

Quote

 does the m30 Trans bolt up to the 2002 body with no fabs?Also what parts do I need for this build? Could someone please make me a list this is my first build

uhhh... heh.... sure, not a single fab, and you'll need some bolts, a welder and a sawzall.

 

t

 

[Son of Marty]

3 minutes ago, TobyB said:

uhhh... heh.... sure, not a single fab, and you'll need some bolts, a welder and a sawzall.

And don't forget you'll need one of these.

[2002iii]

I believe the fist one was done by an airforce officer stationed in Germany. There was a post with an article about it.

 

I would go with a s54, much easier to fit since it's almost the same size as an m20. You might be able to squeeze it in without extensive transmission tunnel modification.

[TobyB]

Have you priced an S54 recently?  It's almost cheaper to buy a whole E46M3 right now!

 

The stinker about the M54/S54 is that the transmissions are so chunky, and have a lot

of bulk above the crank centerline.  The engine itself can be squeezed in there, but then there's 

just no room for bellhousing or transmission.

 

t

 

[tech71]

2 hours ago, Jeff Zanassi said:

Its just a thought!! Any advice??

Keep it just a thought, dont do it.

Sell it for seed money for an engine that fits with less major structural modifications.

[Jeff Zanassi]

That's what I thought!! Thank you for everyone making the decision really easy for me not to go that route.!!

[2002iii]

If you really want an m30 powered car get a a e24 or e23 or e28 or e34. All are getting rare but can still be found for affordable prices if you look in the right places.

[Jeff Zanassi]

I'd never stray away from the 02!! One of my favorite cars, the other is my 914!!

[joebarthlow]

M30 is a great motor, not for the 2002, though

 

[Henning]

No need of cutting.  Just extending:

 

 

Your inner fenders after:

 

 

Tell us about driveability when finished.

 

henn

[Tommy]

Maybe still easier way.