Donor Hunt
 

Hi
I am looking for a donor BMW E36 323 of 325 and am wondering if all models are suitable coupe/estate/saloon. Are there nasty's I should be wary of.
Any advise would be appreciated.

Michael

Sounds like you are at the same stage as me, looking for a donor. The advice I have been given is to try and steer clear of the M52 engine as it have a watch dog on the ECU etc and can be problematic, think these came in around 1994 on the 325 and all 323 have the M52. The M50 engine does not have these issues. I hope that has helped

Glen

Hi Michael
My advice would be to go pre-M52 as suggested by Glen. The Immobiliser problems otherwise are immense.
Regards
Tim

donor issues
 

Many thanks for the advise.
I beleive the M50 is used in all the 325 and the early 323's, is there any visual difference with the M52 or do I just need to check engine No.

Michael,

The oil filler cap on an M50 is at the back of the engine I believe, Hope this helps

Glen

There is a huge amount of detail on these engines on the web. Suggest you start with the following:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_BMW_engines
Vanos is an added complication to think about!

Donor
 

Many thank for the info and the link I need to do more research.

Picked up my Donor a couple of weekends ago, 1993 325i SE. I have started the strip down, getting the engine out first so I can give it an overhaul while other bits coming off etc. I have put some photos on Flikr...GSLMarlin

Good to see an abandoned project coming back to life.
Keep up the good work!!