[JordanCoupe]

As above iv been toying around with the idea of doing a conversion on an e46 318 and putting 330 engine, brakes and running gear into it. Iv done some research but a lot of it has been American cars and a Few English ones so I want to get info on Irish cars.

My main question is if I have the two cars sitting side by side, is it a simple bolt off- bolt on job? Any input is appreciated especially from anyone who's done similar conversions

 

[indigais]

yes its is plug and play. if you have 2 cars than no problems at all
check my thread Indigais 318ci i make conversion 318i to 328i

 

[JordanCoupe]

^ iv read it start to finish

I know there's a small issue with the clocks goin from 4cyl to 6 but other than that is there any other problems wiring wise? Will the complete loom from the 330 need to be fitted to the 318 ye?

 

[indigais]

^ iv read it start to finish

I know there's a small issue with the clocks goin from 4cyl to 6 but other than that is there any other problems wiring wise? Will the complete loom from the 330 need to be fitted to the 318 ye?

clock problem is only e36 e46 works both clock.
only wiring from engine bay you need all its plug and play
ews and ecu need take from 330 as well

 

[Gar]

what year is the 318 the m54b30 doesnt use a throttle cable

 

[JordanCoupe]

what year is the 318 the m54b30 doesnt use a throttle cable

I havnt a 318 picked out yet but I'm hoping it'll be a 04/05 facelift. Am I right in saying the 318s use a system where the throttle cable goes to a motor attached to the throttle(rather than a traditional throttle cable) as opposed to the 330s fully electronic set up?

What's the best way around this problem? Just fit the full throttle set up from the 330?

 

[Gar]

if the cars have not been purchased yet id recommend just buying a 330ci from the beginning ,yep they use a system called drive by wire but if your using a newish 318 it wont effect you

 

[John_D]

if the cars have not been purchased yet id recommend just buying a 330ci from the beginning

+1
the cost of conversion would outweigh the tax savings for a year or more.

 

[JM1]

Would I be a millions miles off if I thought you wanted to do this conversion
so you have tax of a 318ci when your really driving a 330ci?

 

[Bart]

Would I be a millions miles off if I thought you wanted to do this conversion
so you have tax of a 318ci when your really driving a 330ci?

I taught it would just easier to buy a 330 and prob cheaper

 

[ValdelisBMW]

I taught it would just easier to buy a 330 and prob cheaper

or let the dreams go threw

 

[JordanCoupe]

The reason I ask this question is I have access to a 330 that's absolutely eatin with rust and it's totally uneconomical to fix. Iv been mad after one for the last few months so I see this as a good way to go about getting one. Very high spec Msport 318CIs are easy come by and I can do all the work myself so if the conversion is as simple as it seems to be it strikes me as a no-brainer

 

[Gar]

i still see one flaw in your plan facelift msport 318ci's make the same if not more money then 330ci's

 

[ValdelisBMW]

The reason I ask this question is I have access to a 330 that's absolutely eatin with rust and it's totally uneconomical to fix. Iv been mad after one for the last few months so I see this as a good way to go about getting one. Very high spec Msport 318CIs are easy come by and I can do all the work myself so if the conversion is as simple as it seems to be it strikes me as a no-brainer

u gonna get two different cars and make one hybrid ,and it gonna be cheaper to fix as to get proper build one could U explain as i dont understand what u talking about

 

[JordanCoupe]

u gonna get two different cars and make one hybrid ,and it gonna be cheaper to fix as to get proper build one could U explain as i dont understand what u talking about

In a word yes that's exactly what I'm thinking of doing.

And the 330 donor car is a low spec car in an awful colour that's been quoted in the region of 3k to repair. The owner has no interest in sinking that kinda money into it so iv the chance to pick up perfect engine and running gear for next to nothing.

@ gar I'm still doing the sums I do know the 1.8s hold value well over here that's exactly why I'm doing all my homework before I commit to anything.

 

[cambo e46]

To work ul need n42 218 engine so from 2002 on.. Everything is handy enough swapped over. You could do it in a week of evenings work easily

 

[Berserkr88]

nothing easier than swap from n42/n46 to m54

everything its almost plug and play.....

if u have two cars and u can take whatt u need ??? its just 5 days on ur own or with small help to do it right with service new bushings etc etc....

any questions ,, just ask

if u have 318 wwith m43 engine its more troulble with fitting throttle potentiometer ( acc pedal)

 

[Berserkr88]

To work ul need n42 218 engine so from 2002 on.. Everything is handy enough swapped over. You could do it in a week of evenings work easily

e46 had them b4 that time cose from sept 01 had no more m43 ,s

vin that what matters not the number plates....

i had my self 318 2002 with m43b19tu

 

[Mvck46]

nothing easier than swap from n42/n46 to m54

everything its almost plug and play.....

if u have two cars and u can take whatt u need ??? its just 5 days on ur own or with small help to do it right with service new bushings etc etc....

any questions ,, just ask

if u have 318 wwith m43 engine its more troulble with fitting throttle potentiometer ( acc pedal)

Hey I’m having that problem now with the accelerator pedal (no response) any idea what I need to do?