Concrete Railroad (Allgemein)

Als Antwort auf: 518i repowering? von fender-bender am 04. Oktober 2006 23:06:03:

Hey there fella,

it's not completely impossible to do the kind of engine swap you are planning,
but I highly advise against doing so, because traditionally, replacing an I4 with an I6 engine in old bimmers is complicated and involves replacing the whole wiring harness, etc. Your I4 also most likely has no power steering and an inferior rear axle with drum brakes. I suggest you rebuild the 528 that you found at the breakers and use the 518 as a donor car for body parts, interior, switches and all that.
By the way you are writing it sounds like you are from Cali, so rust shouldn't be that much of an issue.
Im sure you'll have lotsa fun with the 528 and you can scare the hell out of those ricers with their low power output 4 cylinder engines. Just make sure you always fill up with premium unleaded and keep an eye on the temp gauge, so you don't blow up another hose or the radiator.

Kind regards,

Bill

Hi e28-friends,
I own a 87 model 518i-bimmer. Unfortunately I burned my engine last weekend when I
tried to get rid of my old standard tires. I blew a coolant hose but didnt recognize it so it got very hot and now its only cranking over but it´s not starting any more.
Serendipitously I found a 528i at a scrapyard not far from my home. Is it possible to swap the drivelines with an reasonable effort? Since i suspect my 1.8 is damaged beyond economic repair this would be the option of choice. Besides, a inline-4 in a 5-series bimmer is a small dick engine anyway The 2.8 would be much more fun.
Greets,
fender-bender