Help with M20 to M50 conversion

[cerdman]

Okay guys, I need your expertise. I had a 1992 525ia that I was repairing to replace my beloved 525im that I sold last summer. Sadly, I got into an accident with the car and totalled her out. In the meantime, I had purchased a long block (M50) to replace the tiring engine. Last month, I bought another 90 525im with a bad engine with hopes of transferring my M50 and assorted bits into this car. My question is: will the M50 engine work with my M20 based transmission? If so, what parts will I need to accomodate this transfer or do I just need to buy a transmission from a newer car?
Thanks

[MicahO]

I beleive you will need a tranny as well - look at e30M50.com it details getting an M50 into an e30 325. Different chassis, but the same powertrain, so you'll find 90% of what you need there......

[winfred]

the m20 and m50 have the same bolt pattern, but the angle that the engine sits at may be at may be different, with a stick this is no big deal as long as it's not too severe, you just need to twist the selector rod for the shifter to get the shifter to sit straight (i've done this on a experament with my e30 325is, i installed a close ratio 5 speed from a e36 318, the m42 has a good bit more tilt to it then the m20), keep the clutch/flywheel/starter combo together on whatever motor you are going to use (the teeth on the flywheel change from m20 to m50 but you can swap everything over and it will work)


My question is: will the M50 engine work with my M20 based transmission? If so, what parts will I need to accomodate this transfer or do I just need to buy a transmission from a newer car?
Thanks

[cerdman]

Thank you both very much!