Z8 2.8 engine same as 328i and 528i?

[Bruno]

BMW likes to change parts numbers on everything.
I can get a like new Z8 block and cylinder head. The block looks so new that I wonder if it is aluminum.

[Kamil]

Z8?

You mean Z3... yes, the engine/engine block is the same as far as I know, changes in some models (the ///M models at least) are around/on the tranmission... i.e. different casing or bellhousing cuz of the Z3's limited room there.

[winfred]

for simplicity's sake id stay away from the m54 and it's double vanos, unless you want to get into figureing out the obdII computer system, if it's a iron block it should be a regular m52 like a 528

[bahnstormer]

z8 has a v8 i thought?

[TC535i]

I think the Z3 2.8 has an aluminum block, for weight reasons? A lot of E30 guys use them in swaps to save weight...

[Bruno]

for simplicity's sake id stay away from the m54 and it's double vanos, unless you want to get into figureing out the obdII computer system, if it's a iron block it should be a regular m52 like a 528

Yes sorry it is a Z3 engine. But I think it has the Single vanos so it is a M52 enigne. Basically I can probably get this engine for around 200 US.
The guy has this Z3 2.8 engine prestine clean and a 328i M52 engine with a iron block.

I can probably get both engine for around 600US. along with some calipers and other small crap.

I wasn't sure if buying both the Z3 and 328i engine was a good move.

Looks like the Z3 is a single vanos one, not a M54 engine.