Posted by Mike W. on November 24, 2002 at 14:21:10 from 64.12.97.8
In Reply to: Found: euro '80 528i posted by Eric McGovern on November 24, 2002 at 09:31:41:
It probably doesn't have thermo reactors, but you never know what happened when it was imported. But at that age it could very well still have a bad head. Mechanically the euro engine is almost identical except for higher compression pistons and probabaly a different cam. As far as trannys go, the 4-speed is likely the most rugged of them all. And 5 speeds are a bit hard to get, but not impossible, but really you need one from an 80-81 528i or a 81 633csi. Ones from an 82 or 85 E-28 will also work, those are the ones with the detachable bellhousing, but a speedo drive will have to be installed. But the one from your 83 528e won't work as it has the integral bellhousing and different from the M30 bellhousing. As far as putting a M20 engine and tranny in it, some non US models came with it, I have seen 520i cars in junkyards with the small six in them. But I don't know the details like crossmember and oil pan and the like. But it may just take a head or a tranny swap, not need an entire engine or the like. Good luck!
Mike