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My 530i has a blown head gasket and more than likely a cracked cylinder head. I have an opportunity to buy an 80 528i cheap with not overly high mileage but it's an auto. not sure about the fuel injection systems....are they the same?Would I be able to just swap out motors without a lot of hassle? can you just unbolt the Auto trans and bolt up my 5 speed or are their issues there? I might just install the cylinder head....should just bolt in correct? Any input as to potential problems or advice welcome. CK

I am not sure if your 1976 530i has a thermo reactor EGR emissions system, but if it does, you might consider switching to the 1980 system.

I am putting a 1980 M30 into my 1977 and have not heard of any problems with it. There are some differences in the motors, but it should work fine.

so the injection systems are the same?

canada karl wrote:so the injection systems are the same?

I am really not an expert at this, but just telling you the little that I have read. My guess is that there are some subtle differences in the injections system, but from what I have heard, you should not have a problem running the 528 on the 530 injection system. You can cross reference the part numbers on realoem to see what is the same.

The 1980 heads should be less prone to cracking and have a different cam. That came is reported to be better at the lower end, but flattens out a bit in the higher revs. Again, these are just small differences.

It sounds like you are looking to do a straight swap, without digging into either motor. But if you are willing to do a little digging, you might just want to change your head gasket.....maybe do the valve seals while you have the head off. Just a thought.

The injection systems are similiar, but not the same. Everything about the 528i is better, better mileage, better power, better emissions. I would swap the engine, FI complete withwiring harness and control unit in the glove compartment and the complete exhaust, with the O2 sensor. Oh yeah, the electronic ignition too. So far as the A/T engine bolting up to your 5 speed, you will need to remove the bushing (probably there) in the end of the crankshaft and install a pilot bearing. There will be an extra slot on the butterfly arm on the throttle body for the A/T cable, but since you have a 5 speed it won't be used. It would probably get you points knocked off at a concours, but short of that it doesn't matter.

Disclaimer, since I assume you are in Canada, I don't know what the emissions laws in your area may be. In some states here it would be a total non issue, in others a hassle, but doable. YMMV.

Allow me to play pragmatic advocate.

Why not take this opportunity to swap in an M30B35 (moah powwwwwwwwaaaaaaah) instead of the M30B28? Sure, there will be some wiring changes, potential for fabbing a motor mount and hilarity and despair will ensue, but I think enough folks are doing the swaps now that the trepidation over wiring shouldn't be long-lived.

It should be noted that this swap might get you a couple of points knocked off at a concours as well.