Help needed inspecting m30 in San Diego area

[Luc1an]

Hello! I my m20 has had a slow head leak for a while and I decided rather than fixing the m20 I’d swap in an m30b35. I’m located in LA but the engine is in Escondido/ San Diego. I don’t know anything about m30s, does anyone know someone or is someone who could help me out and take a look at the engine? Im working with a slim budget and i obviously dont want to dig myself into a bigger hole. I would pay. Would like to go tomorrow but if tmr isn’t possible I could work something out. 

[DavidE9]

Not sure that I have the technical chops for this, but it sounds close to me. There are others in the area much smarter than me that will hopefully raise their hand. But DM me if I can be of any help. 

-David

[turbodan]

Engine swapping will also require a harness, flywheel, transmission, driveshaft, shift linkage, all associated sensors, a DME, radiator and hoses and a bunch of other stuff. If your budget is limited it's probably way better to fix that oil leak. 

[Luc1an]

Engine swapping will also require a harness, flywheel, transmission, driveshaft, shift linkage, all associated sensors, a DME, radiator and hoses and a bunch of other stuff. If your budget is limited it's probably way better to fix that oil leak.

I have the money but I’d rather not spend over budget.  The engine has everything, and I’m using the transmission from my e28 as it should bolt up. I am just not wanting any unforeseen issues. 

[turbodan]

If your transmission is currently bolted to an M20 it will not be compatible with the M30. Different bellhousing.

Double check me on that, this is ancient, second-hand knowledge that is potentially unreliable. 

[DavidE9]

What transmission will be needed for the M30B35 ?

[Luc1an]

 turbodanIf your transmission is currently bolted to an M20 it will not be compatible with the M30. Different bellhousing.

Double check me on that, this is ancient, second-hand knowledge that is potentially unreliable. 

It’s G265, from what I’ve read it should be compatible, talked to my mechanic and he said it should be good. 

[kojo96]

 turbodanIf your transmission is currently bolted to an M20 it will not be compatible with the M30. Different bellhousing.

Double check me on that, this is ancient, second-hand knowledge that is potentially unreliable. 

It’s G265, from what I’ve read it should be compatible, talked to my mechanic and he said it should be good. 

Your bellhousing will not work with a M30 based motor. Gearbox is fine.

[turbodan]

The bellhousing is the issue. If you have the 265 with a removable bellhousing then all you need to find is an M30 bellhousing. 

You'll want to make sure though, the 265 only came with an M20 for 1982. 83-88 have the 260. Not many of those out there.

What transmission will be needed for the M30B35 ?

Any 260 or 265 will work as long as it is intended for an M30. Technically the 280 from the M5/M6 would work too, same bellhousing pattern. The M20 bellhousing is different and they will not interchange.

[Luc1an]

The bellhousing is the issue. If you have the 265 with a removable bellhousing then all you need to find is an M30 bellhousing. 

You'll want to make sure though, the 265 only came with an M20 for 1982. 83-88 have the 260. Not many of those out there.

What transmission will be needed for the M30B35 ?

Any 260 or 265 will work as long as it is intended for an M30. Technically the 280 from the M5/M6 would work too, same bellhousing pattern. The M20 bellhousing is different and they will not interchange.

Yeah I have a 82 528e, hard to find much information about it. You have a part number for m30 bell housing? 

[turbodan]

You can find that on Realoem.  Look up an 85 535i, I think those had the 265.

[John SCB]

@OP You’re getting some incredibly good and free advice here. Reminds me of trying to do something no matter what the experts already know.  

[DavidE9]

Agreed. 

Lucian,
You should also consider coming to the St. Paddy's Day event to talk shop since you are relatively close.