BMW I6?

[datsunlover]

I did a search, but theres not much... anyone have info on BMW straight 6 engines? Like what years/models they are in and HP/Torque specs?

I have driven a mid 80's Bimmer, and it seamed to have very good power. They ussually have lots of power options, power stearing, ect that I wouldnt drag the engine down with in my 280z. I think it would make for an interesting swap... I have always heard that BMW makes a very stout/powerfull engine, but the general upkeep of the rest of the car (electrical, brakes,ect) can get expensive; leaving the 10 to 15+ year old ones rotting away at this point...

I will do some searching other places, but wanted to throw it up here for starters. I need to know which cars to look for in the local wreckers/buy+sell papers.. Anyone?

[Schlasken]

the 3.6 and 3.8l m5 engines have enormous power-potensial. here in skandinavia alot og people turbocharge these engines and they run 10`s without breaking a swet a friend of mine has a m5 engine in his e30 316 with the suspension and brakes from m3, thats a cool swap 8) 8)

 

this is a norwegian e30 m3 with a turbocharged 3.8l m5 engine. its FAST!

(sorry for the picturesize)

[alternativez2003]

respond here also. Yes, there are excellent years; it depends on the car you are swapping into. The post 3.5 L from post 89 models have a different oil pan which would make the installation more difficult, so I'm using my 85 635 as a donor. I love that car but the power steering/brake booster system has been high maint. and the car is just beginning to wear out cosmetically, and I loved my Z when I was 19; I have had a 1970 stripped in my garage for 15 years just waiting for the right combination. There is also a direct design connection with BMW and the Z (but don't tell any truly chauvinistic Datsun people).

 

The stock 3.5 offered 180 or so hp, and intake improvements and a chip should make a reliable 200+ according to the Dinan site.

 

So either look for the smaller, lighter 2.5 and 2.8 in the 3 series, or the 3.5 in the 5, 6 and 7 series. The 535i from the 85-89 era would be an excellent place to start. Many had 5 speeds as does my 6. I would probably install a Quaife diff for better traction in the Z, but otherwise the 635 drivetrain would be more than adequate to propel a Z nicely.

 

Of course an M engine would be supreme, but very costly I think, if you look at the prices of comparable parts in any catalog such as BMP.

 

Also, on these forums, lots of people seem to be dreaming of incredible horsepower in a smooth, daily driver, and I suppose it is going to stay on the road in the rain. I think a near stock BMW without internal modifications will offer strong, reliable performance without having to spend weekends tuning and tweaking. If you want to drive it, it has to be dependable. You can have huge fun in the garage building it, but the real fun is in driving. If I want to work on something every other month, I have a 1976 2002 which I drive to work everyday and share with my 17 year old son. We both love it. Who knows, one of these days I'll put the 2.5 from my 87 325e into it, and then a 325i head and fuel computer...Will it ever end?

 

jimfsnyder@hotmail.com and alternativez2003@yahoo.com

[Moridin]

I looked into this a while back when I was first getting into the Z's. Biggest problem I found was that the oil pan sump sits right where the front crossmember is. You could go dry sump or turn it around and it should work. You also want to get the bigger 6's (externally) out of the 5 series if you're going to get them out of the 80's models. They are stouter and will hold up better to power adders. There is a company that rebuilds older motors and has a 3.5L with a performance rebuild option that makes roughly 15% more power than stock. So, maybe 10 to 20 above 200HP. Be carefull with the older motors though, because they can be prone to head warpage. That's what happened to my dad's old 528i. I would think an older 3.5L with a good turbo would be pretty potent.