I wanted to put my sisters crashed M50 engine in my 92 preVanos. I wanted to know is this a project i can do myself? I really dont mind working on it myself just wanted to know if its something that i dont really want to get into. But im all up for the project. It should be a simple in out procedure right with whole lot of work right?

Just askin for suggestions wether its something i should leave to the pros. Would of sold the engine but mines is knockin and acts kinda wierd figured i might as well use it.

If you are not sure if you can this kind of project, you shoudn't touch it. Many times you will end up breaking stuffs and having to pay extra $$$ for the mistakes you've made. However, if you are really up to it, go for it, give it a shot. But make sure that you do kno how to do some basic tune ups for your engine and how everything works. Otherwise you will lose many accesories and stuffs.

I'm not sure what ECM differences there are between the M50 and pre-vanos engines. If you're lucky, you'll just be able to plug the M50 engine/harness/computer into the rest of your chassis wiring, and it'll just work. If not, you may have to go through wiring diagrams to figure out what needs to be rewired to make it work.

But, assuming it will just work...

Have you ever swapped an engine before? I think BMW engines are harder to remove/install than some other cars, but not impossible.

I'd definitely have the Bentley manual handy. Read the whole engine removal/installation procedure before you decide if it's something you want to try to tackle. There are several bolts/nuts that should be replaced when swapping (exhaust and driveshaft bolts come to mind), as well as gaskets and such, so you may want to order these before hand (the Bentley manual should mention all the parts you should replace).

One thing I've found is that the Bentley manual tells you to unplug all of the wiring harness connectors from the engine, and leave the harness in the car. But, from my experience, it's quite a bit easier to remove the ECM and unplug all of the wiring harness connectors from the car, and pull the harness out with the engine without disconnecting any of the connectors on the engine. Much easier to keep track of all the plugs...

I put a 92 into a 95, lots of little problems, biggest was motor mt. holes in block aren't the same place, cam sensor plug was different, no temp. gauge, and I have a voltage drain I can't find.

There are many critical differences, but you are not being clear. Is this an M50 vanos going into a non vanos car? Be specific. Ive done the swap several times.

yea the m50 vanos going into a non vanos. You live in jersey wanna do it for me :). Theres a pay and liqour involved lol

if it was straight plug and play i would of done it most i was worryin about is getin to all the bolts and not breakin stuff.

If thats the case, you'll just need the harness and the computer from the vanos engine. The engine mounts should bolt up, if not, switch them from the non vanos engine. I could do it for you if you want...

I want to do it myself. I have basic engine knowledge i feel i can pull it off. If i can manage to take the engine out then il put it in myself if i cant then il leave it alone. And get a proffesional

anymore input?