Ok, so I wanna swap an M20 into a 318i. Will the 318 tranny bolt up to the M20? And how difficult is this swap?

anyone going to offer me any kind of advice on this?

A search of the 3-series forum may tell you if the transmissions are interchangeable. Even if no one there has attempted the exact same engine swap, someone has probably tried to source a transmission from an M20 car for their 318.

Why not get an M30 w/ a transmission? You'll have more power and you'll know that they fit together. You can sell any spare parts you have left over.

cause an M30 is to much trouble for me to find right now. i already know of an M20, not looking for a monster beast machine, just something a little quicker.