tried searching, didn't really find much. was curious if anyone's swapped an m30 into a manual e36, and if so what all is involved? mainly concerned with how things will bolt up and what kind, if any custom fabrication would be needed? helppp

I think it could be made, Alpina has fitted M60 V8 to E36 so why not M30?

Only question is that what's the point in that swap (M30)? You could swap M50B28 or M52B28 and tune it to produce 230hp & 320Nm with much better fuel economy than with M30..

But if you do it, post lots of pictures. I'd really like to se M30 in E36 :-)

well for one i plan to *eventually* turbo charge it. the extra 1L of displacement is also appealing to me due to better spooling of whatever sized turbo i decide to go with, probably a gt30

M30 is a torque monster, M50-based engine is a lot more linear in power delivery.

M30 is a torque monster, M50-based engine is a lot more linear in power delivery.
turbo m30 torque monster in a weak e36 subframe is a recipe for breakage. Turbo the m30 in the e34. Its been done to 24 psi and 500+ rwhp on stock internals.

Your non vanos m50 is a great engine for boost with more potential than the m30.

i know the m50 has potential for good peak numbers, but i care a lot more for powerband and area under the curve than just good peak dynoqueen bullshit. i want a nice, DAILY DRIVABLE powerful beast

There's a member with a GT30 on his M30 (E34 car). Username "beetos"

I don't think it'd be too hard... if you go with a m30 from an e32/e34 the electronics should be somewhat close to that of a 92/93 3 series...after that you might one into issues with the 328i or anything Obd II