'89 E34 Engine swap

[UTGVR4]

Alright so I'm not really a BMW guy myself but my brother has an '89 525i automatic, and he seized his motor up. So coming from the Japanese car perspective I'm thinking of just swapping the motor for a different one. I haven't found a M20 locally but have found some other options, so if anyone could tell me if these will bolt up to the 525's transmission I would appreciate it. A M42 (out of a 91 318) a M30 (out of a 91 535) or a M50 (out of a 92 5 series). Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question but just hoping it will be as easy as a Honda or Mitsubishi. Also does anybody know if I can just plug in all the wiring from the old engine? Thanks.

[MR525i]

i considered the same for my 89' 525i and found that the best swap would be the big six out of the 635csi. if you go with the engine from the 318 your gonna loose alot of power and the M30 is a nicicel engine that apearently is not that great and will need replacement around 200,ooo miles so thats my 2 cents

mr mike

[ross1]

i considered the same for my 89' 525i and found that the best swap would be the big six out of the 635csi. if you go with the engine from the 318 your gonna loose alot of power and the M30 is a nicicel engine that apearently is not that great and will need replacement around 200,ooo miles so thats my 2 cents

mr mike

The "big six" in the 635 IS an M30 which is not nikasil alloy.
Of the choices the original poster offered the M30 is the easiest swap. They are plentiful and cheap.
The M30 is very rugged, 200k is not at all unusual and many have gone way longer.

[ruf-porsche]

There's a M5 engine for an E34 forsale on chicago.craigslist.org