2001 325i bad motor....updated 1-26-13

I haven't had alot of time to mess with the car this week. Today though I got to looking at the rear folding seat in the 02 and decided to put it in the 01. Took some measurements and started cutting. Made some bracing and got everything put back together. Took a before and after picture.

Originally Posted by alpinweiss

Get a 2.5 liter engine (M54 B25) from one of the following:
2001 to 2005 325i sedan (E46)
2001 to 2006 325i coupé (E46)
2001 to 2003 525i sedan (E39)

What, are wagon engines not good enough for you!?

Will you consider shipping me the rain gutters from the donor car if you don't need them? The ones on the rear door? Just the last section. As well as the sun visor clips? Thanks!

Originally Posted by gesoffen

What, are wagon engines not good enough for you!?

Sorry, that was an oversight on my part. Wagons are really rare, especially non-AWD versions, so finding one in a junkyard may be a challenge. An AWD (Xi) engine could work, but the oil pan would have to be replaced. Anyway, the OP found an excellent donor car.

Originally Posted by scarede46er

Will you consider shipping me the rain gutters from the donor car if you don't need them? The ones on the rear door? Just the last section. As well as the sun visor clips? Thanks!

I'm using the passenger side one. I will let you know on driver's.

Originally Posted by alpinweiss

Sorry, that was an oversight on my part. Wagons are really rare, especially non-AWD versions, so finding one in a junkyard may be a challenge. An AWD (Xi) engine could work, but the oil pan would have to be replaced. Anyway, the OP found an excellent donor car.

Only found one wagon and it had 209,xxx miles on it. Knew it would work too but stayed away from it for the mileage.

Wired up the heated seats and have them working now. Also got the motor out. Now to clean up the engine bay and replace a few things and remove the motor from the parts car.

Once you get the engine out of the donor car, check it carefully for oil leaks. I would recommend replacing the oil pan gasket, since that is much more difficult after the engine is installed. Clean the sludge out of the pan, while you have it off.

Originally Posted by alpinweiss

Once you get the engine out of the donor car, check it carefully for oil leaks. I would recommend replacing the oil pan gasket, since that is much more difficult after the engine is installed. Clean the sludge out of the pan, while you have it off.

I plan on replacing the oil pan gasket, new coolant lines, water pump, p/s hose and some other minor things while the engine is out. Rather spend a little money on some items now then money and time later.

Well we finished the car up last week. Changed the interior out, fixed the sunroof, replaced both front window regulators, swapped the wheels out and a couple of other minor things. Been driving it for a few days to make sure everything worked like it should. Drove it up to her today and averaged 27 mpg. She had no clue that she was getting it. She was super excited about it!

Originally Posted by Tin Alley

Ok here is pictures of the 01 that I am replacing the motor in.

Is that hood in the service position? Should open higher.

Originally Posted by Tin Alley

Well we finished the car up last week. Changed the interior out, fixed the sunroof, replaced both front window regulators, swapped the wheels out and a couple of other minor things. Been driving it for a few days to make sure everything worked like it should. Drove it up to her today and averaged 27 mpg. She had no clue that she was getting it. She was super excited about it!

That smile says it all! Engine swaps are a pain in the arse, and I personally will never do one again. You are to be commended for your determination. The car looks great! How many Advils did it take you to get through this? LOL. Congrats!