What cha think, M5x 2.5L in an e32?

[nsbone_1988_520i]

Hi,
With all the debates about M30 3.5 and M502.5L... i am considering replacing my M30 3.5L with M50 2.5L in my wife e32?

Appreciate for any comments on power/torque losses to carry the heavy e32, difficulty in conversion, consumption improvement?

I know, i will save on roadtax?

sorry to use this e34 forum. I think i will get good answer from this board...

[bimmerd00d]

you may want to think about doing an S50/S52. Might be a tad more expensive, but it will be worth it. I think the M50 will be way too light to power such a heeavy car

[George M]

as Bill mentioned in the other thread...it isn't as much about horsepower as it is about the extra torque 1 liter provides with the M30. A stock E-32 weights about 225 lbs more than an equivalent E-34 with iron block M-30...or the difference of having your fat uncle or mother-in-law riding with you...lol. I would not even consider an engine conversion to any variant of the 2.5L in line motor....even VANOS 4 valve variety.
The M-30 is easy to rebuild and used engines are relatively cheap....also there would be a trans bellhousing compatibility issue with your E-32 trans....wiring harness/DME etc. All issues can be worked around but not even close to worth it.
HTH,
George

[Mr Project]

I think it would be a lot of work for a very slow car, and one that probably woudn't get much, if any, better fuel economy because the motor would have to work so hard, and because more than likely it would not be geared appropriately for the powerband of the M50.