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m5bm View Drop Down
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    Posted: 16-December-2006 at 13:11
I have just bought a 1988 525i to use the engine for a project car that I have laying around. I want to know if there is any major differences between the two cars. One is a 1988 520i 6 Cylinder and the other is a 1988 525i 6 Cyclinder.

Anything to watch out for with regards wiring etc?

Cheers
Loving the E38
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kbannon View Drop Down
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Points: 15508 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kbannon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16-December-2006 at 14:48
The two are much the same with the obvious displacment being the biggest difference.
The 520i is a smaller version of the 525i, but all the parts are the same (including engine). Only the ECU and some engine internals will definitley be unusable.
Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor
Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE
1997 E39 523i
2003 E39 525i Sport Individual
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m5bm View Drop Down
Really Senior Member I
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Is it just as simple as replacing the ECU along with the engine then ?
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kbannon View Drop Down
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E39 525i Sport Individual

Joined: 09-October-2002
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Points: 15508 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kbannon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16-December-2006 at 17:34
I think so but wait for some 'more informed' replys before doing it. I think the AFM, throttle body, brakes, suspension, etc are all the same.
Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor
Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE
1997 E39 523i
2003 E39 525i Sport Individual
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Ben O Brien View Drop Down
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Points: 1205 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ben O Brien Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-December-2006 at 00:06

Hi Marty,

Yeah they are completely interchangeable, i used air flow meter from a 2.5 on my old 520i 12v and it worked fine, rad/mountings/exhaust manifold etc etc all the same so basically its nuts and bolts swap over into the 2.0 and then just plug in the 2.5 ecu, and it should run fine. Is this going into the AC Schnitzerised 520i???

Hope this Helps

Ben
99' 740iL   
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98' E39 M5 - Avus Blue, Dec Car!
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m5bm View Drop Down
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Points: 295 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote m5bm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-December-2006 at 10:29
Cheers Ben, yeah its going into the Schnitz ! Hi I am sorry about not getting abck about the other wagion but I am up to my eyes in work trying to get cleared up for the hols, plus I was sick for a few days lol

You still ok for it
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Points: 707 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Andyboy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-December-2006 at 16:12
Engine, gearbox(longer), prop(shorter) are different so you will need to
swap these over along with the AFM (they are different) and ECU. Just pull
the engine out with the 'box and engine loom. The rads are the same. If
the 525i is a manual you can get away with the 520i flywheel, clutch and
gearbox.
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Ben O Brien View Drop Down
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Points: 1205 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ben O Brien Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-December-2006 at 01:30

oh right didnt know the box was different, ah well you learn something new every day!

No trouble marty ive been too busy to even think about it lately but yeah whenever your ready, and im mad for that schnitz whenever you get rid!... am building a garage at the mo and plenty big that 525 will be kept immac while i use the sport for the every day abuse!

 
99' 740iL   
99' 728i Sport
98' E39 M5 - Avus Blue, Dec Car!
96' M3 Saloon - Estoril Blue
94' M3 3.0 Convertible
91' E34 M5 - 3.6, Macau Blue

*E36 M3's Breaking*
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