Re powering a BMW 525i with RB power

[Burns]

My Grandfather had stuffed the engine in his BM. It has a shattered rocker arm and damaged piston that he has been quoted a minimum of $3000 to have fixed. On top of that the engine is just plain worn out anyway and the auto box is not changing down as it should and making very rough up shifts.

It’s probably only worth $4,000 all fixed up or $1,000 with stuffed engine but he has just spent a fair bit getting dints and damaged paint fixed, new shocks and bushes, brakes and tyres.

I am thinking it might be a better option to re power it with an RB20DE or RB25DE auto.

How much so you think this could be done for?

Im guessing some were between $1500 and $2000 for the engine pack / half cut and probably another $2000 of so for it to be put in maybe less.

It would just be a basic re powering not a performance conversion so could use the stock exhaust and radiator and would not require any of the normal intercooler pipe work so should be reasonably cost effective.

[krzysiu]

What year BMW, arent they pretty heavy?

[Dahtone Racing]

ive got an RB20DE if you want it PM me

[Burns]

It's a 86 so not that heavy

I would need auto box ecu and all the bits an peaces too

[JH32]

RB20DE in a 5 series ..... eesh

Go an RB25DET

[Burns]

We are not talking performance conversion here. The old bloke is about 80. I think the E34 came with a 1.8 too so a RB20 or RB25 should push is along ok. This is just an alterative to fixing the clapped out and busted stock engine and giving him reliable transport in the car that he loves.

Other wise he will end up in an Echo. I know I don’t want to end up with an Echo as my last car.

[Ronin 09]

just get a second hand motor and box from Peninsula BM and drop it in - less hassles and will end up cheaper

[pontiff]

Pensinsula BM are quite good as are BM Tech. Also ring BM Spares in Dandenong and find out who they recommend for engine installations, talk to Neville (if he still works there) he knows his BMW's back the front.

The E28 was not that heavy compared to the E34, so weight should not be a problem...

[Ronin 09]

BM Tech built a 2.9 for my E30

[Maxx]

maybe a 1jzge? more toqure