80s 325i to 528e part compatibility

E28 technical advice asked and given! Troubleshooting, modifications and more.
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Charlie H.M
Posts: 1
Joined: Jan 12, 2022 9:10 AM
Location: Kerrville, Tx

80s 325i to 528e part compatibility

Post by Charlie H.M »

I'm currently working on my 1988 528e, try to get it into acceptable performance and drivability. I'm trying to make my shitty car less shitty. It has a lot of small problems such as power steering leaks, water leaks and oil leaks. Lots of leaks.

I've been offered an 88' 325i as a parts car but I'm not sure it's worth the money considering it's not a 4 door, like my e28.

As far as I know it has the same m20 engine. Other than that I'm clueless. All advice regarding compatibility between the two would be greatly appreciated.
John in VA
Posts: 5278
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Leesburg, VA

Re: 80s 325i to 528e part compatibility

Post by John in VA »

The '88 eta is known as the super-eta. There is an "e to i" conversion that can per performed. The E30 325i will provide you the parts for that. SEARCH the forum or internet for more info. Good luck!

"e to i" Search results:
https://www.mye28.com/googlesearch?cx=0 ... sitesearch

Some threads:
https://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=63481
https://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=133295
https://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=111099
https://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=49343
Mike W.
Posts: 26872
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: California Whine Country

Re: 80s 325i to 528e part compatibility

Post by Mike W. »

The e to i conversion would be a huge upgrade IMO as John suggested. And a parts car would make it much easier than trying to piece things together as you'd need an assortment parts including the diff. All of it depends on the price of the E30 and as we all know at least in running cars prices are just nuts.

Lots of stuff would not fit, but some would just because it's BMW of the same era and engine series. If it has sport seats, while they're not quite a bolt up, they're a nice upgrade over eta comforts.
jacobthegoat
Posts: 60
Joined: Mar 20, 2020 12:59 PM
Location: Nashville, TN

Re: 80s 325i to 528e part compatibility

Post by jacobthegoat »

The biggest difference here is the 528e has m20b27 and 325i has m20b25. Some of the parts are interchangeable but not all.

If you are mechanically inclined I’d buy the e30 parts car and do the e to i swap. Granted if you don’t know much about cars, don’t have space, or don’t wanna pull the head off your e28, don’t buy it.

I have a 528e with the e to i conversion and it’s a huge upgrade when done properly. Granted if you do it half ass and don’t do some basic maintenance, it’ll drive like shit. But with a tune and a clean fuel system, it’s super fun to drive and a relatively cheap upgrade for the amount of gains achieved.
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