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Re: E12 head on 2.0? (archive)
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Posted by WH on August 11, 2001 at 11:36:32:

In Reply to: E12 head on 2.0? posted by project 320i on August 11, 2001 at 02:15:39:


I am just visting for the E21 area but one quick question why did BMW use the e12 head for their 2.0? The 1.8 head will work? Are there any changes between the to? Aside form the 1.8 lack of size. reason I ask is that i am looking to remaster a 2.0 into a monster, borded out pistons -.30- lightened flywheel, anyways I don't know what head to go with? I Guess the e12 but i don't know to much about it. whats the liters for your motors? e12 head fits the 2.0 are you sporting a 2.0L? How much HP do you get out of it? 320i- 120hp for the 2.0

I am freaking out now just if you would drop me a line and give me the lowdown. Thats again for the interuption i'll go back to my board now......

-Taylor May
82 320i
79 parts

I think you are confusing the BMW body designation E12 for the E12 based engine head designation.

First the 2.0l engine was first fitted w/the 121 head, this was replaced later with the E12 and then later E21 head castings. The shape of the combustion chamber is quite different between the castings, but externally they all look the same.

The E12 head came out about the same time (1972) as the E12 5 series body style and many euro E12's (the early 520's) were fitted with this basic 2002 2.0 liter engine.

All US E12 based cars sported either the 2.8 liter big 6 or the 3.0l 6. For euro there was the 520i baby six and also the 3.5l M535i in addition to the previously mentioned 520 4 cylinder models.

As for your questions.... it would be best to either use a E12 or E21 head on your 320i. The heads from the E21 1.8l engines are swappable with the earlier 2002 E12 or E21 models. What ever you do make sure the pistions you choose are compatable with the head model. I believe you can fit 9.5:1 compression pistons with the E12 and E21 head types.

WH

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