Anyone ever try M54 manifold on their M52TU?

[JPR10]

Stumbled upon a thread of some E46 guys completing this swap with marginal gains... Is this something that E39 I6 guys have tried?

I've seen someone on this forum that makes adapters so you can fit the manifold without any modifications to the TB, or manifold itself.

Threads for reference:

• Intake Manifold Swap: The answers to your questions of late
• M54b30 intake manifold swap into m52tu
• M54 intake manifold to M52TU - ADAPTERS

Let me know what you think.

Thoughts? Complaints?

Best,
JP

[amancuso]

Isn't an M52TU upper manifold basically an M54 Manifold?

[TerraPhantm]

Isn't an M52TU upper manifold basically an M54 Manifold?

M54 manifold flows considerably better.

[JPR10]

Here is a comparison. Top is M52TU, and bottom of M54... Look at intake runners.. oval shaped, vs. D-shaped. M52TU looks much more restrictive.

[JPR10]

Another question, is the intake manifold removal process mostly the same on all M52TUs? (e46 vs. e39)

I'm sure some E39er has done this before...

[JPR10]

bump... this will be the last time I ask here lol.

[auaq]

Well, I don't see why a few differences here and there would be a big issue. Just a couple of nuts and bolts and a few disconnects or unpluggin, and the manifold should be out.

[JPR10]

I know taking the manifold out is relatively straight forward... Are there any considerations when putting an M54 manifold on a M52TU? Adapters? Concerns?

Anyhow... I'll probably try this sometime in the future, and update if needed.

[Stück]

IIRC the M52tu throttle body will not bolt up directly to the M54 manifold.

Some vendors sell an adapter plate for this reason.