My possible E36 M3 project

[berlinetta]

I came across a 95 violet (will definitely be repainted black) coupe with 82k on the clock for 11k. I may buy this for a project I've been considering; S54 eng/trans swap + possible FI:buttrock

So question for those who know: I've heard OBDI cars are the perfect donors due to the immissions/inspections, is this true?? I want this car to be a daily so it has to be legal. I've read up on other S54 threads and theres no mention of the legality, I'm sure it's different across the U.S. (I'm in Utah)

I figure I could get 3k out of the motor/trans and use that 4 towards the 7-8K S54.

This is not for sure yet, but if I want this car I need to act fairly quick. btw- suspension/drivetrain/steering would be completely rebuilt.

So???

[NakNak]

Yes they are a little better for emmisions etc. due to having less sensor etc. However, I don't think it would be worth repainting the whole car as it would be very costly and I think you would be looking at more than 8k for an S54 motor. Im not even sure if you will have enough engine room for FI with the S54.

[rcM3]

Not to rain on your parade, but...

-I have seen recent threads with people interested in doing an s54 drop into an e36 m3, and mentions of people who have done it sucessfully. Even a picture or two.

-Unless you are dying for a project to throw money at (maybe you are), there are much better ways of getting great power out of an e36. Why not just wait a bit and buy the AA twinscrew when it comes out for example?

-Also consider the daily drivablity. You probably won't be able to maintain certain luxeries that the car provides to begin with. (AC etc.)

If this is something you really want to do, get with somebody who has done it. It has been done. (not the FI part I think though). I agree with NakNak about the painting too. Its gonna be a pain. 11k for the car + 10k for the motor/tranny + lots of time. There are other better options out there. But I do have to say, if you get this accomplished, it would be pretty cool.

If your considering this, you might also want to think about doing a LS1 swap into a car of this sort. There is a company out there that drops LS1s into e36s for a decent price, and you wouldn't even need an m3 to start with! Get a 318is or something with a blown engine.

Good luck!

[berlinetta]

Painting is NOT a big deal, I just had my 328i repainted just in time to sell it:banghead:

It's mostly the swap part I'm needing guidance on. I noticed the 95 in the "cars for sale" section did not sell, that's a possibility. If not, I will be doing the swap myself. Anyone have links/sites/pics???

I'm not having issues justifying the project I just need some direction from someone that's completed one or knows of a site, etc..

btw, no way in hell I'm putting an american engine in the car- thanks though.

[Def]

I'd just put a Euro S50B32 in there. Much easier swap and you can get near S54 power with some mods. I think they're going for just over half the price of an S54.


All that said - why not do a mild bulid on the 3.0 in there now and go with a Technique Tuning turbo kit? Will make way more power than an S54 ever has a chance of putting out.

[mobil1]

I'd just put a Euro S50B32 in there. Much easier swap and you can get near S54 power with some mods. I think they're going for just over half the price of an S54.


All that said - why not do a mild bulid on the 3.0 in there now and go with a Technique Tuning turbo kit? Will make way more power than an S54 ever has a chance of putting out.


Hmm...An S54 in the e36 would be the best of both worlds, but I think most people here are right.

The donor motor will be VERY expensive. With the time and money spent doing the swap, you have to start questioning the cost/gain ratio. I guess we just arent understanding where you're heading with this. Is this soley for bragging rights, or does it have a purpose other than a daily driver?

With enough time and money, anything is possible.

[STL Avus M3]

Dont ruin a Daytona violet. Black is overplayed.

[M3BimmerBilly]

Violet is the best color on a m3

I would have definetly gotten a violet m3/4 5speed- if there was more than 1 on the planet - too rare!

[GGray]

i agree..Don't waste a violet car. They are a semi rare color. It matcheds the M stripe color :D

An S54 will fit with the AC. All an S54 is is a newer S52B32...Most of the internals are interchangable, little known fact. You can even use the dual oil pump setup on a US motor.

BMW is not stupid..It's an evolution of the past. Not a reinvented wheel..Drop it in, stick TEC3 on it with a SC. And have Vic Sias tune it..HUGE power in a lighter car. i actually thought about dropping one in my car since I can sell the low milage 3.2 motor in mine for good money...

And unlike the Euro motor you can go to the stealer if needed and order parts!

[jasonknezo]

guys check out the car classifieds my boy "kavkazia" on here is selling his s54 6 speed e36 black m3 coupe!!!

[BMuu]

guys check out the car classifieds my boy "kavkazia" on here is selling his s54 6 speed e36 black m3 coupe!!!

I was just about to suggest that 82k miles and 17k sounds like it would be cheaper to go this route but i understand if you like building your own projects. You could always build the suspension and stuff though. Id be after it but I dont need more power right now I want to learn to drive on an m3 with a stock motor.

[berlinetta]

I just sourced a S54 in canada for 5K and I HATE the violet color. All my cars are and have been black, so black it would be. period. Now I need a 6 speed trans and some good diy articles!

I'm still on the fence with this one, could go either way. Option 1 mentioned above or option 2 get a better shape OBDII and tt stage 2. Haven't decided yet, but I am going to drive the violet car tomorrow to see what I would be getting myself into.

[fritzintn]

guys check out the car classifieds my boy "kavkazia" on here is selling his s54 6 speed e36 black m3 coupe!!!


Ditto.


If you do decide to build it, why even start with an M3?