Engine Changing in e34

[Kdog2112]

Looking into doing an engine upgrade in my e34 525i (m50 currently) - was thinking engine from e36 m3 or m60 from 540 . . . will I need a lot of custom parts to do either transplant minus ecu box of course?

ANy input appreciated - thanks in advance

[xatlas0]

A S50 or S52 would be easier to install in the e34 as it won't require you to do a subrame swap. The M60 is also a very expensive motor. Doing the V8 swap has the significant advantage of actually being made for the body style and year, so you wouldn't have to fab anything, you could theoretically buy the whole thing straight from the dealer. However, the S50/S52 has more aftermarket and is cheaper, as there are lots of them floating around, and you won't have to swap the subframe out. (it is a lot of work to do a subframe swap) Also, with the S50/52, you won't need a new trasmission, as M50 trannies bolt right up. If you have an auto, then forget it, as you will have to do a manual swap anyway.

On the downside with the M60 swap, the engine compartment layout is significantly different in M60 cars, as the engine takes up a lot more room in the bay. The brakes, for example, are where the battery tray normally goes.So doing a M60 swap is a lot more than just chaning the engine, you have to change or at least move around virtually everything.

Honestly, it is much cheaper to go and buy the car than do the swap, unless you do the whole thing yourself.

[Goat128]

A whole m60 car can be bought for the price of an m60. Course you wouldn't have a new motor...

Maybe sell the existing car, get the new car, and use the xtra cash to rebuild the motor.

I don't think you can get new motors anyways.. just re-mfg'd.. right

[Feuerräder]

A whole m60 car can be bought for the price of an m60. Course you wouldn't have a new motor...

Maybe sell the existing car, get the new car, and use the xtra cash to rebuild the motor.
+1

[theDogger]

OK let me speak from exp. I have a 95 e34 525i. Production date 11.94.

I bought a 99 M3 engine and a 99 M3 ZF 320 5-speed. My ECU is a 413 which means no EWS. The switch over to ODB-I is pretty straight forward. You will need your m50's intake and oil pan and some other misc. parts and plugs. With the 95 M3 it also has a 413 ECU so it is plug n play w/ a TMS chip to take advantage of the new power...it will run with the OEM chip or a e34 aftermarket chip but will be rough. Because the harness will basically plug right up. Just make sure to take tons of pics and lable everything. The tranny swap is probally harder then the engine swap will be. Well for me it was because I did the tranny by itself first....but if you are doing both at the same time then should be easier.....because the toughest part of the tranny is the pedal cluster and routing the master cylinder lines. But with the engine out shouold be a hell of alot easier also some of the bolts that hold the tranny to the engine are a bitch and would be easier with the tranny and the engine out of the car together. Also it doesn't have to be done but it helps is to pull the front end off it will make it easier getting the engine in. Also Zionville has some DVD's that you can buy. They are for the e36 but they will help.........


forget the M60 because there is way to much to swap. Your brakes, suspension, engine and tranny to name just a few things....


theDogger

[craigmo]

Anyone got a ballpark cost for just doing the M50 to S50 swap? Engine? Labor? Misc. parts needed?

[theDogger]

Well if you do all the labor yourself youcan save a boat load. If you take you time your can find some deals. I bought my 99 M3 w/ 18k on it for $3500 that included everything and then some. If you are having someone else doing the swap make sure that they know what they are doing and like ya sure we can...and figure it out along the way.......Labor for this will run you $1500-$3000......if you are considering doing it and are in the Bay. Call EdgeMotorSports then are a supporting vendor and are doing shit like this all the time and are reasonable.....or in Sacramento 2 shops Schatz & Krum (Stu is the one to talk to here...he owns the place) or Valley Motorsports (Walt or Kevin)

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theDogger

[MaloventEvil]

Well if you do all the labor yourself youcan save a boat load. If you take you time your can find some deals. I bought my 99 M3 w/ 18k on it for $3500 that included everything and then some. If you are having someone else doing the swap make sure that they know what they are doing and like ya sure we can...and figure it out along the way.......Labor for this will run you $1500-$3000......if you are considering doing it and are in the Bay. Call Edge Motorworks then are a supporting vendor and are doing shit like this all the time and are reasonable.....or in Sacramento 2 shops Schatz & Krum (Stu is the one to talk to here...he owns the place) or Valley Motorsports (Walt or Kevin)

theDogger
its edge motorworks

[craigmo]

its edge motorworks

Thanks for the response. I definitely know Erik and Gordon from Edge. They've done all the work on my 91 525i. I need to get some pics up, but here are a few details.

Black on Black w/M50 5-speed - 140K miles
17" Miglia MMII w/ Sumitomo 245/45/HTRZ-17
Koni SA/Eibach pro-kit
Lower CA/ 750 CARB's
New Shock/Strut Mounts
Conforti Chip/NGK Plugs
3.64 lsd (1988 e32 735i) :redspot
Z3 Short Shift
Magnaflow Catback exhaust
850 Series Front Brakes/540 Series Rear Brakes
Stainless Steel Brake Lines
K&N Drop-in Air Filter
De-badged
Eclipse deck w/ 12" sub