S54 Oil Pan & Pump Upgrade for the S52...here's what I learned.

[jcrist]

I'm trying to source a used S54 oil pan, and it seems like the P/N given by the OP is for 4/03 and newer M3's and is the superseded P/N for older (pre-04/03) models. Does anyone know the differences in the pans, or are they really all the same? Thanks.

*edit and the P/N for the oil pump is incorrect, or doesn't come up... I assume its this one: 11.41.7.838.123

I'm at the dealership having the same problem, it does come up as 11.41.7.838.123
Can anyone confrim this will work?

[KnudsonsM3]

nice write up but why not just get a nice oil pan baffel from vac motorsports??

[osborni]

For a built race motor ($$$$) pan baffles are not the complete solution.

[jcrist]

nice write up but why not just get a nice oil pan baffel from vac motorsports??

This is not a street car application, I wouldn't spend money on even the baffle if I were you. 18psi in high G turns at 7k rpm ap after lap is not a "long term" solution.

[vinnymac]

nice write up but why not just get a nice oil pan baffel from vac motorsports??

The baffle works...but doesn't solve the oil starvation issue with the S52 entirely. I ran the VAC baffle for many seasons and still had low oil PSI in certain corners. The S54 pan solved all the issues as my data logger verfied two weekends ago.

This is not a street car application, I wouldn't spend money on even the baffle if I were you. 18psi in high G turns at 7k rpm ap after lap is not a "long term" solution.

I agree. I wouldn't spend the money or time upgrading the oil pan on a 100% street car.

[whk79]

Thanks a whole bunch for the write up !!!

[jcrist]

This post may bring to light something I did wrong but this is what I've come up with so far.
First of all, thanks to Vinny for posting the original thread with excellent pictures.
- The shorter of the oil pan bolts were unusable, too short. Vinny does say to use the originals and thats what I did
- We were one long bolt short for the rear at the bell housing. The original pan had one, the S54 needs 2. Thank goodness for a shop full of "parts cars"!
- The large bolts around the main bearings are "use once TTY or stretch bolts" that wouldn't be a bad idea to add to the list, I reused.
- The AN fitting removed from the pan drain DOES fit in the top where the vent would connect, next to the dipstick. I ordered the 8AN to 12x1.5mm fitting and it will be in tomorrow, just wondering why not use the one that came with the oil pan.

I'll fire her up tomorrow and whatch for leaks closely this week at VIR. I've got 4 days Wed, Thr, Sat, and Sun. We'll see!

Thanks again Vinny

UPDATE

Turns out I don't have to install the drain tube to the oil pan. My vent goes to the forward opening on my Bimmerworld intake boot, so I capped off the opening next to the dipstick opening in the oil pan. DONE! We'll see how it holds up this week!

[NeilM]

Did this upgrade fix the noisy valve train?

I've just come back from my first track weekend after installing the pump/pan, and for me the answer to this is a resounding "yes." I've always experienced the notorious E36 lifter tick after each track session. Now there's none.

Neil

[jcrist]

Good to hear about the lifter ticking....

Update, I got a PM last night late, didn't see it until this morning, saying that they are familiar with an install that the bearing bolts were re-used and FAILED. I ordered the bolts and they will stay in my track box in case of failure. I have my STACK system programmed to alarm on low OP (it alarms 10 times a lap with the old system..... ) so I will keep my eyes out for trouble!

[RangerGress]

After replacing bearings twice in 2 yrs, I've been obsessing over oiling in my E30 lately. After doing a lot of research and talking to a lot of folks these (E30) points emerged.

1) E30's can lose OP in all left turns and many right turns.
2) Crankscrapers can help a little, but are really not a fix.
3) If you use hydraulic fittings for your Accusump (or Moroso sump) you can save a bundle.

There is a lot of disagreement about the significance of the problem in SpecE30. Most folks say "my bearings are fine", but of course all they know for sure is that their bearings haven't failed yet. The one SpecE30 guy that actually has data, says that OP drops to nearly 0 as indicated above. We'll have more data on this shortly.

I wrote up the saga of my oiling system improvements at http://www.gress.org/Home/Cars/Track...OilingPlan.htm The page includes a discussion of using brass and steel hydraulic fittings instead of aviation grade aluminum fittings. Hydraulic fittings are so inexpensive that in my many visits to the local hydraulic repair shop for more fittings, on a couple occasions they gave them to me for free. They probably wanted me to just go away and quit bothering them.

With some patience and good shopping, you could probably install an Accusump with a manual valve, ss hose, but no checkvalve for $200.

SpecE30 changed the rules this year such that oil pans are now free. A couple guys have designed oil pans and are testing them.

[bmwpowere36m3]

I just got done installing the S54 pan/pump myself, not too bad but a couple of notes:

• Use 4x New Main Bearing Bolts (11.11.1.735.525)
• When installed on S52 w/OBDII emissions equipment, the oil separator drain back line connects right to the original fitting on the S54 pan (w/ a hose clamp). The fuel tank breather valve needs to be relocated and the bracket bent a little to clear the dipstick. Finally the fuel lines need to be re-secured, I reused the original plastic clip and mounted it onto a bracket off the rear manifold support bracket.

I question for the guys running the S54 setup, are you still overfilling the oil level as with the S50/S52 pan setup? Or is running the normal level good enough?

[S.Lang]

I still run 1/8" high.

[admranger]

I still run 1/8" high.

Ahhh ha! Now the truth is out explaining why you are so fast! Mellow driver = fast.

I am sure that's what you meant, right?

[S.Lang]

Ahhh ha! Now the truth is out explaining why you are so fast! Mellow driver = fast.

I am sure that's what you meant, right?

Yes, but only 1/8 because anything more than that usually results in a DNF if someone is barbecuing trackside during the race.

[zparker]

Yes, but only 1/8 because anything more than that usually results in a DNF if someone is barbecuing trackside during the race.

What do you mean exactly? If someone is barbecuing track side?

I run mine with 8 quarts of oil. M52b28, M50B25 head and manifold. I have heard about the conversion and would like to check it out because of the ticking after a run.

Good clean write up.

[admranger]

What do you mean exactly? If someone is barbecuing track side?

I run mine with 8 quarts of oil. M52b28, M50B25 head and manifold. I have heard about the conversion and would like to check it out because of the ticking after a run.

Good clean write up.

It is a joke about getting the munchies while "high".

[99MPower]

Vinny... you still have the pictures.. they seem to have disappeared

[vinnymac]

Vinny... you still have the pictures.. they seem to have disappeared

Hrmm...looks like my webhost killed my account.

I'll call them and get it fixed.

Vinny... you still have the pictures.. they seem to have disappeared

Looks like all the pics are back.

[99MPower]

yep

[94is]

Looking forward to installing this setup on whatever S52/M52 I end up picking up, since I already have the parts from my S50b32. Thanks!

[Mad Dog 20/20]

I'm trying to source a used S54 oil pan, and it seems like the P/N given by the OP is for 4/03 and newer M3's and is the superseded P/N for older (pre-04/03) models. Does anyone know the differences in the pans, or are they really all the same? Thanks.

This was a very good question.

Finally got around to putting my pump/pan together and discovered that the center cover gasket I bought was too small for my pan and cover (which I bought used).

As it turns-out, I have a pre 4/03 pan, and the pre vs. post '03 pans ARE indeed materially different and require the use of some different parts (RealOEM spells this all out).

The pre '03 pans use a different (larger) center cover (PN 11137832020) and gasket (PN 11137832023). The suction (PN 11411406405) and return (PN 11411405215) tubes for the pump are also different. These tubes have a different bend to them than the post '03 tubes.

You can identify the pre '03 pans by (what I THINK is) the date stamp on the bottom. Mine says "14 3 02" on it. I am assuming that's March 14, 2002. The pre '03 pans also have a visibly larger center cover opening with 2 of the 6 bolt holes in alignment with the oil drain hole. There are also 3 internal windows in the pan like the euro pan posted earlier in the thread.

[jcrist]

Looking forward to installing this setup on whatever S52/M52 I end up picking up, since I already have the parts from my S50b32. Thanks!

2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8

It's so easy, a cavewoman can do it

[94is]

2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8

It's so easy, a cavewoman can do it

I got an amazing deal on a complete 3.2 with tranny, so it looks like I'll be joining the losers in IP (j/k IP guys )

[Mad Dog 20/20]

The S52 has a windage tray that can be removed.

I assume you guys discarded the windage tray - correct?

I don't think the S54 uses one . . .
If I understand how the pan works, the middle section is essentially "dry", and the end tanks (one pretty much enclosed and one shrouded by the pump) are the "sumps", so oil drag on the crank is minimal, anyway. This mod could actually be a slight "power-adder" compared to an over-filled S52 pan.

EDIT: Nevermind, found the answer. The tray is discarded. http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...hlight=windage

[Katokid]

Hi all, greetings from down under.

Im in the process of installing a euro S50B32 engine (same pan as your S54) and trans into a 1970 Datsun 240Z but the deeper section at the front of the pan that houses the secondary scavenge point is causing clearance issues with my steering rack.

So...ironically I need to do the opposite of the upgrade in this thread and install the standard S52 pan, oil pump and pickup. Does any one still have their original S52 pan, pump, windage tray, pick up etc that they would be willing to part with?

Im going to be in the US the week begining 26th April so was hoping I could bring the parts back with me.

Thanks.

David.