S54 swap into E36 M3 sedan.

[JandJSince72]

I am doing this to an old BW track car. It was running S52 in OBD1 trim with Stack DataPro data management and an Accusump system. I have reviewed some great detail on other posts for wiring up from a street OBDII, but my car is so different and the conversion that was done left MUCH just spliced in. I need to remove the old S52 harness but I am frightened to just start cutting tiings. I have gotten a lot of great tips but still no guidance on this. I'm supposed to race in a couple of weeks and expected to provide a car for a movie shoot so I am under the gun.
Any tips appreciated.
One other post makes reference to the X20 connector several times. I have been unable to locate on either my S52 or S54 schematics. Is this the main engine harness disconnect on on the original E36 harness?
help---

[EBM3WSNC]

Can s54 swaps be performed and pass emissions or not?

[328iJunkie]

^yes

[SG_M3]

^yes

Its not that simple of a question.

It can pass a sniffer test in an OBDI chassis with no issues. I have not seen anyone prove that their swap in an OBDII chassis passes the emissions OBDII scan.

[328iJunkie]

Our s54 swap cars pass with flying colors

[328iJunkie]

Obd2 plug in test

[328iJunkie]

Pic showing vin tag of s54 car for proof



Emissions sheet

[SG_M3]

Our s54 swap cars pass with flying colors

who is "our"?

[OnUrleft]

A call or two to some of the big sponsors on this forum and they'll tell you they can get an OBD2 S54 car to pass. I've been told mine can easily pass but I don't have emissions testing.

An OBD1 is a different process, it's kind of like de-catting a 95 M3 then dealing with the sniffer test. It's pretty much impossible.

However, you are installing a new engine and computer into an older car which is totally legal (assuming you are using the factory DME). Check the requirements for that process through the EPA, it's spelled out for you and can be accomplished legally

[DekaB]

who is "our"?

MMW I believe is what they go by, very upstanding individuals.

[328iJunkie]

Obd1 is easy

[xlr8tin]

Bringing up and old thread....I am just putsin around on the internet and came across this after doing a quick search for S54 swaps into an E36. There's a high mileage E36 M3 for sale around me, and wanted to see how much more power I could get from one. No one was optimistic though on the S52, so I started to look into the S54 since the E46 M3s are still more then I can spend.

What kind of prices am I looking at for the things other than the Engine and trans? I want to see what kind of budget I would need

[Compactive]

$4k-$6k for a good motor and trans, $4k for the labor need if you go indy shop, add on more $$$$ for goodies and replacing any old parts

[xlr8tin]

$4k-$6k for a good motor and trans, $4k for the labor need if you go indy shop, add on more $$$$ for goodies and replacing any old parts

Ok, two part question. 1) Is there a lot of modifications that have to be made to make it work, or is it mostly swapping parts? 2) Is this even worth the trouble? I'm looking at having $14K by next spring that I planned to just save and modify my S4, but I may want to go a different route. Plus, I'm itching to get into a BMW again.

I know I could take the 14k and use it to buy an E46, but I may just use it for a down payment on a 2-3 year old M3 in the next two years. But I would like a project, fast car in the meantime. Thus, modifying my S4

[brokeazz]

I can help you since you are local, should cost 7-8k depending on what transmission you want to run

[xlr8tin]

I can help you since you are local, should cost 7-8k depending on what transmission you want to run

Perfect, thanks! I'll reach out once I get closer to trying it.