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Thread: Z3 Coupe 2.8 converting to a 3.0L

  1. #1
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    Z3 Coupe 2.8 converting to a 3.0L

    I have a 2.8 I have been working on, but still desire more horsepower. I have a 3.0L M52 I am going to drop in. I have read the 2.8 computer will support the 3.0. I was wondering if anyone else has experience with this. Any input would be appreciated.

  2. #2
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    3.0L M52? or do you mean M54?

  3. #3
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    An M52 2.8L engine and the M54 3.0l engines are pretty different beasts. You'll need to use the DME for an M54. But there'll be more to the swap than just the engine, harness, and DME as the later cars that came with the M54 have greater integration of the DME and the rest of the car. To the best of my knowledge this isn't a simple swap.
    The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
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  4. #4
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    It seems like it would be a lot easier and probably less expensive to sell the car and motor and buy a z3 3.0

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by e30ncsu View Post
    It seems like it would be a lot easier and probably less expensive to sell the car and motor and buy a z3 3.0
    I agree - unless you just want a project - If that's the case - do it & learn & have fun - lot's of braggin rights with that project!

  6. #6
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    Why not S52B32 swap? and by swap, I mean sell the car and buy an M roadster.

  7. #7
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    Buying an M would probably be less expensive than the swap.

  8. #8
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    The difference from the 2.8 to 3.0 isn't worth the massive work an engine swap would require. I'd suggest minor modifications for that much power ( i believe 20 - 30). That's something you could pull off without such a huge job

  9. #9
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    Do you have a post 99 build date car? If that's the case its essentially an m54 that's drive by cable. Instead of a dull swap, can always just drop in the 3.0 crank and pistons, but you still won't see any big increase with just that. If you want to close that power gap a little, just get the intake manifold from a 3.0 engine as well as the DISA valve and if you feel like plopping down some extra cash, get m54 3.0 schrick cams. You will she making quite a bit of power that way, actually more than just a base 3 liter motor.

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  10. #10
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    Yes sorry, M54. I had read somewhere another owner put the 3.0 in place of the 2.5. Still using the 2.5 DME. Main reason I am considering this is for a furture turbo install. I was going to do the manifold swap, but figured since I need to adapt that manifold, why not drop in the whole engine. I have a complete 3.0 sitting in the garage. Aside from the drive by wire/cable difference, I believe everything else will just hook up. Is that correct?

  11. #11
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    If you read in the E36 forums, a few people have experimented with a stroker build of the M52 using parts from the M54B30 and S52B32. From memory, crank/rods/pistons from M54, intake cam (with ~5mm shaved off VANOS gear) from M54 and exhaust cam from S52B32. With M50 intake manifold, someone reported around 260bhp.

    Some more info here:
    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1715145

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by mumblyjoe View Post
    If you read in the E36 forums, a few people have experimented with a stroker build of the M52 using parts from the M54B30 and S52B32. From memory, crank/rods/pistons from M54, intake cam (with ~5mm shaved off VANOS gear) from M54 and exhaust cam from S52B32. With M50 intake manifold, someone reported around 260bhp.

    Some more info here:
    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1715145
    I am guessing OP has an M52TUB25. In which case M50 intake manifold won't work. He would need an M54B30. As far as how worthwhile it is, it just depends how much you are willing to dish out. I doubt it will be a simple swap and keep using your DME as you have a different engine, and I think the 99s and 2000s would not be that compatible with the 01/02 cars. You would need to get it reprogrammed, or get 3.0 DME, since you would have to convert the car to drive by wire. Your options are really convert your engine to a 3.0L by swapping out crank, pistons, cams etc. (actually can transfer the whole head to yours, I beleive part numbers are the same. Block is the same. Intake manifold would need an adapter plate (which turner motorsports sells) so that the ICV fits properly. And you will need to grind down the TB slightly for the intake manifold to fit.

    I am not doing a 3.0 conversion to my car, but I have an M54B30 intake manny, DISA valve, and a little more aggressive cams that are going in next month.

    It just depends what it is worth to you, doing the crank and pistons is not really worth the money from what I have heard. The amount you will spend getting it transferred over is eh, but if you have the parts and plan on doing it yourself, why not. You don't have to mess with any wiring etc if you are just swapping the internals from the M54 into your engine.

    Suspension: Bilstein Sports, GC Coilover conversion, IE Subframe Bushings, IE RTABs, M roadster sways, M roadster front control arms, M roadster Front calipers/hubs.
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  13. #13
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    Seems a bit like the E30 M40 to M42 swap? Easy enough, but not enough of a performance gain to be worth it.

    I can imagine that forced induction or an M-engine swap would really be the only feasible and worthy upgrades when it comes to doing a lot of work. Otherwise you can go cams, induction, exhaust and a chip. The 3.0 is much closer to it's maximum potential than the 2.8 so you can get some good results out of a 2.8 and get it closer to 3.0 performance.

    Oh, and if anyone mentions "electronic throttle", don't. It's fucked. I would go back and buy a 328i over my 330i after having to deal with the stupid thing.


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  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by trive2 View Post
    Seems a bit like the E30 M40 to M42 swap? Easy enough, but not enough of a performance gain to be worth it.

    I can imagine that forced induction or an M-engine swap would really be the only feasible and worthy upgrades when it comes to doing a lot of work. Otherwise you can go cams, induction, exhaust and a chip. The 3.0 is much closer to it's maximum potential than the 2.8 so you can get some good results out of a 2.8 and get it closer to 3.0 performance.

    Oh, and if anyone mentions "electronic throttle", don't. It's fucked. I would go back and buy a 328i over my 330i after having to deal with the stupid thing.
    From what I have heard, its worthwhile to do with an M52tu, if you are doing FI to begin with. And can get the crank/rods/pistons for cheap. If you were starting with a 2.5, its probably a little more worthwhile even, but 2.8 to 3.0 its a small gain, but from what I recall, its amplified by FI, or rather you will see a more noticeable gain if you do a Turbo build, or even S/C.

    Having said that, if I was doing this myself, and felt like just having a project to work on, I don't see why not. Its not the biggest gains sure, but people have wasted more time and money for less.

    If I was going to do something like this by myself as a weekend time killer, I would say why not, if anyone asks you could always say you have an M52tuB30, or a cable throttle M54B30

    From a pure financial standpoint, just sell the M54B30, and the car and use the money towards a faster one to begin with (like an M roadster or coupe, or a 3.0 coupe).

    Suspension: Bilstein Sports, GC Coilover conversion, IE Subframe Bushings, IE RTABs, M roadster sways, M roadster front control arms, M roadster Front calipers/hubs.
    Engine/Driveline: M54B30 intake Manifold, Dinan CAI, ZHP Cams, Headers, Underdrive pulleys, Conforti Software, 3.46 diff.

  15. #15
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    Well, I already have a complete 3.0 engine, plus I have done a good bit of work to my car. Its pretty quick for a 2.8. Turned the same times on my last xcross as a M3. But of course I want to make it faster! I have read the 3.0 has forged internals, making it the perfect base for a turbo. I will be doing all the work myself, so cash wise it shouldnt cost me too much. I do still need to order the adapter for the 3.0 intake. I know to get the maximum gain, tuning will be needed. But I will have to tune with the turbo anyway.

  16. #16
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    Just an update, I have installed the 3.0L into my 2.8L Z coupe. The install was actually very easy, just had to make an adapter plate for the 2.8L throttle body. So far I am very impressed with the difference!! I also installed a euro 6 speed trans. The Z is MUCH faster, and with the 6 speed cruises at 80 around 2600 to 2800 rpm's. Fuel MPG's are high 30's to low 40's if I'm easy on it. BTW the 2.8L computer works fine with the 3.0L. I did do a Shark Injector upgrade years ago. Absolutely love it!!

  17. #17
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    just pmd u

    I have a 99 28 coupe too...... I want a 3.0..my car has 230k...I want to do it next yr

  18. #18
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    I did drop the 3.0L into the 2.8L coupe. Computer controls with no issues. The swap is actually very easy. Hardest part is making an adapter plate for the 2.8 throttle body to fit on the 3.0 intake (with is available on ebay). Car ran awesome and the horsepower difference was noticeable. I also installed a euro 6 speed at the same time. That car is long gone now, but I just performed the same swap on my new 1999 Z3 2.8L coupe. Swapped in a 3.0 ZHP engine this time, along with an ESS supercharger. WOW, what a fun car!! Ill post a few pics later.

  19. #19
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    If you're running the 3.0 on stock MS42 DME 2.8 maps, you're leaving a lot of power on the table. A tune intended for 3.0 will really wake it up.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
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  20. #20
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    Hrrrrmi. Here I'm sitting here thinking about swapping in an s52 into my z3 2.8 coupe.

  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by GG///M3 View Post
    Hrrrrmi. Here I'm sitting here thinking about swapping in an s52 into my z3 2.8 coupe.
    You know, I've tuned one of those as well. MS42 DME running the S52 perfectly as well, and you get to keep cruise control and DSC.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  22. #22
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    Hrrmmmi


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  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by 328 Power 04 View Post
    You know, I've tuned one of those as well. MS42 DME running the S52 perfectly as well, and you get to keep cruise control and DSC.
    Pm sent.

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