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Thread: How hard is it to do an engine or transmission swap on an E90?

  1. #1
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    How hard is it to do an engine or transmission swap on an E90?

    I was just wondering what is involved in doing an engine or transmission swap on an 2006 325i.

    For example, lets just say that I want to replace the engine with what's in there now. Is it as easy as yanking the motor and throwing the newer one in there or will there be computer issues? How about for the transmission?

    As another example, say I wanted to replace the engine in my 325i with an engine out of a 330i of the same model year. What would be the issues I'd be looking at? I'm asking about this particular scenario because I've found that for under $2k, I can get a 330i motor with under 50k miles on it on ebay. I can only imagine what I could find locally.

    I'm asking for peace of mind. I just don't want to get in over my head with all of this BMW stuff. I now have two and am considering a third as a back up car. Finding them cheap is proving to be pretty easy. My only concern is keeping them running and for me, if I run across a problem like, say, a blown head gasket due to an overheat, I'd probably just yank the engine and throw in another one rather than try to fix the one with the blown head gasket. If I can say that $2k plus my labor is as bad as it can possibly get for a big repair, then I can live with that.

    Can anyone recommend a good book or download that I can use to acquaint myself with the computer systems in a BMW so that I don't have to ask questions like the ones above?

    Thanks.

  2. #2
    Pelican Parts's Avatar
    Pelican Parts is offline Senior Member Supporting Vendor
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    In a nutshell, it's considerably harder than 'just your average engine swap' and a lot more difficult than swapping out an E36 or E46 motor - with all the computer systems associated with the E90, you're going to have to really understand how everything works and communicates with the parallel systems. You can pickup a workshop manual for your BMW which will have all the wiring diagrams and torque specs that you'll need. Best of luck!


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  3. #3
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    Bentley Manual. Full stop.

  4. #4
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    2001 325i; 2006 325i
    Full stop?

  5. #5
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    2009 335i M-Sport Coupe
    The Bentley manual is great, well worth the money. Swapping an N52B30 for another N52B30 isn't bad. Just remember that swapping out a DME is a huge ordeal, so swap the engine, but retain your electronics. Swapping from an N52 to an N54 or S65 is a massive ordeal. As long as you are replacing an engine with the same exact thing, it's not bad. Bear in mind that used engines are something of a gamble. If you absolutely need to swap a DME, I know of 2 guys who have an AutoHex 2 that can reprogram a used one.

  6. #6
    Join Date
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    Rocket, thanks, as usual. I'm just trying to make a decision here. I'm debating on getting an aftermarket warranty from Carchex. I've read good reviews and I think the price is reasonable at 140 a month for 24 months for a 3 yr 36k mile warranty that covers the whole drive train, AC and electronics. The downside is that they won't cover pre existing conditions meaning that if my motor goes and there is sludge in the engine due to PO, they won't cover it.

  7. #7
    Join Date
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    NY
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    07 e91
    the answer is YES....its very involved.


    I wanted to swap a 6sp manual into my wagon but gave up on the idea due to the complexity of the job.

    JP

  8. #8
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    2001 325i; 2006 325i
    I decided to forego the warranty and will rest easier knowing that swapping like motors won't be a big deal. I will be keeping all of my electronics unless there's a reason that I can't.

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