E46 325i to 3.0, Automatic, Worth It?

[Liquidarthur]

Hi,

As mentioned in another thread, the motor in my 03 325i is blown. I've dreamed of having the 330i since I bought the car. I figure since I'm already halfway through getting the old engine out, and have to buy an engine and do all of this work anyway, it could be a chance to upgrade. I can get the 2.5 motor from a local glorified junkyard for around $900 and the 3.0 for a few bucks more. My question is, it being an automatic, would it even be worth putting the bigger motor in, or will the transmission hold back the power, making it pointless?

Also, I understand that this is easier if I get the DME flashed, as opposed to swapping out computer parts, since then I would have to get new keys, etc. Can anyone recommend a good place to get it flashed in the Tampa Bay area, or a place online, I can mail it in and have it sent back?

Any other advice? Things I'm missing?

Is this whole thing a dumb idea?

Thanks.

[328 Power 04]

Not a dumb idea. It will work fine if you do it correctly. You MUST use the 330i injectors, MAF, intake manifold and throttle body.

I can flash the DME to 330 specifications, either on my desk, or remotely if you have a windows laptop with wifi connected to internet and a cheap INPA K+DCAN cable.

[Liquidarthur]

Will this work?

https://www.amazon.com/Ediabas-Inter.../dp/B00WQPEP9E

[328 Power 04]

Yes, looks like they're receiving the reliable green board ones.

[Liquidarthur]

Yes, looks like they're receiving the reliable green board ones.

Ok, I will order it. I will PM you sometime about getting the flash done.

[pbonsalb]

More power is always good. I’d do it. Probably get rid of the auto as well.

[Liquidarthur]

Probably get rid of the auto as well.

I'd like to, but the wife and I share the car, and she wouldn't be down. I'll one day give this car back to her and get and get a manual for myself. I miss driving manual.

[Liquidarthur]

Erg, I can't get the driveshaft out. I see some people leave it attached in the rear and move it to the side, but I can't get it to come back for enough. I unscrewed the three bolts by the transmission but can't get it to slide out of the coupler. Whatever post is in the center of the coupler is keeping me from moving it aside. I was having trouble getting it undone in the rear, so was hoping to leave it attached there.

[pbonsalb]

I think there are 6 bolts at the trans end and it may give you more play if you undo all so the guibo can flip around or even be wiggled out. You also should undo the center support bearing. That increase play also. Then tie it up to the side so it is not overly stressing the rear CV or u joint. If you decide to pull the front section of shaft off, mark the sections first since they are balanced. Original there were 2 white dots marking the 2 sections.

[Liquidarthur]

I think there are 6 bolts at the trans end and it may give you more play if you undo all so the guibo can flip around or even be wiggled out. You also should undo the center support bearing. That increase play also. Then tie it up to the side so it is not overly stressing the rear CV or u joint. If you decide to pull the front section of shaft off, mark the sections first since they are balanced. Original there were 2 white dots marking the 2 sections.

Got it, taking out the other three bolts, it was still a bit of a fight, but I got the wiggle room I needed. Thanks for the tips.

[Liquidarthur]

This is what happens when your six year old finds your new engine picker.

[Liquidarthur]

Is the DISA valve assembly the same on these two engines? The one that came in the engine I picked up looks to be on its last legs so I'd rather use the one from my 2.5, if possible.

[328 Power 04]

Not the same. The 3.0 is larger.