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Thread: Z3 2.0l 6cyl to 3.0 conversion

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    1970 BMW 2002

    Z3 2.0l 6cyl to 3.0 conversion

    My Z3 has a 2.0 6 cyl engine how difficult would it be to put a 3.0 in its place or a 2.8 , is the gearbox the same ? diff and axles?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Timaru, New Zealand
    Posts
    1,132
    My Cars
    Two Z3 Roadsters
    You have a M52TUB20 duel VANOS engine now. It would be easier to fit a duel VANOS M52TUB28 engine at they use the same DME (engine computer). You would need to get the DME reprogrammed for the 2.8 engine. Not a big problem as there are standard programs available, just need to find someone who can do it for you. Note that there are two types of 2.8 L engine around. The M52B28 which is single VANOS and the M52TUB28 which is duel VANOS, get the right engine.

    The M54B30 (3.0 L) engine uses a different DME that is more integrated into the car's systems. This makes it a harder transplant.

    Running the M54B30 on your existing DME can be done, but needs a custom tune. Its hard enough to find someone to do a standard reprogram let alone someone to do a custom tune.

    Both engines will bolt up to your transmission. You will have a small case diff in your car. Both the transmission and diff are rated for lower torque levels than the 2.8 L engine. To ensure that you have a long term reliable car, you may need to consider changing them to higher rated units. A medium case diff with associated axles (half shafts) would be needed.

    I understand that the car modification laws are getting tight in Oz, best you check out what you are allowed to do and what needs certification.
    Last edited by Muzz258; 01-12-2018 at 04:28 PM.
    1999 2.8L Z3 Roadster,
    2000 3.0L Z3 Roadster,

    There is only one thing more pleasurable than working on a Z3, that's driving it top down on a fine day.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    1970 BMW 2002
    Thanks for that very helpful.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    12,462
    My Cars
    36 Cylinders
    *Can custom tune MS42 to run M54B30.
    -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

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Tallahassee
    Posts
    1,052
    My Cars
    1998 Z3 M Roadster.
    A lot of effort to add 800cc
    Ever thought of just buying a larger capacity and selling the 2.0


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Arida Zona
    Posts
    30,108
    My Cars
    z3
    Pretty easy to swap in a V10 S85 from what I've heard. It's basically plug and play

    Going into my TENTH YEAR of providing high quality reproduction BMW fabrics!

    PRICE CUT on ALL FABRICS
    Offering the best prices on the best quality reproduction fabrics!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Odessa, TX
    Posts
    880
    My Cars
    2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Roadster
    Abel is a wizard. His powers should be respected and perhaps even feared.

    But seriously, if I ever end up doing an M54B30 swap, he'll be the person I consult.

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