Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Itīs possible to transform S52 in S54 engine?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Miami, Florida
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    1998 BMW Z3M

    Itīs possible to transform S52 in S54 engine?

    Hi I'm new in forum and in Z3M world. Finally I get a 1998 Z3M low millage and I buy it. I'm very happy, always love this shape!
    My question is if its possible to upgrade engine in power to get 320cv keeping car original?
    Thanks for share your experience.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Las Cruces, NM
    Posts
    330
    My Cars
    BMW M6 M63 V10 6 sp
    Welcome to the forum !
    DO NOT even attempt to install a S54 and think that it's plug and play !! You're better off selling your car and getting a 2001 with S54. (that's how I ruined mine...) Keep your good trusty reliable S52, play around with cams, headers, chips... My trusty M3 went to nearly 200,000 miles without any complaints. The S54 has bearing issues and requires valve adjustments every 15.000 miles, the S52 does not. PM me, I can pass on 18 months of suffering to spare you all that pain.
    Last edited by jvsantosmd; 05-20-2018 at 09:14 PM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    UT
    Posts
    4,375
    My Cars
    98 M3/4/5
    if you're asking if you can swap S54 parts onto an S52... the answer is no you cant. 2 different engines, headbolt patterns and water jackets are all different so you cant swap heads, the head and cam system is the heart of the S54.

    As stated above, swapping an S54 is not exactly plug N play, HOWEVER, you already have a Z3M, the good news is that the Z3M started putting in S54 engines in 2001-2002. all you would need would be a complete engine, and the Z3M S54 engine wiring harness. This is still available from BMW as most of us who have done the S54 swap, use this. So it should all fit just right since the harness was designed for your car. You still might need a swap harness since the car is an S52, and the car electronics would not match the S54, like our regular E36 M3's.
    98 Estoril ///M3 4/6
    S54 swap CSL

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Las Cruces, NM
    Posts
    330
    My Cars
    BMW M6 M63 V10 6 sp
    Kindly remember that the S54 uses throttle by wire which the S52 does not have, which means you will need a COMPLETE wiring harness with the electronic gas pedal. The S52 can be brought to S54 specs by using readily available performance mods, the S54 is already pushing 8000 rpm to get somewhere upward from 250-260 RWHP (at the chassis dyno). If you decide to modify the S52, you will get a much more reliable with the same HP rating. The difference is that the S54 uses dual intake/exhaust VANOS, while the S52 only uses intake. And, the extra rpm range, let's say 7250 to 8000 that you will not get with the S52 will only give you a modest HP gain. Get it? Too much $$$ for a few HP more, and where your will barely be able to use it. Look into this site of the FORUM... you're better off doing an LS conversion (much more power, less weight, much less money) than going S54. AND... you can start with a brand new crate engine which will probably cost you less than a good condition used S54.
    Take it from somebody with gray hair...I tried it.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    UT
    Posts
    4,375
    My Cars
    98 M3/4/5
    actually the S54 in mostly stock form is yielding 280-290rwp... we have a guy who's only mod is headers and a tune and he just laid down 320rwhp
    98 Estoril ///M3 4/6
    S54 swap CSL

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Everett WA
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    1999 BMW Z3M Roadster

    LS Conversion?

    - What is an LS Conversion?
    Quote Originally Posted by jvsantosmd View Post
    Kindly remember that the S54 uses throttle by wire which the S52 does not have, which means you will need a COMPLETE wiring harness with the electronic gas pedal. The S52 can be brought to S54 specs by using readily available performance mods, the S54 is already pushing 8000 rpm to get somewhere upward from 250-260 RWHP (at the chassis dyno). If you decide to modify the S52, you will get a much more reliable with the same HP rating. The difference is that the S54 uses dual intake/exhaust VANOS, while the S52 only uses intake. And, the extra rpm range, let's say 7250 to 8000 that you will not get with the S52 will only give you a modest HP gain. Get it? Too much $$$ for a few HP more, and where your will barely be able to use it. Look into this site of the FORUM... you're better off doing an LS conversion (much more power, less weight, much less money) than going S54. AND... you can start with a brand new crate engine which will probably cost you less than a good condition used S54.
    Take it from somebody with gray hair...I tried it.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    25,402
    My Cars
    F90 M5; E36 M3 Turbo
    LS aluminum block Chevy V8

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 11
    Last Post: 02-24-2004, 11:51 PM
  2. Stand-alone engine harness (for engine swap)?
    By Jason99T/A in forum 1987 - 1991 M3 (E30)
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 12-04-2003, 11:38 AM
  3. Stand-alone engine harness in a 325is (for engine swap)?
    By Jason99T/A in forum 1983 - 1991 (E30)
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 12-02-2003, 03:28 PM
  4. Installed new engine- Eratic Idle then Check engine. Vacuum Leak?
    By NAH325i in forum General BMW Mechanical Help sponsored by RM European Auto Parts
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 11-25-2002, 08:33 AM
  5. Weird ticking noise coming from my engine bay when the engine is cold..
    By M powered in forum General BMW Mechanical Help sponsored by RM European Auto Parts
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-24-2002, 11:43 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •