Results 1 to 18 of 18

Thread: e36 328i ---> S52 swap

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    159
    My Cars
    Not enough

    e36 328i ---> S52 swap

    Good morning,

    So here is the short story leading up to this plan...


    Jan 2018 - Bought my wife a good little DD that she absolutely loves and will not part with ... #win (1996 328i sedan 5-speed)

    Refurb and refresh thread -----> https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...(328i-5-speed)


    -She has driven the ever-living day lights out of the car this last year, besides typical maintenance items it has been a dream.


    11/18/2018 - Now... HG is on its way out, pressurizing the coolant with a little pressurizing in the oil. No oil-water mixture, no white smoke.... but it's on its way out.


    To me it seems foolish to put a HG on a 260k mile m52b28...

    **although if this were the last option I would still do it because motor runs absolutely flawless... no ticks, uses about 1/2qt oil every 3k miles, pulls strong**




    So.... here I am looking for low mileage M52B28 to swap into car and I literally can't find one that I can get to me in the next 10 days. I want to take advantage of my Thanksgiving break and knock this out so I need a motor ASAP.

    Well I come across two S52's, lower mileage and I start throwing around the idea of just doing an S52 swap.

    I have read a couple threads that says essentially everything is bolt-on except power steering pump, but that with a little fab that can be mended as well. So I believe I am about to go down this path this week.


    Please give me criticisms, advise, pointers, opinions!!! ALL ARE WELCOME


    -currently working on logistics picking up used S52-
    They call me Spaz
    -1990 535i/5 with some stuff ----->M30 Turbo Build
    -1996 328i sedan (S-52'd) 5-speed ----------> Refurbish Project (Wife's new DD) ---> (S52-swap)



  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    159
    My Cars
    Not enough
    Sourced a 150k mile S52. Going to pick up after work today, tear down starts tonight. Wish me luck!

    Plans...
    -Front main/rear main
    -Oil nut + oil pan gasket
    -New vacuum lines
    -Valve cover gasket
    -T-stat housing gasket (I already have metal one)
    -Water pump gasket ( I already have new one and smaller billet ECS pulley)
    -Oil filter housing gasket
    -Engine Mounts
    -Spark plugs

    I will be using my 5-speed that is already in car because I just did input/output trans seals and Redline when I put clutch in car last spring. I will be using this same practically new clutch and single mass flywheel.


    Any thing that I am missing?
    They call me Spaz
    -1990 535i/5 with some stuff ----->M30 Turbo Build
    -1996 328i sedan (S-52'd) 5-speed ----------> Refurbish Project (Wife's new DD) ---> (S52-swap)



  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    9,079
    My Cars
    1997 328i
    The only thing I can think of is the DME is different, but don't quote me I think you can flash yours to a ms41.2
    Attn. NEWBIES: Use the search feature, 98% has already been discussed.
    Click the search button, select "search single content type", select the "e36 sub forum" specifically, try the "search titles" then try the "search entire posts".

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    159
    My Cars
    Not enough
    Quote Originally Posted by Eric93se View Post
    The only thing I can think of is the DME is different, but don't quote me I think you can flash yours to a ms41.2
    Yes, shop I am getting motor from is letting me use the ECU from car (5 speed also) until I can get car to them so that they can re flash. If you have an details on this I am all ears.

    I have heard you can drive with M52B28 ecu, others say no... Shop owner mentioned the S52 ECU should plug right up and be operable.
    They call me Spaz
    -1990 535i/5 with some stuff ----->M30 Turbo Build
    -1996 328i sedan (S-52'd) 5-speed ----------> Refurbish Project (Wife's new DD) ---> (S52-swap)



  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    25,402
    My Cars
    F90 M5; E36 M3 Turbo
    Not unless it’s been EWS deleted.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    1,736
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 328i
    It will plug up but it won't be operable. You will need to sync the EWS or have it deleted. I did an S52 swap on my 328i and it was pretty straightforward. My S52 came with all the accessories though so I didn't have to muck about with the power steering pump.

    Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    159
    My Cars
    Not enough
    Quote Originally Posted by XnWarden View Post
    It will plug up but it won't be operable. You will need to sync the EWS or have it deleted. I did an S52 swap on my 328i and it was pretty straightforward. My S52 came with all the accessories though so I didn't have to muck about with the power steering pump.

    Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

    I am getting all accessories but from what I have read the S52 power steering pump lines going to the steering rack are different than 328i lines... so you have to use the m52 power steering pump..etc.

    Is this what you did?
    They call me Spaz
    -1990 535i/5 with some stuff ----->M30 Turbo Build
    -1996 328i sedan (S-52'd) 5-speed ----------> Refurbish Project (Wife's new DD) ---> (S52-swap)



  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    5,776
    My Cars
    99 M3

    e36 328i ---> S52 swap

    The “M” PS lines are a bit different than the non-“M” lines, due to differences @ the pump.
    Order the “M” lines and you are good, as the PS Rack is the same. The M PS pump lines require a banjo fitting on the supply side from the reservoir and pump to rack line is different as the pump output bung is in a different location as I recall.
    Look at the part number differences in www.realoem.com and order the part numbers that are not common between the two.
    Use www.bmwpnpc.com to find the cheapest OE source. I would steer clear of low cost brands such as URO.
    Febi is part of Bilstein Group, I’d say that Rein is good, and there are others.
    Parts from FCP European come with lifetime warranty.

    I was under the impression that there were engine harness differences between OBDII 328 and OBDII M3, no? EWS will be an issue with different ECU than that which was coded to the car.
    I would be tempted to run the 328 ECU, ‘chipped’ for Shrick/S52 cams and M/S50 intake manifold.

    Your existing ZF 5-speed is the same transmission the came in the S50/S52 cars, with minor differences. M3 got ATF, 328 got MTL.
    Do the transmission shift detent pins while transmission is out. The later transmission can have this issue mid-life.
    “The ZF S5-31 transmission is referred to as "S5D 310Z" by BMW. The transmissions made from September 1995, were made with a reinforced design and are named "S5D 320Z", and is rated for 320 Nm.”
    Most OBDII if not all S52 M3s and 328s came with later model.

    …and you might consider replacing the clutch/pressure plate while you are at it.

    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Last edited by bluptgm3; 11-19-2018 at 03:59 PM.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    25,402
    My Cars
    F90 M5; E36 M3 Turbo
    No engine harness differences. I run an automatic 328i harness on my manual M3 (auto sub harness is coiled up and not connected). A 328i ECU can be flashed to M3 specs but it may be cheaper to delete EWS on the M3 ECU.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    9,079
    My Cars
    1997 328i
    Quote Originally Posted by SpazE36 View Post
    Yes, shop I am getting motor from is letting me use the ECU from car (5 speed also) until I can get car to them so that they can re flash. If you have an details on this I am all ears.

    I have heard you can drive with M52B28 ecu, others say no... Shop owner mentioned the S52 ECU should plug right up and be operable.
    The software is only $25 and you need a cable. This link has basically all the starter info and the links to get the tables and roms. I've been planning on getting the software to make some changes.

    https://sites.google.com/site/openms...s41-flash-tool
    Attn. NEWBIES: Use the search feature, 98% has already been discussed.
    Click the search button, select "search single content type", select the "e36 sub forum" specifically, try the "search titles" then try the "search entire posts".

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    159
    My Cars
    Not enough
    DME/ECU

    I am shipping the stock m52 ECU to Kassel Performance. Talked with guy yesterday, super helpful. Doing S52 tune and EWS delete, secondary pump delete...etc

    https://www.kasselperformance.com/

    Any other programming you can think of, maybe catalytic converter delete?



    POWER STEERING

    I’m going I go check condition of ps lines on the donor m3 car and see if I can get them. This is probably best option for getting this done this week.
    Last edited by SpazE36; 11-20-2018 at 08:01 AM.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    159
    My Cars
    Not enough

    Rip 98 m3 :(

    The donor giving up its heart to live again in another e36
    Attached Images Attached Images
    They call me Spaz
    -1990 535i/5 with some stuff ----->M30 Turbo Build
    -1996 328i sedan (S-52'd) 5-speed ----------> Refurbish Project (Wife's new DD) ---> (S52-swap)



  13. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    1,736
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 328i
    My buddy ran a Kassel tune right up until he totaled the car. The tune was super good. His manual swapped 2.8 liter with a 4.10 rear end was able to keep pace With my tuned s52 on a 3.23 lsd

    Use the s52 power steering lines. The m52 lines wont fit the s52 pump.

    Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    159
    My Cars
    Not enough

    Progress

    Some progress pics, been super busy but I’ll post detailed pics after it’s in and running.


    I don’t know what order these attached as I’m posting from my phone...but I ended up buying transmission as well as motor and also did a lot more “preventative maintenance” than I had originally planned...

    m3 5-speed got the following
    - new input shaft seal
    - new output shaft seal
    - new selector rod seal
    - Redline fluid
    (I didn’t do detent pins I couldn’t get kit here in time)


    S52 got the following treatment
    - All coolant and vacuum lines replaced (every single one) World-pac is awesome
    - Oil nut torque’d and tacked
    - Oil pan gasket
    - front main
    - rear main and rear main housing
    - Oil dipstick o-ring seal
    - crank case vent kit
    - cleaned ICV with new hoses
    - new coils and plugs
    - valve cover gasket and bolt gasket washers
    -cleaned and painted


    F8B4571A-5D88-4AB8-89A9-2744C50C7CE0.jpg64F8F8B3-5509-4BF1-9FF8-98FED941DD2E.jpgDC03CC11-8545-4CFF-8EF5-EF0141D914ED.jpg2B7E54F1-FDA7-416A-ACF8-9A0ECA97E2EE.jpgA2F7181E-4961-4D49-B84E-A39A78AE8B4E.jpg
    Last edited by SpazE36; 11-23-2018 at 06:51 AM.
    They call me Spaz
    -1990 535i/5 with some stuff ----->M30 Turbo Build
    -1996 328i sedan (S-52'd) 5-speed ----------> Refurbish Project (Wife's new DD) ---> (S52-swap)



  15. #15
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    1,736
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 328i
    Looking good. What did you coat those headers with?

    Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    159
    My Cars
    Not enough

    Swap Pictures

    Long story short... the swap went well. Had a couple late nights as I spent a lot of time doing preventative maint. on S52...

    Car started on first crank! It is a completely different car now, S52 pulls strong to redline (pegs 328i tach out haha), now it needs brakes and suspension!

    Huge thanks to DeCoster Auto Werke for the S52 and M3 trans and also the help along the way... and Kassel Performance for the DME!


    Getting S52 and M3 trans torn apart
    IMG_1633






    Cleaning trans and oil pan
    IMG_1627


    IMG_1643



    Threw dab of ultra-grey at timing case-to-block joints
    IMG_1645


    Cleaning oil pump nut/torqueing and tacking
    IMG_1640



    Placed a small TIG tack with Er70s filler rod

    IMG_1642





    Oil Pan all buttoned up with new Oil Check tube o-ring

    IMG_1660







    New vacuum lines and crank case vent kit, coolant lines, also vanos oil supply line and washers...

    IMG_1646
    IMG_1655

    IMG_1697




    Swapped M52 TB with S52 TB so that I could keep traction control (wife’s DD)
    M52 TB…
    IMG_1702
    S52 TB…
    IMG_1704




    I re-used the single mass fly wheel clutch kit that I had just recently installed on old M52 with a new pilot bearing for the back of the S52 crank…

    *I understand that the S52(M3) clutch and the M52 (328i) clutch vary slightly as the S52 has larger diameter and pressure plate…
    but I am going to get my money out of this set-up while I can, this clutch is practically new and of course it may not last as long
    but we’ve had not issues yet an I have done a couple hard launches and pulls with it, the wife won’t be driving it that spirited haha*
    IMG_1710

    Prepped and cleaned S52
    IMG_1691






    Trans getting the following…
    -input shaft seal
    -output shaft seal
    -selector rod seal
    -redline fluid
    -new shifter bushing and cup

    IMG_1677

    IMG_1680

    IMG_1687







    Once S52 was prepped I pulled old M52 from car, cleaned engine bay and prepped for install...


    56454279322__6461FA77-10B2-40A2-87D1-8D9C5D5ECB01

    IMG_1671

    IMG_1676


    S52 and trans mated and ready to drop in…
    IMG_1711

    IMG_1713

    IMG_1714

    56469338938__B24402CC-58F6-43E8-BCF6-616656395A6D


    Accessories (set-up)
    I wanted to list what I did as there was some questions regarding interchangeability between S52 and M52…
    My set-up:
    -M52 A/C compressor and bracket to block
    ( I didn’t want to break the A/C line so I gently removed from old motor prior to pulling and strapped it aside out of the way without putting too much stress on A/C lines, I did the same with the condenser on the radiator support, I also cleaned out fins really well.)

    -M52 alt. ( I had recently replaced it so I reused the one from M52 motor.
    -S52 Power Steering pump.
    ( Iiked the fact the S52 pump has a metal pulley as opposed to the M52 plastic pulley that could grenade… only thing that is different is the high pressure line from Pump to Rack, the bango fitting for the S52 is different than M52 pump, the racks are the same though.)
    *Also due to the different pulley that has smaller diameter on S52 pump there is an additional idler pulley that bolts to the oil filter housing (the one with the offset orange bearing in picture, still uses the same serpentine belt as M52 though*
    -M52 water pump and ECS pulley (direct swap)

    IMG_1720

    Getting front end buttoned back up…
    IMG_1722


    EWS alignment with S52 DME from donor car
    IMG_1727

    ** I will be using original M52 DME when it returns from Kassel Performance**
    -cat delete, S52 tune, secondary air pump delete

    The wife capturing the final touch… so satisfying !! M-Power!!
    IMG_1734


    Looks like it belongs!
    IMG_1750
    Last edited by SpazE36; 11-26-2018 at 11:26 AM.
    They call me Spaz
    -1990 535i/5 with some stuff ----->M30 Turbo Build
    -1996 328i sedan (S-52'd) 5-speed ----------> Refurbish Project (Wife's new DD) ---> (S52-swap)



  17. #17
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    159
    My Cars
    Not enough
    Quote Originally Posted by XnWarden View Post
    Looking good. What did you coat those headers with?

    Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk
    Thanks man!

    I used VHT in SP117 (Flat Aluminum)
    http://www.vhtpaint.com/high-heat/vh...eproof-coating
    They call me Spaz
    -1990 535i/5 with some stuff ----->M30 Turbo Build
    -1996 328i sedan (S-52'd) 5-speed ----------> Refurbish Project (Wife's new DD) ---> (S52-swap)



  18. #18
    Join Date
    Dec 2017
    Location
    Albany Ny
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    Bmw 540i 97

    Talking Dude,you are awesome! Great work you have a fb to follow you and ur work?

    dude im learning so much from you and how you break things down....awesome job...i may need some pointers in the near future.......plz.....have a great day boss!


    To me it seems foolish to put a HG on a 260k mile m52b28...

    **although if this were the last option I would still do it because motor runs absolutely flawless... no ticks, uses about 1/2qt oil every 3k miles, pulls strong**




    So.... here I am looking for low mileage M52B28 to swap into car and I literally can't find one that I can get to me in the next 10 days. I want to take advantage of my Thanksgiving break and knock this out so I need a motor ASAP.

    Well I come across two S52's, lower mileage and I start throwing around the idea of just doing an S52 swap.

    I have read a couple threads that says essentially everything is bolt-on except power steering pump, but that with a little fab that can be mended as well. So I believe I am about to go down this path this week.


    Please give me criticisms, advise, pointers, opinions!!! ALL ARE WELCOME


    -currently working on logistics picking up used S52-[/QUOTE]

Similar Threads

  1. My e36 328i 6 speed swap nightmare!
    By spenka in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 08-10-2020, 06:33 AM
  2. E36 1997 e36 328i with v8 swap trade for 240sx NEED GONE ASAP
    By nickmerrone in forum 3 series & Z Series
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 04-04-2013, 12:29 PM
  3. E36 NYC 1997 E36 318i with S52 swap m3 everything and lots of goodies
    By nuport in forum 3 series & Z Series
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 02-27-2012, 04:12 PM
  4. Will 328i with S52 swap pass inspection in NJ?
    By Mark185 in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 10-05-2009, 04:21 PM
  5. E36 328IS 5spd tranny swap. ZF.
    By Revo Evom in forum Drivetrain & Transmission Parts
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 04-24-2009, 09:21 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
  •