Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Can I swap my rwd manual 330i drivetrain into an auto xi e46 wagon?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    NJ, USA
    Posts
    439
    My Cars
    '07 335I 6MT, '01 330i

    Can I swap my rwd manual 330i drivetrain into an auto xi e46 wagon?

    I'm specifically wondering if all the holes for the front subframe and everything will line up. I'm under the impression that the sedan and wagon are mechanically identical, so this leaves the question as "is it possible to manual rwd swap an auto xi e46?

    Long story short- My e46 drift car is a rusty disaster. My dream is to turbo the 330i, swap it into a wagon, and have a sweet drift wagon. I found an e46 wagon that's an automatic all wheel drive car, with no rust, that I might be able to snag for really cheap.

    Are all the chassis mounting points there for the rwd front suspension? The rwd front subframe? If I strip out the drivetrain of the wagon, can I bolt in the RWD drivetrain?
    Keep it simple: half gutted '01 330i, welded diff, BC coils, SLR Super kit

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    25,385
    My Cars
    F90 M5; E36 M3 Turbo
    I am pretty sure you can. That would be a great project. An E46 330i turbo wagon. Ditch the AWD since it makes the turbo a real challenge to fit. I’d like an E91 335i wagon but don’t have the time for a project like that right now.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    NJ, USA
    Posts
    439
    My Cars
    '07 335I 6MT, '01 330i
    Man, I'd LOVE an e91 wagon but hoinestly, you can get a 535 and I would go that route.
    I found an old thread from Jeepster, in which FCP Euro says that everything will bolt right over.

    I plan on this engine up a full interior, caged street legal drift car. M54b30 turbo'd to a reliable 400ish hp. It'll be the absolute coolest drift car at any track!
    Keep it simple: half gutted '01 330i, welded diff, BC coils, SLR Super kit

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    25,385
    My Cars
    F90 M5; E36 M3 Turbo
    I have an 08 E61 535xi Sport package. Great car. Had it 8 years. Good cruiser. It’s my wife’s car so it has only a JB4 for mods.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    fairfax,va, usa
    Posts
    6,660
    My Cars
    2 E30s and a maxima
    I did some research on it years ago and from what I remember, the front subframe and suspension are different on the awd models. So if you swap that stuff over, you should be good. The physical chassis is the same.

    Status: Someone put glitter in my oil. Wait. Why's all my oil outside the engine? What's that knocking?

Similar Threads

  1. a little local help? Eng swap, ac delete, manual to 5 spd swap....
    By ILUVe36hAwaii in forum Pacific Northwest - US
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 01-01-2008, 05:12 PM
  2. Vader Seats - swapping electrics for manuals?
    By RisBMW in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 08-01-2007, 08:29 PM
  3. swap automatic for manual
    By 328I? in forum 1999 - 2006 (E46)
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-08-2007, 07:26 AM
  4. anyone ever swap in a manual for their auto trans?
    By Captain Morgan in forum 1996 - 2003 (E39)
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 10-10-2006, 07:05 PM
  5. Replies: 8
    Last Post: 09-28-2005, 03:31 PM

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
  •