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Thread: E39 "LS" Swap, 1997 528i auto to 4.8/5.3/6.0 with hopefully a 4L80

  1. #1
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    E39 "LS" Swap, 1997 528i auto to 4.8/5.3/6.0 with hopefully a 4L80

    Hey all,
    I picked up this 100k mile creampuff 528 as a daily. It was "over heating" per the P.O.

    I got it for $750. Brought it home, properly got the air out of the stock cooling system. Found out the cap was bad, replaced it, then realized the water pump was bad. Replaced that, then realized the head gasket was blown

    After not being able to source a cheap M52, and not wanting to deal with doing the head gasket, I decided to swap it.

    I am not new to working on cars, I have 2 drift cars, I swapped my last daily (JDM B20 integra , it was fast and cheap and great on gas), a lift and a garage with all sorts of tools and I've got my F350 I can daily while this is down.

    Last weekend I got the stock drive train pulled out.

    I am unsure of a few things. Pending finding the right deal on a new setup.

    Dream is LQ9 / LQ4 and 4l80. I am open to anything, I just really want a 4l80.
    I have a nitrous sponsorship from my drifting endeavors so I may spray something, or possibly throw a chinese turbo at it, but I am also planning on doing a coyote swap to one of my drift cars this winter, so it will depend on the deals I get along the way.

    I have full detailed pics on my digital camera and will continue to to take them, but here are a few from my phone along the way. Not sure the easiest way to upload a bunch from my digi cam....

    Couple of questions tho, with the 1997 BMW, I have read the speedo will work form the ABS, I will have to wire a fuel pump relay (will run it from GM ECU), what else do i need to keep from the stock engine harness? Way more came with it than I expected when I pulled it lol...


    EDIT: Posting some of this on my "shops" page, but I will also update here.
    https://troxellautomotive.weebly.com...i-ls-swap.html

    00707_cUZ8U23sWHW_1200x900.jpg00O0O_MByAyHZpX2_1200x900.jpgreceived_1198260027006113.jpegSnapchat-1023730046.jpgSnapchat-1741223400.jpg
    Last edited by dillont; 12-04-2018 at 02:47 PM.

  2. #2
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    Where did my post go?

  3. #3
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  4. #4
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    Quick update.
    Haven't touched the car since I pulled the engine
    Doing lots of research. Keeping the chassis electrical going is my most difficult task right now.
    Picking up a complete 5.3 Saturday ($350)
    My buddy has a 80k mile 4l80 I just gotta pull ($100)
    Once I get the engine and trans together I'm going to order up a Chinese gt45 with stock truck manifolds routed backwards.

    Just gotta figure out chassis wiring and AC.

  5. #5
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    img-20181215-210703_orig.jpg
    Picked up a 5.3 on saturday. I got it all power washed and clean along with the engine bay of the e39.
    I picked up a new Hobart 210mvp yesterday, hopefully get some mounts going soon.
    Last edited by dillont; 12-18-2018 at 02:56 PM.

  6. #6
    JimLev's Avatar
    JimLev is offline Artifically Aspirated Moderator
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    Saw your question over on the other forum about the pic I posted regarding jumping the fuel pump relay.
    Don't know what you are going to be using for an ECU.
    I've got an LS3 in the car I'm building, the ECU had an output for the fuel pump relay coil.

    See if you can find a newer style intake manifold for your engine.
    You'll pick up more HP and torque.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by JimLev View Post
    Saw your question over on the other forum about the pic I posted regarding jumping the fuel pump relay.
    Don't know what you are going to be using for an ECU.
    I've got an LS3 in the car I'm building, the ECU had an output for the fuel pump relay coil.

    See if you can find a newer style intake manifold for your engine.
    You'll pick up more HP and torque.
    I have the stock ECU from an 02 suburban which will have an output to trigger a fuel pump.
    My issue is that after removing the M52 and harness, I believe the fuel pump relay was removed as well. This is all i've got left.


    p.s. voodo ranger is great beer

  8. #8
    JimLev's Avatar
    JimLev is offline Artifically Aspirated Moderator
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    Do you still have the wiring harness and rack of relays in the trunk? If so I'll dig up the wire colors that go to the relay.

    Yup, VR has been my #1 go to beer for over a year.
    If you really want more hops try VR Imperial, 9%.

  9. #9
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    Yes I do have those in the trunk. I that pic I posted is the only spot I have touched the wiring. I still have all of the wiring I pulled out too.

    Ill have to look for the VR imperial.

  10. #10
    JimLev's Avatar
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    Here is the FP relay coil connection info, DME 5.2 which is what I think you have.
    Your FP relay should have 12 volts at the socket from F31 (above glove box), on socket pin 8, which relay pin 86 plugs into.
    Socket pin 4, relay terminal 85, (black/violet) goes to the DME to ground the relay coil.

    The relay contacts are:
    F54 (in trunk) to socket pin 6, which relay pin 30 plugs into.
    Socket pin 2 (white/blue), relay pin 87 supplies 12 volts to the fuel pump.
    The other side of the FP motor is grounded.
    Last edited by JimLev; 12-20-2018 at 01:37 PM.

  11. #11
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    Has anyone found someone that is still making motor and tranny mounts for the E39 swap?

  12. #12
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    I picked up my new Hobart 210 welder that I will be using to make the mounts and such (replaced my old 125 lincoln)
    I also picked up an ls1 intake and truck manifolds with v bands.
    order pac 1218 valve springs today
    Ordering coilovers, camber plates and a turbo tonight.



  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by dillont View Post
    I picked up my new Hobart 210 welder that I will be using to make the mounts and such (replaced my old 125 lincoln)
    I also picked up an ls1 intake and truck manifolds with v bands.
    order pac 1218 valve springs today
    Ordering coilovers, camber plates and a turbo tonight.


    I've got the same welder, really like it a lot.

  14. #14
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  15. #15
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    Talking

    doin the same thing man but minus the turbo. got me a lq4 and a ls2 intake. everything new but bottom end. all arp bolts to go with my heavy foot, i like ur progress
    Last edited by mrallande5020; 01-09-2019 at 11:10 PM.

  16. #16
    JimLev's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by dillont View Post
    Putting that welder to good use.

  17. #17
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    I've got the engine in temporarily. I need to make the mounts still. Trans tunnel will require a lot of hammering to fit this HUGE 4L80. also put up some pics of the coilovers so far, ac delete, valve spring install. rapidly making progress!
    check out all the pics on www.troxellautomotive.com/e39 and check instagram @dtrox90
    IMG_20190118_233243.jpg







  18. #18
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    I was wondering how the 4L80 would fit...Can't wait to see if it does.

  19. #19
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    Some details on 4L80E fitment can be found in my build thread found here:

    https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2299397-Project-560i-my-E39-LSx-build


    Good luck to the OP!

    S.F.

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