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Thread: Project

  1. #1
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    Project

    DSC_6657.jpgDSC_6656.jpg

    Hi Guys,

    I just picked up this new project for $700! It was my cousins car and he blew the engine last week. I couldn't let it pass for this price, so I decided to pop another engine in her. The car is a 2004 with 130,000 mile on the clock. I've already purchased an engine online for $4100 (107K on that engine which is a 2005). I'll be taking my time with this as I'm pretty busy, but I will update the post when things change. This car is SMG as was the donor car.
    The car needs a fair amount of TLC, but my plan is to restore her to better days.
    I've owned two S54s in the past (Z3 and Z4 MCoupes).

    Here are my questions:
    1. What would you suggest to change on the donor engine?
    2. Anything I should look out for that might be tricky in the withdrawal/installation process?
    3. Other things to look out for.

    Cheers,
    Dale
    Last edited by dalecan; 06-19-2019 at 10:21 PM. Reason: add pictures

  2. #2
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    Def do vanos and rod bearings, seals, hoses, fresh sensors.

    Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

  3. #3
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    2001 M3 Coupe Track Car
    Timing chain guide.

    Valve adjustment.

    All the gaskets/crush washers that are easy to get to (vcg, vanos, tensioner, oil pan)

    CPV o ring

    Clean ICV

    Depending on year of car update the oil drain line from valve cover down to oil pan.

    Any rubber hose that is original inspect and replace.

  4. #4
    dworthy's Avatar
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    And to add, take a look at the bearings, much easier to do while out of the car.
    Darin
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    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
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  5. #5
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  6. #6
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    Some progress. I pulled the front clip and removed the powerplant.

    IMG_1739 2.jpg

    IMG_1810.jpg

    - - - Updated - - -

    Number 6 piston was blown through block. On it's way out it decided to destroy the starter motor. You can see a lot of metal fragments in the plenum.

    IMG_1792.jpg

    IMG_1790.jpg


    IMG_1789.jpg

  7. #7
    dworthy's Avatar
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    Wow, that's a nice hole. The S-54 is a pretty solid motor, unless you run it low on oil, or the wrong oil.

    Did it mess up any of the wiring harness? It would be a plus if the motor you are getting comes with all the wiring, ect. like a normal long block.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  8. #8
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    Dworthy,
    The starter motor was obliterated, but luckily no other damage (as far as I can tell so far). The donor engine came with the wiring loom.

  9. #9
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    I managed to make a little progress on this build. I replaced all the con rod bearings. For interest, I wanted to see what the con rod bearings on the destroyed engine looked like. As you can see, worn completely through (that engine had 130K on it).
    bearing wear.jpg
    The bearings on the replacement engine were worn too (107K on that engine), glad I replaced them.
    IMG_2309.jpg

    So I replaced all the rod bearings.
    IMG_2304.jpgIMG_2303.jpg

    Then I did all the valve adjustments. Six were out of speck so not too bad.
    IMG_2353.jpg
    Last edited by dalecan; 11-27-2019 at 02:52 PM.

  10. #10
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  11. #11
    dworthy's Avatar
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    Well I am just turning over 100k on my M, so the though has been there to start looking at doing the bearing soon. I think the general rule of thumb is 100k-125k miles from what I have seen/heard.

    Doing the valve adjustment is a pleasure in my book, easy peasy and rather simple. Just remember to replace the valve cover gasket while you are there, as they tend to get hard after 5-6 years on the motor.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by dworthy View Post
    Well I am just turning over 100k on my M, so the though has been there to start looking at doing the bearing soon. I think the general rule of thumb is 100k-125k miles from what I have seen/heard.

    Doing the valve adjustment is a pleasure in my book, easy peasy and rather simple. Just remember to replace the valve cover gasket while you are there, as they tend to get hard after 5-6 years on the motor.
    Depends on usage. Dual use cars (street dives with lots of track days) 60k-75k miles. Dedicated track car is measured in engine hours, typically 200 hrs of track driving.

  13. #13
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
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    I get mostly street use out of mine, and now and again a bit of top speed runs on the Autobahn. My brakes seem to get abused more than anything else, so I upgraded to the CSL to handle that.

    I think in about a year or two I will start looking at pulling the pan down to get the bearing done, for I don't drive more than 5k a year on the car.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  14. #14
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    I can only assume that the doner engine with 107k on the clock was driven hard (that’s why people buy these cars) and the bearings are clearly worn. With the engine out, it’s an easy job. I got a complete set of gaskets for the valve cover. The vanos unit is next.
    The clutch looks like its almost brand new so i think ill reuse that and the flywheel.

  15. #15
    dworthy's Avatar
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    That is possible, and buying a engine with no maintenance history from a yard is an unknown.

    The S-65 motors are hard on bearings as well, more so than the S-54. I just think in general when you buy a high reving engine, you will have more maintance to perform.

    I would see about doing the rebuild yourself, as I don't trust Dr. VANOS anymore and will not recommend thier services.

    Not sure if the clutch is self adjusting, for that is a PITA to reset if you do pull it off the motor.
    Last edited by dworthy; 12-09-2019 at 04:37 AM.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by dworthy View Post
    That is possible, and buying a engine with no maintenance history from a yard is an unknown.

    The S-65 motors are hard on bearings as well, more so than the S-54. I just think in general when you buy a high reving engine, you will have more maintance to perform.

    I would see about doing the rebuild yourself, as I don't trust Dr. VANOS anymore and will not recommend thier services.

    Not sure if the clutch is self adjusting, for that is a PITA to reset if you do pull it off the motor.
    Can’t comment on DrVanos. But i got a rebuilt unit from MisterEm on this forum out of Denver and he is top notch. Great support. I still continue to ping him with questions and advice.

  17. #17
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    I’m going to rebuild the vanos unit myself. First time, so wish me luck.
    the clutch plate is self adjusting but I've watched a couple of reset videos. It’s worth a try.
    Last edited by dalecan; 12-09-2019 at 11:02 AM.

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by dalecan View Post
    I’m going to rebuild the vanos unit myself. First time, so wish me luck.
    the clutch plate is self adjusting but I've watched a couple of reset videos. It’s worth a try.
    Word advice - I would find someone with an ultrasonic bath to really clean the unit out. Brakeleen can only do so much.

  19. #19
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    Not an E46 M3 owner but following this thread.

  20. #20
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    So the car is pretty much finished and she runs but it still thinks it's an SMG, so not all the power is there. All I have left to do is the coding and get a suitable gear knob (using the SMG one at present). If anyone has recommendations for the software please let me know.
    Here are some more pics:I thought the first image of cutting the floor was pretty cool and by total accident it presents the BMW roundel.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by dalecan; 04-14-2020 at 07:45 PM.

  21. #21
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    More pictures:
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  22. #22
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    I even took my time for some TLC. This is the same rear muffler after some Hi temp paint and TLC:

    rear muffler old - 1.jpgrear muffler new - 1.jpg

  23. #23
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    Nice! Congrats!

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  24. #24
    dworthy's Avatar
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    Is that the same SMG trans with all the SMG parts removed, or did you get another 6-speed?

    Normally all you will need to do is just code out the SMG from the DME so it won't go looking for it, and put it back to being a manual. I haven't done one myself, just taking from experience on doing the auto to manual swaps.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by dworthy View Post
    Is that the same SMG trans with all the SMG parts removed, or did you get another 6-speed?

    Normally all you will need to do is just code out the SMG from the DME so it won't go looking for it, and put it back to being a manual. I haven't done one myself, just taking from experience on doing the auto to manual swaps.
    It is the same SMG trans that has been converted to a manual (bell housing swap). I'm OK with the mechanical stuff but I've never done the coding before, so looking for someone to do that. I have one option from a guy in the UK.

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