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Thread: E46 engine swap

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2022
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    Washington DC
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    3
    My Cars
    E46 323i & 98 E39

    E46 engine swap

    I have a 99 e46 323i so it has an m52 with m54 components and recently it’s been giving me issues and I’ve built all the suspension on the car but I’ve been putting off engine mods because I plan on swapping it eventually, that being said I’d really like to put another, more modern bmw engine in it but it’s hard to find kits for the type of engine I’m looking for, I’m currently a student so money is tight so I’d like something on the lower end like a b48, n20, n55(preferably not), n52, etc. If anyone knows any kits to swap these to minimize fabrication on my end that would be great!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    12,462
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    36 Cylinders
    This is one of those kinds of questions: if you have to ask...
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    New England
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    25,402
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    F90 M5; E36 M3 Turbo
    I agree and in such cases as simple as possible is best. Swap in another M54. Go to 3.0L if you want more power but get the wiring harness and ECU.

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    These M52tu engines are quite robust and just need some basic love. Often the problems you have (save for major damage) are easily fixed. Most common problems are vacuum leaks, VANOS seals, and some basic maintenance needs.

    The engines you describe above will range from nightmare to swap in to very expensive. (For what it's worth, don't ever consider the N20. It belongs in the waste bin.)


    There are good ways to run the M54B30 correctly on the M52tu ecu (the Siemens MS42), but it's going to be custom tuning work.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2021
    Location
    San Antonio
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    2000 323i
    Quote Originally Posted by 328 Power 04 View Post
    These M52tu engines are quite robust and just need some basic love. Often the problems you have (save for major damage) are easily fixed. Most common problems are vacuum leaks, VANOS seals, and some basic maintenance needs.

    The engines you describe above will range from nightmare to swap in to very expensive. (For what it's worth, don't ever consider the N20. It belongs in the waste bin.)


    There are good ways to run the M54B30 correctly on the M52tu ecu (the Siemens MS42), but it's going to be custom tuning work.
    I'm wondering if you could help point me to some information on swapping an M52 car to an M54. I Have a car with a toasted M52 but I seem to be having some difficulty finding info.

    I have a good price on a running M54B30. I just have to pull it. My car is a 2000 323i with a 5speed. Any help would be appreciated.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Los Angeles
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    511
    My Cars
    my brother's ti
    Quote Originally Posted by dankykang View Post
    I'm wondering if you could help point me to some information on swapping an M52 car to an M54. I Have a car with a toasted M52 but I seem to be having some difficulty finding info.

    I have a good price on a running M54B30. I just have to pull it. My car is a 2000 323i with a 5speed. Any help would be appreciated.
    basically just keep the throttle body with the car and have the dme tuned for the 3.0

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