ZHP into 325xi? Possible?

[iMtrstng]

Just starting to look into this and wonder if the community may have some insight. I love my 01 325xi wagon but in her higher mileage years she is going through a lot of oil and I’m considering my options. I’m wondering what all would be involved in swapping in a 3.0 from a zhp?

I have been reading a bit about different software levels and don’t know how much of an issue this would be since my wagon is a much earlier e46. Also is there any issue swapping my awd
oil pan onto the zhp motor? Clearance issues with oil pump? My wagon is already manual trans but wondering if I would have to change the flywheel or would my 5 speed awd trans bolt right up to the zhp engine?

Thanks to all in advance for any information and opinions.

[328 Power 04]

There's very little difference between your current engine and the ZHP in terms of fitment, size, design, etc.

It's the engine control, electronics, and a couple sensors that are quite different and would require more work/knowledge.

[cpacheco100]

328 Power 04 can you help me with my issue..

[iMtrstng]

Thanks for the info, I pulled the trigger and bought an engine so I'll report back with hurdles as I run into them

[328 Power 04]

Take note that the M54B30 has a different intake manifold, different DISA, different MAF, different injectors, and a different intake tract compared to the M54B25 engine. If you want to have the full power of the M54B30, you'll need all of that and the ECU control of it.

[BimmerBreaker]

I think the best bet here will be the complete ZHP engine (out to the MAF), and running the MS43 3.0 MAF and pre-cat O2's. Then a tune on the stock DME for the displacement and ZHP cams.

MS43 (what the 325 has now) is a much better and more reliable DME in my experience. Ran into numerous weird issues with MS45's, some of which can be annoying to diagnose.

[iMtrstng]

I think the best bet here will be the complete ZHP engine (out to the MAF), and running the MS43 3.0 MAF and pre-cat O2's. Then a tune on the stock DME for the displacement and ZHP cams.

MS43 (what the 325 has now) is a much better and more reliable DME in my experience. Ran into numerous weird issues with MS45's, some of which can be annoying to diagnose.

Great info thanks! The engine I sourced is complete so im going to put my hands on an early 3.0 maf and pair of oxygen sensors. Any recommendations for tunes? I have experience working with kassel and malone but usually more for diesel stuff.

[328 Power 04]

Flash your stock DME to M54B30 flash (330i flash) using WinKFP to begin with. That would be the first step to run that engine optimally.

[BimmerBreaker]

If you ask 328 Power 04 he might do a tune for you .. he does good work

[328 Power 04]

Hmm, I dunno, the snails are calling my name instead.

[iMtrstng]

Update: Engine installed and race wagon is running great!

For those interested here is a list of things needed to make this work. I am running the MS45 DME from the ZHP donor, sent off DME for EWS delete and performance tune with Kassel Performance. I am using upstream O2s from ZHP and deleted the rears. Swapped AWD oil pan from original engine and had to swap the oil pump pick up tube as well. Swapped engine mount brackets from the original 2.5 as they are in a different position. Also one of the hard coolant pipes under the intake is a different part number compared to a RWD car so I had to source the correct part. RWD cars use part #11 53 7 502 525 but in order to mount everything properly with the AWD you need part #11 53 7 502 000. I had to swap over the original P/S pump as the RWD cars use a different pump and rack. I also sourced a ZHP cluster to complete the look.

Wagon feels reborn and the extra 50(ish) hp gives a noticeable bump!!