Can you run an e46 s54 engine with a 2001-2 M road/coupe ecu and harness?

[nikkis34]

I can find e46 s54 engines and sub-assemblies easily and cheaply, but it is hard to find m roadster/coupe engines and sub-assemblies. Is it possible to run an e46 s54 with M coupe/roadster ecu, wiring harness, cooling system, intake manifold?

[ToneCapone]

yes, assuming you mean in an E36 chassis?

[nikkis34]

Yes, in a 1995 m3 chassis.

[///brian92fs]

Old thread revival:

I can't remember and can't seem to find details... Does the 2001 - 2002 S54 from the M Coupes and M Roadsters use the throttle by wire like the E46 M3?

Also, has anyone actually down this? Used a E46 M3 engine with a 2001 - 2002 M Coupes/Roadsters electronics?

Looking on RealOEM, the wiring harness & DME look to be around $2,000. Maybe another $1,000 for the other little things sensor-wise. Seems like this would be about the same cost as doing a TEC3 install but retains the OEM EMS. A big consideration if emissions is an issue

[///brian92fs]

No one's done this? I've read a few other threads talking about it being feasible.

I've also read how the E46 EMS is VERY big challenge to get to work in the E36. Basically how everything is integrated into the EMS, unlike the E36 chassis that has several subsystems. I understand that the 2001-2002 M Roadster/Coupes don't have the fully integrated EMS like the E46's

[///brian92fs]

Bump... no one has any thoughts on this?

[ModenaM3]

It can be done, yes. I have no idea how. I don't see why you couldn't just swap everything from the M coupe over into the E36. Unfortunately my knowledge of electronics in these cars is lacking.

There was a guy who was able to do the E46 M3 swap in to an E36 M3 using it's wiring harness. Apparently he had shop with a special programming feature that is not availible in the US, in which they were able to make the E46 meet the E36. Or something close to that.

[M pwrd]

Just buy a euro 3.2, basically the same thing with an easier swap to do.

[epj3]

Just buy a euro 3.2, basically the same thing with an easier swap to do.

Unless you live in a state with emissions testing and own a 96+ M3. Your car won't be road legal w/european non-OBDII motors.

[///brian92fs]

Unless you live in a state with emissions testing and own a 96+ M3. Your car won't be road legal w/european non-OBDII motors.

Exactly. Not a practical option in CA

[jvit27]

Unless you live in a state with emissions testing and own a 96+ M3. Your car won't be road legal w/european non-OBDII motors.

Original poster stated it is for a 95 M3.

[///brian92fs]

It can be done, yes. I have no idea how. I don't see why you couldn't just swap everything from the M coupe over into the E36. Unfortunately my knowledge of electronics in these cars is lacking.

There was a guy who was able to do the E46 M3 swap in to an E36 M3 using it's wiring harness. Apparently he had shop with a special programming feature that is not availible in the US, in which they were able to make the E46 meet the E36. Or something close to that.

That was my thoughts. I'm wondering is there is a way to do this swap for the "average" bfc user.

The one thing I cannot find info on is syncing the EWS. If you buy the motor, then get a DME & harness from the dealer, whats involved in getting the EWS to work. Anyone have experience on this?

I know a mechanic at the local dealer. I was going to ask him about it next time I see him. Just curious in anyone else has knowledge on this.

[///brian92fs]

Original poster stated it is for a 95 M3.

Still iffy in a state like CA. One trip to the Referee and your hosed. I always blew that off as never happening until a cop got me a few months ago. Pulled me over for no reason and sent me to the referee just to harass me. Not a big deal for me, other that $40 inspection fee and a day in court. But imagine the PITA if you had a Euro or stand alone S54 swap in.