Engine Swap

hb712 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-27-2005, 12:25 PM

Does anyone know if it would be possible to swap an S54 (e46 M3) for an M54 (e46 330)? If it is possible, would it be worth doing that rather than just getting a turbo kit? Thanks for any help.

Kaisake · #2 (**permalink**) 08-28-2005, 05:09 PM

It is possible. Call these guys, they may be able to help you since they have done it: http://www.rogueengineering.com/. Best of luck, tell us what you find out.

hb712 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-28-2005, 07:48 PM

Thanks very much. I'll give them a call when I get a chance.

hb712 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-29-2005, 02:11 PM

Well, I talked to the guys at rogue engineering today. They basically said that they're not giving out any info on that project car. What they could tell me is that the electronics were very difficult. I forgot to ask them, but I would assume the tranny and rear end would have to be swapped as well. I will post if I find out anymore.

deep throat · #5 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 01:24 PM

I was going to post the same thread but found urs.....
After thinking, S54 electronics are just too difficult to handle. Even when they go wrong on an E46 M3 they are a pain to fix. I think the negatives outweight the positives of such a swap!

hb712 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 02:06 PM

I don't know. I talked to my local tuner yesterday, and they said it would be a good idea. You would only need the engine, tranny, electronics, and custom drive shaft. I'm thinking about talking to an electronic engineer on doing the electronics.

Kaisake · #7 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 02:14 PM

This guy has successfully completed the swap himself, in his own garage. Perhaps he would be able to give you some help: http://e46.mit.edu/

3SeriesSport · #8 (**permalink**) 09-07-2005, 11:42 PM

I was looking around that first sight and found this...
BMW Cookies...
Why are they selling a 50 cent bag of cookies and a 10 dollar muffin top? it made me laugh...

hammerfang · #9 (**permalink**) 09-08-2005, 06:06 PM

that guy who did it himself is nuts, thats so much work

deep throat · #10 (**permalink**) 09-09-2005, 02:11 AM

But worth it! A 4-door E46 M3

hammerfang · #11 (**permalink**) 09-09-2005, 10:57 AM

true and he didn't just do the motor and tranny he did everything, steering columnm sub frames, the whole 9 yards, i guess when u go to MIT ur can do that kinda shit, i can't wait to see what that thing looks like when its complete

deep throat · #12 (**permalink**) 09-09-2005, 01:57 PM

He goes to MIT?????

YoYiTo · #13 (**permalink**) 09-09-2005, 07:57 PM

I've heard someone has done it before. Dont remember who. I remember the person said that I was a lot of $$$ and lots headaches with the electronics (I think you have to change everything)

Anything can be done if you put your $$$ to it.

itsabimmerthing · #14 (**permalink**) 09-10-2005, 04:02 PM

I would do an E36 m3 engine before I went to an s54....

Nics · #15 (**permalink**) 09-15-2005, 08:26 AM

w00t, haven't been here in a while.

Anyways, MIT had lots of wiring problems because he swapped an '02 M3 engine into his '99 328. So he had to change over to drive by wire throttle and all that stuff. IIRC, Ben from RE didn't have as much trouble because the 325 they were putting the M3 engine in already had almost the exact same wiring as the M3 did/does.

Also, I guess it's important to say MIT also did put the SMG tranny in as well, where as I don't think RE did, and just went with a 6speed.