Lets discuss "the swap"

[UdubBadger]

Yeah it's been discussed in about 40 different threads, but lets house it all under one roof for future reference.

I am talking about the S54 swap (or other motor swaps but going into an E46 this seems like the most common). Making an non M, an M (at least under bonnet).

Since Terry doesn't seem like he'd part with his Rogue S54 330i any time soon - I've become very intrigued with the possibility of having a 4 door E46 "///M" with an S54 instead of just buying an M3 and losing 2 doors.

What is involved?
What is recommended to accompany it (trans, subframe, diff... ect)?
How much work is this really? Any estimated labor costs if letting a shop tackle the job?
Any areas of concern (other than burning through tires too quickly)?

For those who are also interested, ask your questions. For those who have done it (or seen it done) answer some questions for us all.

[Hornung418]

Speak with Anton (JohnBlaze), Strider (Elric's friend) and Kalim (Cyberkaa on e46fanatics).

They'll have all the answers you could want.

Also this thread is quite the incredible read. http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=578901 It entails swapping the body parts...but you can just take what you need. JeppeJ is a legend!

MITE46 (George) also did the swap. His was also super intense. Best part was that it was leased by his parents while he was at school HAHAH!! http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=176943

[Hermes]

how "all out" do you want to go? There's a thread on e46f where a guy bought a M3 just to strip and put all the parts in his 4dr. I'll try to find that thread

edit: Justin edited his post and put the link in

[UdubBadger]

I dunno, I guess thats kinda the point. What would be minimum? What would be "smart"? What would be extravagant but worth it?

[JupiterBMW]

Yes, this thread is the best evAr! Lets sort into 3 categories... Minimum necessary, beneficial, and the "I've got more money than I know what to do with" category... I would love this swap more than anything into my ZHP.

[UdubBadger]

I think theres like at least a dozen of us here who would seriously consider it. I know Ryan was dreaming about a swap the other day.

[Hermes]

mine will one day have a S62, I'm not sure what to put in the 2002 yet but that might get one too

[derbo]

S54 has a good portion of significant differences in accessory lines. I firsthand saw complications involving the M3 fuel pump lines being different fittings and ultimately having the whole system replaced with the M3 lines. The M3 fuel pump I believe has a higher liter/hr than the 330i pump and it may or may not come into play when you get into the higher revs.

I also noticed with Kalim, some of the power steering lines are different. The one that goes to the front of the radiator has a different angle (about 90degrees difference) and prevented us from using the 325i line.


Kalim has told me that wiring is a challenge since TIS and WDS isn't always correct in their wiring diagrams. The gauge cluster from the M3 also needs to be reflash by RPMmotorsports to communicate with the sedan modules while still communicating with the M3 modules. I'm not sure how he tackled the door indicators but that would bug me.

I remember Kalim telling me that ultimately the wiring job is the most difficult process since alot of wires were missing from the sedan (at least his 325i) that would make this a more plug n play setup.

I looked into this setup and everytime I talk to Kalim, it seems he tells me one more thing that ultimately would make me not want to do this swap until it is no longer my daily driver. I mean.....uhm...I don't want to do this swap.




I would imagine the minimal stuff you need is:

-S54 Engine
-S54 Engine Harness
-S54 Alternator, PS Reservior, PS Lines
-S54 Cluster
-PATIENCE

You probably can use a ZHP transmission, but I would opt for a M3 transmission.

If you don't do a rear end, I think a ZHP 6spd driveshaft will bolt right up.

If you do a rear end, you need M3 driveshaft since its shorter to compensate for the larger rear end carrier.




Downfalls for S54 Engine?
-Valve Adjustments are part of maintenance,
-costly on Oil Changes 10w60 sucks in price but not that much more.

Pros?
The best letter in the alphabet

[M3TA5IN]

Should break down all the valuable information and categorize it in first post Seth so it is easily accessible. If I go to a zhp this is something I would defiantly be interested in.

I just saw a complete S54 race tuned swap package the other day and I can't find it now.


Sent from my fancy city machine.

[UdubBadger]

nice thanks for the info Debro


Cody I will do that.