Lets cut to the chase. Is it worth it to complete this swap? I have a beautiful 1999 328ci that has a thrown rod from terrible driving. I also have an automatic 2000 330xi Touring that will not pass inspection and will be junked if I don't make use of the fairly new engine (240k km). I'm a few days out from starting this project but keep contemplating whether it would be smarter to find a junked 328 or 528 and just make it as easy as possible. I'm very tight on funds. Only have about 1-2k to get this car back running before I start weeping, and finding another 328i will cost about that much. What will I need to ensure this vehicle can get up and running? I understand the throttle, maf, intake, dme and wire harness will need to be updated. What else am I missing? It's difficult finding correct information online, and I'm fairly new to working on BMWs, only ever rebuilt Honda engines, and this was years ago. I keep finding mixed answers online with people spewing completely false information about weight and torque as an excuse as to why doing any engine swap on a tub28 is a terrible idea. Just looking for some pointers before I start unscrewing shit, its cold as balls out and can't wait much longer.
twm222
Are you in Germany like your profile says? I'm not familiar with the restrictions on swapping engine controls there, but that might be an issue that needs to be considered.
You can prolly accomplish it for that money, then later update with newer rubber bits to make it super fresh.
It sounds like the bigger issue is the AWD setup. Are you keeping that too, or swapping it into the new car? You'll have to swap the pan and do a bunch of parts/mixing matching if you intend to ditch the AWD and that would include a bunch of question marks that might halt your progress.
It sounds like the bigger issue is the AWD setup. Are you keeping that too, or swapping it into the new car? You'll have to swap the pan and do a bunch of parts/mixing matching if you intend to ditch the AWD and that would include a bunch of question marks that might halt your progress.
Swapping the pan isn't that big of an issue, and addresses the likely leaky pan gasket at the same time.
If you didn't have a complete donor, I'd say it would be hard. But with a complete car to start with,
yes, you certainly can swap the two.
Here's the answer I don't have- can the 328's computer compensate for the extra 200 ml. My GUT
says it can. So you can swap the longblock b30 into the b28's spot, and it will run acceptably.
Personally, I would try it.
Will it run perfectly? THAT's what I can't tell you- others may be able to.
IF you run into problems, though, you may end up using a significant part of the 330s electrical system
to get the 330's later computer into it. And while that won't COST much, you'll be an expert in
many of the vehicle systems before you're done. Since the donor is a 2000, it "should" be 70% compatible,
but because it's an xi, things like the ABS computer will be different.
Ideally, you won't find any hidden problems with the 328,
so about a thousand- ok, 1500- to replace all the 'while you're in there'
parts seems about right, and as long as you're persistent and don't have a time crunch,
you should be OK..
There are lots of little 'gotchas'- replace the bolts that hold the engine to the transmission, as they're
coated to prevent galling. (in fact, any loaded fastener into aluminum ought to be replaced. You
can use anti- seize, but then you need to derate the torque value, and that's not a discussion
for the internet)
Your best bet is to read a lot of engine swap threads here, just for details like shifter linkage,
etc, etc, and then hit the youtubes- 50'skid makes good E46 videos.
Then get started, and when you run into troubles, post up some pictures and a question.
t
the internet is full of BS
yes, you certainly can swap the two.
Here's the answer I don't have- can the 328's computer compensate for the extra 200 ml. My GUT
says it can. So you can swap the longblock b30 into the b28's spot, and it will run acceptably.
Personally, I would try it.
Will it run perfectly? THAT's what I can't tell you- others may be able to.
IF you run into problems, though, you may end up using a significant part of the 330s electrical system
to get the 330's later computer into it. And while that won't COST much, you'll be an expert in
many of the vehicle systems before you're done. Since the donor is a 2000, it "should" be 70% compatible,
but because it's an xi, things like the ABS computer will be different.
Ideally, you won't find any hidden problems with the 328,
so about a thousand- ok, 1500- to replace all the 'while you're in there'
parts seems about right, and as long as you're persistent and don't have a time crunch,
you should be OK..
There are lots of little 'gotchas'- replace the bolts that hold the engine to the transmission, as they're
coated to prevent galling. (in fact, any loaded fastener into aluminum ought to be replaced. You
can use anti- seize, but then you need to derate the torque value, and that's not a discussion
for the internet)
Your best bet is to read a lot of engine swap threads here, just for details like shifter linkage,
etc, etc, and then hit the youtubes- 50'skid makes good E46 videos.
Then get started, and when you run into troubles, post up some pictures and a question.
t
the internet is full of BS
The easiest, cheapest swap, and what I would do in your situation, is to use the M54 engine as a replacement long block, and keep the 328Ci's DME, harness, intake, injectors, throttle body, oil pan, valve cover (if different)
You might have to bring over a couple of sensors from your M52tu engine as the connectors changed on the M54 - for example: the coolant temp sensor under the intake.
Treat the M54 as an M52Tu engine..Do not try make it a 330ci.
The engine should start and run fine on the 328Ci's tune.
This has been done before and seems to be easiest, least-error-prone method.
IF you REALLY want to try to upgrade to a 330Ci tune...do it later after you get it running smoothly on the M52Tu tune.
You might have to bring over a couple of sensors from your M52tu engine as the connectors changed on the M54 - for example: the coolant temp sensor under the intake.
Treat the M54 as an M52Tu engine..Do not try make it a 330ci.
The engine should start and run fine on the 328Ci's tune.
This has been done before and seems to be easiest, least-error-prone method.
IF you REALLY want to try to upgrade to a 330Ci tune...do it later after you get it running smoothly on the M52Tu tune.
i'll 2nd the put the 2.8 intake/fuel system on the m54 long block for the easiest swap. the ECU wont know the difference.
if you try to drop it all in there are connectors that will be different, but theres also a solution for that
www.condorspeedshop.com
if you try to drop it all in there are connectors that will be different, but theres also a solution for that
E46/E39 - M54 Swap for M52TU Chassis - Wiring Harness AdapterE46 M52TU / E46 M54 (MS43)
If you plan on converting from a M52TU engine to a M54 engine in your E46 or E39 chassis, our plug and play harness kits are the easiest way to go.What's included? Detailed installation instructions (Includes required ECU pin changes) Electronic accelerator pedal wiring Various engine wiring...
www.condorspeedshop.com
once the intake is off, swappping the harness will be easy. no sweat. be careful with the exhaust studs!!!!
youre going to need another RWD oil pan!!!
youre going to need another RWD oil pan!!!
The rear end of the shifter system is the easy end. Simple bushing, just squeeze it with some pliers and it falls off. Disassemble the shifter from inside the car, so it fall through the hole.
The transmission end has the "barstard clip". Do some google/RealOEM searches so you know what it looks like. A small straight blade screwdriver works best to undo the clip and rotate the pin.
The transmission end has the "barstard clip". Do some google/RealOEM searches so you know what it looks like. A small straight blade screwdriver works best to undo the clip and rotate the pin.
Good news. Found an extra m52tub28 with a manual tranny in good condition. Ill continue working on swapping the m54 into another 328i for continuity and for my own displeasure. Prepping the 328ci and ordering some things for maintenance and ease of install. Gonna order fluids as well since the new engine is pretty much ready for install. Might do new headers and add cats later on the exhaust to avoid ever having to rip off those rust bucket oem headers. Truth be told I don't want to wait for shipping though.
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