Kenji Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 I recently came across a minor body damage BMW 335i with upgraded n54. I am curious if anyone has any information on swapping a n54 into an s30? I think it might be a better option than the ls1 I have now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeastioBoi Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 Personally I think a cheaper more effective route would be to use an m52 block and swap internals(m54 internals). You can find these motors at pull a parts type places for cheap. Just my 2 cents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leon Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 I would never swap out an N54 over an LS. That's one of the worst motors BMW has made, given its durability record. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neverdone Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 You're gonna have high presure fuel pump issues, but other then that, GO FOR IT! EWS (CAS now) is probably going to be an issue, as BMW's in the past (from E36 on IIRC) require the key to the car, the tumbler it goes in, and the engine ECU for it. Otherwise, standalone ECU's can be used. Another issue is the driveshaft. Most BMW's use a guibo (a big rubber donut) to attach the driveshaft to the transmission. They then have the slip yoke half way through the driveshaft to allow for chassis flex and engine movement. As the S30 is so short, you'll pretty much have to cut your driveshaft down to a one piece shaft as there will be no room for a center support bearing. People much smarter then me have said that as long as you have the driveshaft that has the CV joint end, that should allow enough play that you'll be fine. Will it make more power and/or cost less then an LSx swap? Not even close. It's a terrible idea that no one should do. Should you do it though? Absolutely! It's cool, and it's what you want, and it'll be interesting and infuriating and you'll learn a ton. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grannyknot Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 Have a look at my build, it covers a lot of what you will run into, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenji Posted August 8, 2019 Author Share Posted August 8, 2019 The car that I have is my wrecked 335i. It was been completely gone through and it 100% maintenance complete with stage 1 turbos and new HPFP, LPFP, everything. The question is more about the feasibility and cost to preform the swap. If I do swap I'll be selling all the LS mounting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neverdone Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 Anything is possible. How much will it cost? No idea. But this guy might know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bacon_Z Posted August 30, 2019 Share Posted August 30, 2019 As a former '08 BMW 535i owner, I can tell you this N54 engine is riddled with issues. If you don't mind fixing oil leaks every 4 months, go for it. If you don't mind the electronic water pump and can get it wired correctly, do it. The trany is going to be an issue if you use the ones bolted the N54. Lastly, If you can afford the swap and don't mind the work, WOW! what beast it would be 330+ HP! Good Luck! Please DOCUMENT if you take it on. Someone like CX Racing might be interested in helping with the swap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.