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E46 To E36 Conversion

10K views 17 replies 7 participants last post by  jenifer.kaif 
#1 ·
Greetings All

I am relatively new to BMW's and would appreciate some advice.
I have an Dec 97 328 manual coupe. The car is fantastic, however I came across a 2001 M3 S54 motor and 6 speed manual gearbox at the right price and brought it. (admittedly jumped in) It has pretty much everything with it including, rear end, exhaust and all computors + keys. Only one front strut and brake (other damaged in crash) The only thing I dont have is the accelorator pedal.

OK here are my questions
Is there a chance that my computor will run the new engine, accepting that it will have to be recalibrated to run higher revs....assuming that the computor can be modded?
Can I convert this motor to not use the fly-by-wire system?
What dramas should I be aware of when (if) I have to change the entire wiring loom.
Can I just plug the new computors into my looms?
Will all the mounts etc line up ok?
I'm told that the diff (rear end) will not go in without major fabrication, anyone heard of this being done.
In a nutshell, looking for anything of assitance or links that I can go to.
I have scoured all the different forums and can only read about how the motor I have has some initial early build problems. (cant win em all)
Forgive my lack of being up to speed with all the BMW's terminologies etc, however I will try and get up to speed.
I want this car to look and run as if its factory.

Gratefull for anything

Cheers all and have a great day
 
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#4 ·
Originally posted by MrM3@Oct 31 2004, 06:20 AM
you will deffinately need to use the S54's ECU. i dont know about the fly-by-wire throttle but ive seen people get around that obstacle with S62 conversions, though i have no idea how they converted it
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Greetings again, forgive my lack of knowledge...what is an S62 conversion?
 
#6 ·
Originally posted by 325isBaby@Nov 12 2004, 10:00 AM
An S62 is the M5 V8...assume they are speaking of converting a non-M5 into a vehicle with the S62 the same as you wanting to convert your vehicle.
[snapback]228930[/snapback]​
Hi, many thanks for that, more searching through the forums. I have a shop that is confident of carrying it through (flywire excepted) so will post what we come across. It would seem that this is a relatively new thing to do? I would have thought the later model motor into the E36 body would have been relatively common. Should be interesting

Kind regards Richard
 
#7 ·
Hi,

Just about to embark on the exact same journey my friend, just bought a 2002 S54 motor, tranny, prop, diff,ecu, ews, clocks, looms etc. I also have a 328. I'd be very keen to keep in touch with you throughout the conversion, to swap notes. Also have the same idea about the fly-by-wire throttle, but I've decided its just easier to get the whole accelerator pedal witht the throttle potentionmeter behind it, and I'll just patch it straight into the e46 loom. I intend to rip out the old loom, possibly even the dash.
Another consideration is that you'll need to get a main stealer/specialist to marry up the ECU to EWS, or it will absolutely refuse to start.(I'm told, and this seems to have been the case on the previous gen M3 also.)
NB make sure you get either the E36 M3 Rad & oil-cooler, or the e46 m3 and mod it to fit. Trying to source this at the moment for mine. As for the rear-diff setup, I'm going to have alook at mounting it, if too hard, I'll swap it out (as suggested)for the e36 m3 evo setup, think its a marginally taller final drive though?

chrs,
mike :cheers

Originally posted by ritrka+Nov 13 2004, 02:40 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ritrka @ Nov 13 2004, 02:40 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-325isBaby@Nov 12 2004, 10:00 AM
An S62 is the M5 V8...assume they are speaking of converting a non-M5 into a vehicle with the S62 the same as you wanting to convert your vehicle.
[snapback]228930[/snapback]​
Hi, many thanks for that, more searching through the forums. I have a shop that is confident of carrying it through (flywire excepted) so will post what we come across. It would seem that this is a relatively new thing to do? I would have thought the later model motor into the E36 body would have been relatively common. Should be interesting

Kind regards Richard
[snapback]229727[/snapback]​
[/b][/quote]
 
#9 ·
Originally posted by m3mky+Nov 15 2004, 11:11 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(m3mky @ Nov 15 2004, 11:11 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'>Hi,

Just about to embark on the exact same journey my friend, just bought a 2002 S54 motor, tranny, prop, diff,ecu, ews, clocks, looms etc. I also have a 328. I'd be very keen to keep in touch with you throughout the conversion, to swap notes. Also have the same idea about the fly-by-wire throttle, but I've decided its just easier to get the whole accelerator pedal witht the throttle potentionmeter behind it, and I'll just patch it straight into the e46 loom. I intend to rip out the old loom, possibly even the dash.
Another consideration is that you'll need to get a main stealer/specialist to marry up the ECU to EWS, or it will absolutely refuse to start.(I'm told, and this seems to have been the case on the previous gen M3 also.)
NB make sure you get either the E36 M3 Rad & oil-cooler, or the e46 m3 and mod it to fit. Trying to source this at the moment for mine. As for the rear-diff setup, I'm going to have alook at mounting it, if too hard, I'll swap it out (as suggested)for the e36 m3 evo setup, think its a marginally taller final drive though?

chrs,
mike :cheers

Originally posted by ritrka@Nov 13 2004, 02:40 AM
<!--QuoteBegin-325isBaby
@Nov 12 2004, 10:00 AM
An S62 is the M5 V8...assume they are speaking of converting a non-M5 into a vehicle with the S62 the same as you wanting to convert your vehicle.
[snapback]228930[/snapback]​


Hi, many thanks for that, more searching through the forums. I have a shop that is confident of carrying it through (flywire excepted) so will post what we come across. It would seem that this is a relatively new thing to do? I would have thought the later model motor into the E36 body would have been relatively common. Should be interesting

Kind regards Richard
[snapback]229727[/snapback]​
[snapback]230932[/snapback]​
[/b][/quote]

Hi Mike, yes will do. Apologies again for my lack of terminology knowledge. What do you mean in literal sense when you say "to marry up the ECU to EWS" I'm interested to know as much as I can, as whilst I wont be doing the bulk (very little) of the work, I'm interested to know what it means because I dont want to get burnt through lack of knowledge. I have all the wiring complete and I have asked for all the little sensors etc that come from under the bonnet. Assuming like yourself that I can not use the diff, will the standard 328 diff be up to it. Not planning on dragging it, just fast motoring and occasional track days. I have been led to believe that 328's are pretty much M3's without the power (different engines)and different spring rates. I will start having a look at radiators etc to make sure it all works out. I like the tall gearing that I currently have and am keen to keep it....if possible. I have come across a pedal assembly for 100 Pound, which equates to approx $300 AU. Looks like this is ultimately the easiest way to go. Anyway, yes definately I will post whenever I have something of interest or any problems crop up. Many thanks for the feedback, greatly appreciated. Keep in touch, Cheers
 
#10 ·
Originally posted by MrM3@Nov 17 2004, 04:46 AM
Please keep us posted on the progress of your cars m3mky and ritrka :thumbs
[snapback]231983[/snapback]​

Greetings all.

After countless hours scanning the internet I have come across this site.

http://www.siastuning.com/yellodetailsMAIN.htm

They have gone about this conversion with great results.

Hope its of some use to those also interested

Cheers
 
#11 ·
Originally posted by ritrka+Nov 21 2004, 12:06 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ritrka @ Nov 21 2004, 12:06 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-MrM3@Nov 17 2004, 04:46 AM
Please keep us posted on the progress of your cars m3mky and ritrka :thumbs
[snapback]231983[/snapback]​
Hi everyone,

Many thanks for your support guys, much appreciated!! That link is excellent!! Going to mail the guys over at SIAS tuning and get some more info. Looks like he's gone for straight standalone engine mgt system, but v interested to find out bout every stage of the conversion. I'm going to sort out some webspace and post pics of my progress as I go through each stage. Once its up and running, I'll post the URL for U guys..
More soon..
:cheers

mike
Greetings all.

After countless hours scanning the internet I have come across this site.

http://www.siastuning.com/yellodetailsMAIN.htm

They have gone about this conversion with great results.

Hope its of some use to those also interested

Cheers
[snapback]234631[/snapback]​
[/b][/quote]
 
#12 ·
Originally posted by m3mky+Nov 23 2004, 10:49 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(m3mky @ Nov 23 2004, 10:49 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'>
Originally posted by ritrka@Nov 21 2004, 12:06 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-MrM3
@Nov 17 2004, 04:46 AM
Please keep us posted on the progress of your cars m3mky and ritrka :thumbs
[snapback]231983[/snapback]​

Hi everyone,

Many thanks for your support guys, much appreciated!! That link is excellent!! Going to mail the guys over at SIAS tuning and get some more info. Looks like he's gone for straight standalone engine mgt system, but v interested to find out bout every stage of the conversion. I'm going to sort out some webspace and post pics of my progress as I go through each stage. Once its up and running, I'll post the URL for U guys..
More soon..
:cheers

mike
Greetings all.

After countless hours scanning the internet I have come across this site.

http://www.siastuning.com/yellodetailsMAIN.htm

They have gone about this conversion with great results.

Hope its of some use to those also interested

Cheers
[snapback]234631[/snapback]​
[snapback]235492[/snapback]​
[/b][/quote]


Greetings those interested in this conversion.

I Have spent some time talking with my local BMW dealership mechanics and the thought of the conversion terrifies them. I ended up speaking with their top electrical guy and he tells me that everything will go in just fine IE: mounting points etc, but that none of my existing electronics will work. It was all over my head but he was saying that the E46's use a different wave form or something? (Square-wave?) Whilst I ws trying to get a grasp of what he was saying I didnt want to take up too much of his time and piss him off, anyway's he says that I will have to use all the E46 computors sensors etc but that I will not be able to tie it into my ABS or any of my instrumentation. Is anyone able to shed any light on this. The intention is to strip my loom out and replace with everything that came off the E46, but I want my dash to work as it does now. Mike: how are things progressing on your front? I have tried contacting Siastuning however no reply to the email I flicked through.

Cheers all and have a great new year :beer

Richard
 
#13 ·
Originally posted by ritrka+Jan 1 2005, 04:17 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ritrka @ Jan 1 2005, 04:17 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'>
Originally posted by m3mky@Nov 23 2004, 10:49 AM
Originally posted by ritrka@Nov 21 2004, 12:06 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-MrM3
@Nov 17 2004, 04:46 AM
Please keep us posted on the progress of your cars m3mky and ritrka :thumbs
[snapback]231983[/snapback]​

Hi everyone,

Many thanks for your support guys, much appreciated!! That link is excellent!! Going to mail the guys over at SIAS tuning and get some more info. Looks like he's gone for straight standalone engine mgt system, but v interested to find out bout every stage of the conversion. I'm going to sort out some webspace and post pics of my progress as I go through each stage. Once its up and running, I'll post the URL for U guys..
More soon..
:cheers

mike
Greetings all.

After countless hours scanning the internet I have come across this site.

http://www.siastuning.com/yellodetailsMAIN.htm

They have gone about this conversion with great results.

Hope its of some use to those also interested

Cheers
[snapback]234631[/snapback]​

[snapback]235492[/snapback]​

Greetings those interested in this conversion.

I Have spent some time talking with my local BMW dealership mechanics and the thought of the conversion terrifies them. I ended up speaking with their top electrical guy and he tells me that everything will go in just fine IE: mounting points etc, but that none of my existing electronics will work. It was all over my head but he was saying that the E46's use a different wave form or something? (Square-wave?) Whilst I ws trying to get a grasp of what he was saying I didnt want to take up too much of his time and piss him off, anyway's he says that I will have to use all the E46 computors sensors etc but that I will not be able to tie it into my ABS or any of my instrumentation. Is anyone able to shed any light on this. The intention is to strip my loom out and replace with everything that came off the E46, but I want my dash to work as it does now. Mike: how are things progressing on your front? I have tried contacting Siastuning however no reply to the email I flicked through.

Cheers all and have a great new year :beer

Richard
[snapback]262109[/snapback]​
[/b][/quote]


Hi Richard,

Sorry not been in touch for ages, been off on holiday for last 3 weeks!!
Not started my conversion yet, but have come to the conclusion that I'm going to need all of the E46 wiring engine harness, I'm even going to fit the dash, with some persuasion and cutting!! Using the original clocks, ignition barrel, etc..

Hadn't heard about the different wave pattern, presume its some kind of carrier signal, and that they're using different frequencies or modulations to accomodate the greater amount of information that they need to pass around the loom?

I know that siastuning opted for stand-alone engine management, and they probably just ditched the ABS system, or managed to configure it, or as BMW tech says, just replace all the sensors, in effect piece by piece conversion, take one system at a time..

I' m going to take a 2 stage approach to the electronics. Stage 1 core systems, get engine in, get ews (immobiliser) coded to ECU, strap in alternator to the battery lead, get thottle potentiometer wired up to ECU, get it cranked up & responding to throttle inputs, make sure temperature gauge working etc... Then, I'll worry about stage 2, abs, headlights, brakelights, cabin lights etc.

Will post more tomorrow, off to bed now...

Post you back soon...

Best Regards,
Mike
(m3mky@hotmail.com)
:driving
 
#14 ·
Originally posted by m3mky+Jan 6 2005, 11:14 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(m3mky @ Jan 6 2005, 11:14 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'>
Originally posted by ritrka@Jan 1 2005, 04:17 PM
Originally posted by m3mky@Nov 23 2004, 10:49 AM
Originally posted by ritrka@Nov 21 2004, 12:06 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-MrM3
@Nov 17 2004, 04:46 AM
Please keep us posted on the progress of your cars m3mky and ritrka :thumbs
[snapback]231983[/snapback]​

Hi everyone,

Many thanks for your support guys, much appreciated!! That link is excellent!! Going to mail the guys over at SIAS tuning and get some more info. Looks like he's gone for straight standalone engine mgt system, but v interested to find out bout every stage of the conversion. I'm going to sort out some webspace and post pics of my progress as I go through each stage. Once its up and running, I'll post the URL for U guys..
More soon..
:cheers

mike
Greetings all.

After countless hours scanning the internet I have come across this site.

http://www.siastuning.com/yellodetailsMAIN.htm

They have gone about this conversion with great results.

Hope its of some use to those also interested

Cheers
[snapback]234631[/snapback]​

[snapback]235492[/snapback]​



Greetings those interested in this conversion.

I Have spent some time talking with my local BMW dealership mechanics and the thought of the conversion terrifies them. I ended up speaking with their top electrical guy and he tells me that everything will go in just fine IE: mounting points etc, but that none of my existing electronics will work. It was all over my head but he was saying that the E46's use a different wave form or something? (Square-wave?) Whilst I ws trying to get a grasp of what he was saying I didnt want to take up too much of his time and piss him off, anyway's he says that I will have to use all the E46 computors sensors etc but that I will not be able to tie it into my ABS or any of my instrumentation. Is anyone able to shed any light on this. The intention is to strip my loom out and replace with everything that came off the E46, but I want my dash to work as it does now. Mike: how are things progressing on your front? I have tried contacting Siastuning however no reply to the email I flicked through.

Cheers all and have a great new year :beer

Richard
[snapback]262109[/snapback]​

Hi Richard,

Sorry not been in touch for ages, been off on holiday for last 3 weeks!!
Not started my conversion yet, but have come to the conclusion that I'm going to need all of the E46 wiring engine harness, I'm even going to fit the dash, with some persuasion and cutting!! Using the original clocks, ignition barrel, etc..

Hadn't heard about the different wave pattern, presume its some kind of carrier signal, and that they're using different frequencies or modulations to accomodate the greater amount of information that they need to pass around the loom?

I know that siastuning opted for stand-alone engine management, and they probably just ditched the ABS system, or managed to configure it, or as BMW tech says, just replace all the sensors, in effect piece by piece conversion, take one system at a time..

I' m going to take a 2 stage approach to the electronics. Stage 1 core systems, get engine in, get ews (immobiliser) coded to ECU, strap in alternator to the battery lead, get thottle potentiometer wired up to ECU, get it cranked up & responding to throttle inputs, make sure temperature gauge working etc... Then, I'll worry about stage 2, abs, headlights, brakelights, cabin lights etc.

Will post more tomorrow, off to bed now...

Post you back soon...

Best Regards,
Mike
(m3mky@hotmail.com)
:driving
[snapback]265081[/snapback]​
[/b][/quote]


Hi Mike, wondering if you recieved an email from myself to your hotmail

Cheers Richard
 
#15 ·
Hi everyone,
:welcome
Sorry not been poting for a while, been busy at work. Anyway, have started the conversion and made a little progress.

Also create a website http://www.m3mky.com that I will be using to track my progress, going to create a dedicated forum there, links to tuners, mates-rides etc..

Anyway guys, gotta go now, please keep in touch, and if you get a chance, come visti me at www.m3mky.com.

Many Thanks
Mike

mike@m3mky.com
 

Attachments

#16 ·
Hi all. An update on these conversions. Mike sold his engine etc some time back and unfortunately it didnt go ahead. His web site still exists in an unfinished state. If Mike reads this it would be good to here what he's up to lately? I got frustrated by the lack of knowledge regarding the electrical problems I would face and gave up as well. The chaps here whom were initially keen, were not so keen once they realized it was going ahead and made excuses. I ended up selling my package to a chap in Melbourne who put it all in an E30 running full Motec engine management. Does immpossiblechicken read this forum?......Ok to now. My 328 has recently suffered a blown head gasket and with a repair quote from our local BMW dealership of $6000+ I revisited my options. So, I have another engine and trans on its way from England and am insistant on going ahead with my original conversion. I have a chap here known in magazines as "Delcoman" whom is going to do the conversion for me. He is intending to get the engine running using the original E36 engine management. Yes I can here the roar of laughter already. Delco man got his name because it was rumoured he could get a can of coke started using a Delco computor. (Delco computor was the system used on our local Commodores or Monaros. Anyway thats the plan so far and I would be glad to hear if anyone has seen any other conversions up and running. Should (should) the engine management plan all work out I will advise how and what was involved.

All the best, Ritrka
 
#17 ·
ritrka said:
Greetings all.

After countless hours scanning the internet I have come across this site.

Sias Tuning - Performance Automotive Tuning, Installation, and Sales

They have gone about this conversion with great results.

Hope its of some use to those also interested

Cheers
i think i know who owns that car or one that is REALLY close if that car autocrossed at de anza college(were i go) it is a NICE:eek: car
 
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