E46 3.0 litre engine transplant

[3MSW]

I have inherited an E30 316i 2-door in good condition but lacking in the go-go department. The car is too good to sell but I have a company car for everday use so I'm thinking of converting it for track day use.

I would consider swapping the engine, gearbox, electrics etc. for those of an E30 2.5 litre but would rather get hold of a E46 3.0 litre for the ultimate stealth weapon.

Has anyone undertaken this conversion or does anyone know of any problems before I look into it further. I know that the cost will be a factor but it's something that I'm willing to overlook if it's achievable.

[spiff325is]

I think it could be done, but I think an E36 M3 would be more effective. THe E46 I think requires more electronics, and would be easier to do E36 S50.

BUt I know it can be done(with right amount of money).

BUt I think an E36 engine would be more reasonable.

[MrM3]

Welcome to bmw-forums.

spiff is right. the 1995 3.0L S50 (from the e36 m3) makes 240hp (compared to 225hp of the M54) and will be much easier to adapt to the e30 chasis.

[Fox]

e46 engines m54 have to many sensors to place into the e30 chasis without major revamping. Sorry but your gonna have much better luck and cheaper and more power and less weight with a euro s52.

Btw. Mrm3, do you know what the highest limiting factor is on the s50? 240 seems pretty low for the 3 liters. Is it just crappy fuel mapping and economizing on bmws part or is it just a crappy head and block design that pumps out low hp?

[MrM3]

Originally posted by Fox@Jul 31 2004, 01:22 PM

Btw. Mrm3, do you know what the highest limiting factor is on the s50? 240 seems pretty low for the 3 liters. Is it just crappy fuel mapping and economizing on bmws part or is it just a crappy head and block design that pumps out low hp?

no, i dont know why exactly the us s50 is only 240hp, but ive wondered the same thing. when you compare it to the euro s50 it lacks the individual throttle bodies, solid lifters, about 1000 less usable revs, and 46hp. so it's most likely all in the valvetrain. whats also interesting is that bmw's new generation standard 3.0L I-6 (called the R6 i believe) will make around 258hp; its amazing what 10years of technology will bring

[Fox]

whats called r6? The block design?

[MrM3]

Originally posted by Fox@Jul 31 2004, 06:13 PM
whats called r6? The block design?

its just the next generation such as m20, m50, m52, m54, r6. i dont know if its official or not, bmw may give it a Mxx code when it comes into production