Engine swap - BMW Forum

Rebekah325i · 05-15-2009, 11:43 PM

I want to swap my m56 2.5 liter for the 4.4 liter v8 fron an E39? What are some of the common problems I will encounter and what is a good estimate in costs?

witeshark · 05-15-2009, 11:49 PM

Well, to start, serious weight issues for front suspension, then major reworking of engine mounts.

nukeduster · 05-16-2009, 12:42 PM

Plus you have a california car if you have an m56.. which means all kinds of hidden headaches. That car is the devil in its unique fuel and emissions systems.

Engine - 1000-4000 depending on condition/rebuilt or not
Wiring harness - may be included, otehrwise 200-1000
Custom engine mounts - 50-200
brake booster, brackets, adapters, god knows what - $$

Engine swaps, esp on newer OBDII cars, aren't cheap.

Rebekah325i · 05-17-2009, 03:32 PM

I suppose you are right about the headaches associated with this kind of things. I just can't help but think that it would be worth it. By the way, if that is your car, I absolutely love it!!! Is it an 850? That thing has got to be a monster on the twisties. I would have loved to have gotten one but I would kill myself behind the wheel of a V12 (especially a bavarian one). If you have any more pics I'd love to see them. Thanks for the reply...

nukeduster · 05-17-2009, 06:49 PM

Forced induction and lower geared rear diff. is probably your best best for more speed. What is your goal for the vehicle? Do you do mostly city or highway, do you care about MPG, etc, etc. Just the main problem you will probably encounter with that vehicle with the m56 is possibly tuning. Its mostly the same engine as the m54 but with lots of nazi emissions gremlins you'll probably encounter (such as the restrictive fuel system)..

Any more info on your particular car or what not would be helpful, and how much money you actually have to spend.

To answer your question, it's 'only' an 840. I prefer the v8 to the v12 for simplicity and technology sake(4v heads, coil on plug, etc). When she is lowered on H&R's next week I'll post more pics and prob a video when the new diff gets installed. I wanna do a top speed run and see if I can really hit 190.