How hard is to swap between M50/52/54 engines?

[Interceptor]

OK, let's say that I have an opportunity to get ahold of an M52B30 or an M54B30 engine - what else would I need to get it up and running in my '91 525i? I'm sure about these two things: DME with harness and oil filter canister. What about the rest? Basically, all M5x engines should be similar enough not to cause too much headaches when swapping, right?

This might be interesting to many of you, since it will soon be easier/cheaper to buy a good used M54 than to make a complete overhaul of your old M50(TU).

[brodee]

Switching from an M50 to M52/M54 requires that the new engine be converted to OBD1. That will cost you $1,500 if you buy it in kit form from Zionsville (http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/store/shop.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=6134&Product_Code=EOCK&Category_Code=OBDC) or a little under $1,000 if you source all the parts yourself.

Better solution is to get the engine and give it to me. I'll put it in my e34, put the m50 from the e34 into my e30 and then I'll send you a BUNCH of pictures. :D

[bjl4776]

I know alot of people that do OBD 1 conversions on there 96 or newer e36, so why cant you do that swap on a e34. You would have to swap the intake manifodl and bolts up a few connectors, but it should work

[Interceptor]

It's been a long time, but I finally made the swap from M50B25 to M52B28. The engine has been converted to run on LPG (MPI system). Rear sport muffler is by Remus (Austria). I've completely upgraded to the ECU, EWS-II, engine harness and exhaust manifolds from the M52 and kept the M50 intake manifold, filter housing and oil pan.

Here are some pics:

http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo285/scikes/090808_190535.jpg
http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo285/scikes/090808_190543.jpg
http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo285/scikes/090808_190556.jpg
http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo285/scikes/090808_190613.jpg
http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo285/scikes/090808_190640.jpg
http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo285/scikes/090808_191103.jpg
http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo285/scikes/090808_191130.jpg
http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo285/scikes/090808_190724.jpg
http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo285/scikes/090808_190737.jpg
http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo285/scikes/090808_191958.jpg
http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo285/scikes/090808_192013.jpg
http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo285/scikes/090808_192109.jpg

And a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XGqmgo8aLY

[BennyM]

Haha! nice.

[BigKriss]

wow good work!

[Interceptor]

wow good work!

Thanx :)

Just to mention... There was no OBD1 conversion necessary since all Euro M52 engines were OBD1.