Fitting a M5 engine into a 1995 525i

[sirius_GTO]

My engine has 220K on it and is running super fine like a gem still. I anticipate that it will last until at least 300K. After this is done I am swapping to an M5 engine if that is possible and to a manual transmission. Is this possible?

thanks

[Paul in NZ]

its possible of course but its likely you will need the whole m5 engine and drivetrain incl tranny and diff,not sure you can change diff without a whole new subframe.The m5 and 540 use the large case diff and the gearbox is a whole magnitude heavier .Its why the m5 and 540 is heavier than a 535 even tho the engine itself is about the same weight.This may also lead to different suspension components(ie springs shocks)

[sirius_GTO]

so im guessing I might as well just buy a m5? because I know those parts are not going to be cheap. thanks a lot

id appreciate any more insight into this

[Jon K]

yes you will probably want to just buy an M5. the ecu, engine,diff, trans, radiator, and possibly subframe will essentially be the cost of finding a decent M5

[RobPatt]

... :)

[Jay 535i]

My plan is to do a tranmission swap to a 5-speed manual, then turbocharge it (mildly, at first).

That will get me M5 levels of power for about $6500, I hope.

Jon, who posted just above, is making M5 power with his supercharged 525. Ask him about it.

[kyleN20]

1993 vr4, thats like a 300gt, or a stealth right? my friend had one and said he couldent find many mods for it, what did you do to get 600hp? sounds sick, AWD?

[sirius_GTO]

oops, sorry for the long reply.

The VR4 is the twin turbo awd version of the 3000GT.

I did a lot of mod but a few are uderdrive pulley, downpipe, intake, catalytic back exhaust (gutted cats in place of a test pipe), MBC, Turbo Timer (not really a mod), twin 13T turbos running at 17 PSI, FIPK, and some other stuff including just a recent transfer case (brand new)...

oh yeah, forgot to mention a 14" FMIC with 3.5-4" piping.

[Jon K]

Don't let Rustam know you intercooled it.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Though there is a member on this board that did an M5 swap, from what he has said it was a huge amount of work. Like everybody else said, you would have to invest the same amount of money as it would take to just buy a nice M5, and when you were done it still wouldn't be the real thing. Just doesn't add up. Here's another idea.
http://www.turbochargingdynamics.com/tcd_registry_BMW.htm
You can get more HP with a turbo kit as others have said, it's a much more affordable route. Still won't be an M5 though.;)

[BillionPa]

1993 vr4, thats like a 300gt, or a stealth right? my friend had one and said he couldent find many mods for it, what did you do to get 600hp? sounds sick, AWD?

my friend has one of those, its pretty damn fast, just got a new tranny from KTP with upgraded synchros and center diff.
also gutted the cats and got the new GT Pro downpipes.

there are TONS of parts for those cars, try GT Pro and 3SX for starters.


Don't let Rustam know you intercooled it.

it comes stock with side mounted intercoolers too :D

[sirius_GTO]

yup yup sure does ;-)

but unfortunately it also comes stock with tiny 9b peashooters.

The stock barely holds 12 psi to redline.

It's sad considering what a difference it would have made if they had just stuck bigger turbos in the beginning. At least equivalent to supra or 300zx turbos.

[Jon K]

cant be as bad as this:

http://e34.digital7.com/MotorBuild/IMG_8735.jpg

[sirius_GTO]

So anyways, I've been looking around. I want to buy a new engine, just a E34. ALso, I would like to buy a new manual transmission. Where do I go look for parts at?

TIA

[Robin-535im]

cant be as bad as this:

http://e34.digital7.com/MotorBuild/IMG_8735.jpg
c'mon now, tell us the truth... where are you *really* planning to stick that thumb?

[632 Regal]

looks like into the meat grinder behind it...:D
c'mon now, tell us the truth... where are you *really* planning to stick that thumb?

[Brandon J]

The member is me! My name is Brandon and I am hosting the world's largest e34 meet, just an FYI. Been witht he e34 group since before .info existed.

Any swap is work. I was lucky and got the parts sourced from a wreck M5, so it was cheaper than buying a S50 long block and tranny. It was my luck. The most difficult thing in doing a different engine swap is getting the electrical harness done. Scott did a 535 swap into a 525 touring. He merely dropped the 2 wiring harnesses to a local indy who is also a very capable CCA mechanic. everything else simpky bolts into place. Have you thought about a S50 swap and then supercharging it? Do a search about S50 swaps.



Though there is a member on this board that did an M5 swap, from what he has said it was a huge amount of work. Like everybody else said, you would have to invest the same amount of money as it would take to just buy a nice M5, and when you were done it still wouldn't be the real thing. Just doesn't add up. Here's another idea.
http://www.turbochargingdynamics.com/tcd_registry_BMW.htm
You can get more HP with a turbo kit as others have said, it's a much more affordable route. Still won't be an M5 though.;)