Finished swapping a 4.0 m60 into my 530i

[Antrieb]

And I love it!

http://zwilliams.smugmug.com/photos/155605861-M.jpg

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ie9l01mP2Ic

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-AyBMOptwQU


The b40 has so much torque it puts an instant smile on my face :)

I recommend this swap to anyone and the total cost was only $2,200.

[CharlesAFerg]

LOL! Are you keeping the open headers as they are? That's badass! It sound's like my dad's Porsche 928...!

So what are the specs of the motor, milage and such before you put it in?
What needed to be changed? Is there anyplace explaining the procedure?

[Antrieb]

If you have a 530i with a manual transmission you are in luck. You can re-use your transmission with no problems. If you have an automatic trans, you are going to need to change it out for a 5-speed or 6-speed version from a 530i or 540i.

Parts Needed
540i MAF and other intake parts
540i ECU/DME (preferably from a 1994 540i)
Rear coolant manifold from m60b30 engine
m60b40 engine

Parts Recommended
Throw out bearing
Rear Main Seal
clutch
Motor mounts


Prices
MAF- $100 (used)
ECU- $75
Clutch- $400
Mounts- $80
Engine- $850 (used)
T/O bearing- $6
RMS - $50


I lucked out and got an 80kmi Alusil motor from theeurodepot.com and they shipped it to my door for a total of only $1000 with a 30 day warranty.

I used an OEM replacement 530i clutch.

The swap was fairly simple and we didn't run into too many problems. I would say it was a good solid 5 days of working 5-6 hours to finish it up. I have never done an engine swap either ;)

The car is at the exhaust shop right now, getting Magnaflow cats and a resonator delete :D

[spyrot1]

Very nice... I'd love to do it, but it's not worth it on a 525i.

I have a 4.7 Durango with a K&N FIPK and a Borla exhaust... almost sounds the same.

[Dave M]

Congratulations on the job, pretty satisfying isn't it. I would have thought the parts list to be longer.

Dave

[Antrieb]

I forgot to mention, we used the 530i wiring harness because the 540i one that was provided was for an automatic car and had a few extra wires.

We also used the 530i intake manifold (same part # as 540i manifold)

[Evan]

so ****ing nice... you need more rubber now ;)

[Antrieb]

Haha yeah I do. Those are 195 snow tires! Style 5's with 245's coming soon.

[632 Regal]

ahh you suck... ;)

too jealous now

[Elekta]

noich

[e34musician]

I thought you wanted to sale your car. Did you find the source of oil leak when you removed 530i engine? I have a small leak that seems to be from upper driver side of the engine.

[Antrieb]

Yeah, silly mechanics that were installing my alternator loosened a banjo bolt on the oil filter housing!

[JKBe30m3]

I see that one of the parts on your list was a MAF sensor. Did you try the 3.0 MAF? I haven't switched mine and I have a problem that I can't figure out. My car doesn't rev down unless my Idle control valve is unplugged. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[Evan]

I have staggered 18" M-Parallels with 235 up front and 265 in the rear... fun to drive. They're Pirelli P-Zero Nero and I'm very happy with them on wet and dry... $750 shipped

[Antrieb]

I still have the 3.0 MAF on the 4.0 engine. I'm sure it's running a little rich but I don't have the problems your talking about.

What ECU did you use? Which wiring harness?

[Antrieb]

ooo very tempting, I love mpars! I just bought a set of style 5 wheels that I am going to use for the summer. M-pars next year for sure :)

[DABIMR]

I have staggered 18" M-Parallels with 235 up front and 265 in the rear... fun to drive. They're Pirelli P-Zero Nero and I'm very happy with them on wet and dry... $750 shipped
Wow.. That is a good price! Where were you two months ago?..:( I just got my Privat Wheels.. :) Oh well, maybe a set of spare wheels?..:D

[markus]

so how does the 540i engine feel with the 5-speed in it. that is what u did right?

also what diff are u using?

[JKBe30m3]

I used both the 530i ecu and a 740i ecu and still had the throttle problem. I used a 530im wiring harness.

[indierthanthou]

i think i love you.

[Evan]

the tires were $750.. wheels awere a little bit more

[E34 530]

I forgot to mention, we used the 530i wiring harness because the 540i one that was provided was for an automatic car and had a few extra wires.

We also used the 530i intake manifold (same part # as 540i manifold)

So in theory I would have to get a new wiring harness because my 530 is auto and the 4.0 would also be an automatic.

[Antrieb]

The 5-speed and the 530i clutch feel fine. I think the stock diff is an open 3.09 so it is a little higher than a 540i/6. I am replacing it with a 3.46 LSD soon.

[Antrieb]

What year car is the ECU from? And what is the build date of your 530i?