M54 To S54

[///BM3R]

Hi guys my name is robert and i own a 330ci 5spd. The car is a 2001 BMW that i just bought about 3 weeks ago. I am glad to be apart of the BMW family, but i don't have the exact car i wanted. My intentions were to Buy a M3 but i ended up buying a 330ci. What can you guys give me on helping me do a motor swap?

[///BM3R]

Im also thinking of doing some body work as well, but right now i need the heart(///M) first

[M3_Maniac]

Robert, welcome back to the BMW family! Honestly mate don't do the conversion. If you're after more performance from your 330 go forced induction instead. Value for money there are far more gains to be had by charging your current engine. If you have to have an S54 I suggest you wait your time, save your pennies and buy an M3!

[02AWImola]

Originally Posted by M3_Maniac

Robert, welcome back to the BMW family! Honestly mate don't do the conversion. If you're after more performance from your 330 go forced induction instead. Value for money there are far more gains to be had by charging your current engine. If you have to have an S54 I suggest you wait your time, save your pennies and buy an M3!

+1

[nbennettksu]

e46fanatics.com lots of people have done it.

Why don't you just sell the car, and buy an M3? Instead of taking on this project. You can find E46 M3's lower than 12grand now, I bet you will have that in parts. You
re gonna have to switch out the whole drivetrain... There is absolutely no reason to do this swap with current price for E46 M3's.

[Skulinex]

I agree pretty much what the previous replies have said BUT if you absolutely want to have it done, make sure to have the sub-frame reinforced while at it and once you get the engine, check and replace the Vanos unit as needed. Good luck with your project and keep us posted on the progress

[M3PO]

Rock the 330 for a while and save some cash. Then upgrade.

[///BM3R]

Originally Posted by M3PO

Rock the 330 for a while and save some cash. Then upgrade.

I'm having a blast with the 330....I've been doing some transformations and performance...Saving up for the project as well.

[///BM3R]

Originally Posted by Skulinex

I agree pretty much what the previous replies have said BUT if you absolutely want to have it done, make sure to have the sub-frame reinforced while at it and once you get the engine, check and replace the Vanos unit as needed. Good luck with your project and keep us posted on the progress

Will do...thnx

[sergkoko]

I was kind of going through a similiar delemma with my 335i a while ago, I realized I could make alot of power from that motor and be "quicker" then a comparible year M car, due to it's torque and the very friendly turbo motor. Then I took my car to the track and realized that to make it handle the same as it's M counterpart would involve changing out almost everything in the suspension, not to mention mine was an auto which made it much worse. In the end I enjoyed the 335i for all of it's (upgraded) power and then accidentally found the perfect upgrade when the time was right. I say keep the 330 untill all the planets align just right and upgrade to the M3. BTW the E46 are AMAZING at the track, from what I have heard

[///BM3R]

Originally Posted by sergkoko

I was kind of going through a similiar delemma with my 335i a while ago, I realized I could make alot of power from that motor and be "quicker" then a comparible year M car, due to it's torque and the very friendly turbo motor. Then I took my car to the track and realized that to make it handle the same as it's M counterpart would involve changing out almost everything in the suspension, not to mention mine was an auto which made it much worse. In the end I enjoyed the 335i for all of it's (upgraded) power and then accidentally found the perfect upgrade when the time was right. I say keep the 330 untill all the planets align just right and upgrade to the M3. BTW the E46 are AMAZING at the track, from what I have heard

Ty I'm still 330 right now...Getting the car painted in march and body work....currently has K&N Cold as of now