Abandoning old engine and moving on but have some questions

Jaegze · #1 07-02-2018, 11:20 PM

I read a post about a swap of a 530i into an x5 changing the pan. In the thread it also noted changing the intake on the engine. Anyone know if the intake is necessary I haven't been able to find too much information. The engine is in good running condition and I don't necessarily want to pull it apart if not needed.

Any other tips on what I should do please let me know. I plan on pulling the engine out through the bottom with the trans etc...

This is the thread I was referencing...
https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...t-project.html

lo_jack · #2 07-02-2018, 11:48 PM

That will depend on what year each is.

I bet the M54B30s all have the same intake (probably because they are all variable, and it's all handled at the ECU), but the TB, ICV etc that attach (particularly in regards to wiring) might have subtle differences. I've never heard of a different intake for E39 (the E46 people would probably have tried it), but it wouldn't surprise me if they were different.

Also consider the engine wiring harness. M54 only had Bremi bolt-down coils (like the engine that came out of your reference thread car) early on in X5 production, and switched to push downs quickly. If you had a car that had the later style, I heard you could use it with the old-style ECU, but I can't confirm that. The grounding systems are different.

As an aside, I understand the intake manifold is no big deal if the motor is out of the car.

Jaegze · #3 07-03-2018, 12:09 AM

probably would be helpful to provide all the info.

The donor car is an 05 e60 and my x is an 01. Which would have the push downs and mine has the bolt in coils. Ill have to check into this a little closer. edit: It appears this is a common swap for these. Found a you0tube video and a couple of posts from e46 forums detailing the swap.

Thank you for the reply

lo_jack · #4 07-05-2018, 02:14 AM

Here is the info on the difference between bolt down and push down coils, and what you have to do to retrofit. Interestingly, this was all pursuant to using M56 valve covers, which are metal and can, with a little work, be made to get rid of the horrible CCV system on standard m54 cars. Their CCV is built into the valvecover, and since it's a California low emissions vehicle, the theory goes it must be better than ours and it won't freeze open and Valdez your engine.

https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1085988

I was on this when they figured it out, but forgot all about it for a while.