N54B30 swap into 3.0i?

[justben]

Hello--

I was wondering:

Has anyone ever tried successfully to swap a twin turbo N54 from a 335xi or newer x5 into their X? Do you think it can be done?

It would have to be from an AWD 335 or X3/5 with ECU, right? So basically, you'd need a front clip.

I just want a yes/no andswer and if there's a site that showcases the work, great.

Basically, which of the following would you do:

1. Drop the m54 and tranny and rebuild and slap an aftermarket supercharger on it
2. Drop the m54 motor and tranny, rebuild, fabricate (or find) a turbo kit and standalone EMS
3. Find a front clip of a wrecked 335xi or x5/3 with the n54 tt motor and swap
4. Forget it and put the money down on a 2008-ish x5

The onyl reason why I am shying away from #4 is because it's paid for, has wheels, etc, and I would rather keep my car. There is something nice about no car payment and a car that nobody else has.

Thanks in advance!

Ben

[JCL]

Hasn't been done. Number 3 will require that you write software so that the engine can communicate with the transmission and the rest of the vehicle. Not feasible.

Go with #4, Buy a 2008+.

[justben]

But if you get an entire front clip with ECU, what would stop it from being able to communicate properly? All you'd have to worry about is hooking up the drivetrain and making everything fit, right?

[wallyx5]

I would say option 1 or 4. If you go with option one use ActiveAutowerkes super charger: This one will take you up to 405 hp

Active Autowerke E46 330 Supercharger Kit Level 2 Complete -- Active Autowerke Online Store

Or get an 08 with the twin turbo set up. There is a lot of after market tuners that will help you push the edge of the envelope.

But if that is what you are trying to do, just get an X5M

[JCL]

Originally Posted by justben

But if you get an entire front clip with ECU, what would stop it from being able to communicate properly? All you'd have to worry about is hooking up the drivetrain and making everything fit, right?

All of the modules from engine to transmission to stability control to chassis communicate with each other, it is an integrated system. The components are identified by the software

[Green Dragon]

Another option would be to go with this. I have been eyeballing this kit for a while.....haven't heard of anyone doing it though. These's a stage 2 available as well. I have to wipe the drool from my keyboard.

M54B30 Twin Screw Stage 1 (TS1) - ESS Tuning | BMW Tuning Parts | BMW Racing, Tuning, Aftermarket, Performance Parts | Engine Power Chips | Performance Upgrades Chip

[justben]

decisions, decisions. Maybe I will just say screw it and buy a civic to tool around in.

[lo_jack]

I wouldn't think just putting a big single on an I6 would be that hard. It's the tuning I would spend time considering.

One single mounted turbo close to the 2-1 collector into a volume matched front mount intercooler would likely be a good time. I'd expect you need to read some turbo maps to match something effectively to the powerband/ VE of the head. The downside is it is already a high compression engine, and boosting is not going to help. Ideally you'd get some lower compression head in it first before pushing back up with forced induction.

I have no idea what software is available to tune these though. It's not something you can throw a couple hundred bones at and be able to rewrite fueling tables though, I'd suspect.

[justben]

I have a friend who was intrigued by my idea of originally swapping the newer turbo BMW motor (can’t be done cheaply enough) then, the idea of a swap from a 4.6 v8 X5 of the same year (hard) and finally after looking at his car, he said maybe think about putting a turbo on the current motor. He has volunteered his garage and welding skills after he finishes his miata this month (rebuilt 1986 rx7 motor, t04b turbo, custom motor mounts, standalone ecu, looks stock, custom stainless steel -homemade- but professional looking i/c piping and downpipe--VERY sick)

He has volunteered his starion intercooler, to4b turbocharger, and welding skills and while we are replacing my coolant resivoir, we are going to look at where the most logical place to mount a turbo would be -- we both agreed it may be closer to the transmission without looking, but we will see for sure.

I doubt that we will be using the t04e, I'll probably get something smaller (big 16g? t3/t4?) that will give instant boost at a low rpm and run low boost (maybe 5psi) until the motor blows and then we will start tearing things apart.

A few considerations that I am thinking about:

Transmission issues?
-After the transmission fails, perhaps I will replace it with a 5 speed? Thoughts?

Increased Fuel Needs
-Does an SAFC or comparable fuel computer work for this type of application without triggering a check engine code? I am not super familiar with the BMW ECU. I have wokred on DSM (talon/eclipse/laser/Galant Vr4--I Had a vr4, total sleeper) Basically, the way this thing works is to tap into corresponding wires and fool the factory computer into running righer/leaner. I think that the easiest route would be to forego the SAFC and get the ECU "tuned" by someone (right?)
-Also I am wondering if the X5's injectors will be enough to support the increased fuel requirements. What size are the stock injectors?
-How much airflow will the stock MAF be able to read?

I'm not worried about fabrication-type issues and will be doing research on my own, but figured I could get quick answers that could save me some time here.

Cheers!

[wallyx5]

Go to BimmerBoost.com and you will find more info on the M54. This motor has alot of potential for more power if one is will to modify.

Enjoy and keep us posted. I still think ActiveAutoworks supercharger kit would be plug and play and the already have the software.