M3 MOTOR SWAPS? 01'X5 3.0

Bmwtvboy · #1 11-20-2013, 06:02 PM

Just wondering, has anyone swapped out an M3 engine into an early model x5 3.0? Is it doable ? Crazy expensive?

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bmw3er · #2 11-20-2013, 06:29 PM

The S54 has never been known as a torque monster, which leads me to believe it would be a poor choice for a heavy X5. If money were no object, I'd stuff an S70 with a 6 speed in and be quite happy.

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Ricky Bobby · #3 11-20-2013, 09:49 PM

Why not just drop the 5300 on ESS supercharger? Easier than a motor swap, reliable awesome power too!

X5SND · #4 11-20-2013, 10:26 PM

+1 on the ESS kit. It's an easy install, and shouldn't pose any issues in terms of reliability....so long as it's looked after/maintained.

On the other hand, I'm still waiting on someone to figure out the S85...I don't care if it's not that fast in the end, nothing beats that sound.

RFaber · #5 11-20-2013, 11:30 PM

Anyone have an opinion on putting a twin turbo set up (ie a newer manifold with the twin turbo set up) on the inline 6?? wondering if that might be a more viable option? ?

Ricky Bobby · #6 11-21-2013, 11:04 AM

anything custom is tons of money and not as proven as the ESS supercharger.

You can do anything you want on this engine (M54) with enough money, time, and patience, just need to find the right tuner/shop to make sure it runs properly.

If it were me, the 5300 for the ESS supercharger, although it might not be the most power in the world, would be plenty for me and would be nice to know that I still have a daily drivable SAV!

X5SND · #7 11-22-2013, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

If it were me, the 5300 for the ESS supercharger, although it might not be the most power in the world, would be plenty for me and would be nice to know that I still have a daily drivable SAV!

Nailed it...I couldn't agree more. It's somewhat of a deal if you consider its all bolt-on/p&p! For those that know whats involved in doing custom one-off setups (properly, with the appropriate tuning) will also know how fast you can chew through 5k.

RFaber · #8 11-22-2013, 02:32 AM

Ok , saving for the blower commences!!
In the middle ( or more accurately the right side) of a complete front suspension rebuild !! Pressing in new bushings on the thrust rods , new lower control arms and ball joints, and hey while I'm at it, new wheel bearings too! One side done , nothing out of the ordinary, made a couple "custom" tools, but it went pretty smoothly!! Borrowed a press from a local Indy shop

can we shamelessly plug here ?? (Jsperformance) !!
Pics in a separate write up when it's done !!!

Cadesto · #9 11-22-2013, 02:51 AM

Cool def share pics!
Id never heard of this ESS charger unit.. I had looked into cold air, turbo etc on my first x a couple years ago.
Never did come across the ESS. Sounds interesting although for almost 6 grand I can buy another Triumph or similar and be knees deep into suping up another motorcycle project. More toys the better!

On the same note while I was into the cold air exploration never could decide between dry or oiled.. Ultimately I was afraid of screwingnup the MAF sensor and just got a fresh MANN. Me and my engine were so happy! Such an instant improvement!
Whats you guys views or experience with Cold Air?

g300d · #10 11-22-2013, 04:11 AM

I've been intrigued by the supercharger option ever since and been trying to find more info on it. There are a few kits advertised besides ESS, and some literature on them. I have yet to read about someone sharing their experience with it though, so sometimes I dunno if it really exists!

I read about the kits on 330i's on the other forums though and imagine the experience would be the same.

What I have been wanting to hear about is how these supercharged cars are on auto trannys. My 3.0 is an auto so that is a bit of a concern for me lol!

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