Conversion vs Swap. Thoughts?
 

So after many months of thought, I’ve not made it very far. This is a long shot for the future for me, but depending on the path I take, I may be able to start doing some of this soon/incrementally. Without further ado, what is more feasible; an e53 with a bulletproofed, twin turbo M54, or an N54?

As far as I’ve looked on the internet, no one has documented if an N54 will fit and play well with the E53. I just think trying to add turbos to the M54 is going to basically necessitate a full engine rebuild, since I passed 170k today, along with a new exhaust, new ecu, etc. I don’t even know if the ecu problem can be avoided in either case.

So what are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them! And if anyone knows of someone who can did this and documented it, please link that too. :thumbup:

Nice idea on N54!

I'm sure anything is possible..... just depending on your Time and Budget.

Maybe start of...with your M54 block and add an N54 Heads.

;)

My only worry with just building up an “N54” with like an M54 block, is the whole open deck vs closed deck thing. Don’t want to crack any cylinder sleeves


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I have both a 2008 335i N54 and a 2001 e53 M54.
I suggest staying with the M54. The N54 is a pretty hot motor and needs a lighter vehicle to perform well. We've done several engine swaps at our house over the years and by far the happiest ones are where you don't have to go deep into the engineering and ECU to get a running car. I don't think you will get a lot of bang for your buck divided by the hassle factor to the square of the number of looks you get from the missus x one over the garage space lost when you hit the wall. Now being a car guy, you may do it anyway. Just keep falling maple trees away from your N54 powered vehicle....