540/525 eng swop

[zulu]

Hz, has anybody been 'stupid' enough to tackle this? Before I get shot down...the 525 in question is an e34 touring hence I can't simply sell the 525 and purchase a 540. I've a donor car in mind, and I'm hoping I can benefit from someone else's school fees.

I'm keen to hear views on the concept and it's impact on the car value. Cheers

 

[moranor@axis]

if you have a complete donor i dont see a problem just bolt the stuff in :rollsmile:

if you paying someone to do the job for you im not so sure because I would be worried about what corners are cut...

 

[ver328i]

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-car-repl...-6-speed-manual-box/1001434662100910367042609

:coolShake:

 

[Sankekur]

I doubt it would have much of an effect on the value seeing as its an e34 so its pretty much worth nothing either way.

That said if re-sell value is something you are worried about I would say a swap of this extent is a definite no.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

a E34 540i touring would be awesome.

 

[Fordkoppie]

That said if re-sell value is something you are worried about I would say a swap of this extent is a definite no.

Definitely.

It will not be an easy swop, because the entire brake system is completely different between the 2 cars. One with hydroboost, the other with vacuum assist.

You might have to hack and slash into both car's wiring as well.

Its doable, but wont be easy or cheap

 

[Gizmo]

If you think it will take X amount of time, you better times that by 5. Its a stupidly long and arduous process and you better have a big garage to do it in as the entire floor area is just going to be car parts. Patience is key to getting it right the first time, good luck.

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Its not just an engine swap, its gearbox, drivertrain, suspension, diff, brakes, trailing arms, wiring harnesses, ecu's, ect...

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Im still busy on my E36 conversion to 328i, its been months.

 

[zaleonardz]

Go for it, its doable.

just dont go fsck it up afterwards with some stupid fong kong management system cause you cant get the electrics working, as what is usually the case with stuff like this.

Gizmo, is the 6 and 8 subframes the same, but i recon in this case it would be easier just to unbolt simply everything and replace,

Chris,
LOL on the H31 braking system, I forgot about those...

 

[zulu]

Thanks for the pointers....I'd planned on swopping over as suggested ie: complete drive train ect but was not aware of the difference in brakes. I'm busy chasing an 'individual' and will take the plunge if the price is agreeable. Although I'm quite capable of swinging the spanners, I just don't know enough about the intricacy's of the 540.....and I'm hoping it doesn't turn into a 'higher grade equation'.

 

[zaleonardz]

Its not really rocket science.

That is still very much old school (read decent) engineering.

The H31 braking system as mentioned is unique, but it is well documented, and there are many conversions where the H31 system is too expensive to repair, and the guys replace them with standard. Its just a fancy brake booster that works on hydraulics instead of vacuum. Dont let that put you off.

Other then that, I would strongly suggest you do a manual conversion on it (E34 530i 5 speed) or if you can get hold of the super rare (read expensive) 6 speed manual, bob will be your grandma.

Go for it bud, this is a wrench intensive job, make no mistake, but it does not have 92 sensors that smells your farts and adjusts the air vents...

 

[zulu]

.... I'm busy chasing an 'individual' and will take the plunge if the price is agreeable....

Read 540/6....but I'm sure the owner is a ghost, because he is proving difficult to 'corner' to discuss the car.

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Its not really rocket science.

That is still very much old school (read decent) engineering.

The H31 braking system as mentioned is unique, but it is well documented, and there are many conversions where the H31 system is too expensive to repair, and the guys replace them with standard. Its just a fancy brake booster that works on hydraulics instead of vacuum. Dont let that put you off.

Other then that, I would strongly suggest you do a manual conversion on it (E34 530i 5 speed) or if you can get hold of the super rare (read expensive) 6 speed manual, bob will be your grandma.

Go for it bud, this is a wrench intensive job, make no mistake, but it does not have 92 sensors that smells your farts and adjusts the air vents...

Glad to hear about the sensors....never have enjoyed having my farts monitored and rated on the Richter scale.

With this advice, I'll retain the existing booster but may swop the hardware if they are better/bigger.

 

[Gizmo]

Won't the existing brake booster get in the way of the cylinder head?

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There will also be a few differences in the engine bay for mounting brackets. Those will also need swapping over and spraying body colour.
Is the idea to end with 2 running cars? Or will the sedan become just a parts car?

 

[zulu]

Sedan is just a parts car, but having said that it would be easier to sell the re-worked sedan as a running car. A single sale (as against many) and my garage is free of surplus parts.

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Won't the existing brake booster get in the way of the cylinder head?

I'll use whichever is appropriate, hence the donor.

 

[zulu]

This swop is way bigger than expected, I came across a similar swop done in the UK (touring to sedan). Everything was transferred inc the entire wiring loom. Daunting but if the donor comes in at the right price.....

 

[Ratslaaf]

The engine wiring loom will def be needed from the donor car. I'll be able to assist getting the ECU paired with your EWS, so that you don't have to change this and the cluster from the donor as well. But if the donor cluster is nicer than the current cluster, I'd be able to make sure the Vins and mileage are correct for the actual car.

 

[zulu]

The engine wiring loom will def be needed from the donor car. I'll be able to assist getting the ECU paired with your EWS, so that you don't have to change this and the cluster from the donor as well. But if the donor cluster is nicer than the current cluster, I'd be able to make sure the Vins and mileage are correct for the actual car.

That would be a great help.

Just returned from the viewing/test drive ordeal. Car hasn't been driven in 12 months, ....old fuel, flat tyres , stuck handbrake ect. Car is in need of serious tlc if one were wanting to restore her to her former glory.
Engine is smooth and pulls well, gearbox and diff are fine. All the electrics are functional barring the sunroof ( which is no doubt seized ). Interior is ropey in places, was disappointed to see that the dash is garden variety was under the impression that they were as per the M5's ...highline leather. Body is pin straight, M-tech kit is faultless.

Hopefully he will accept my offer, clearly it wasn't what he was expecting otherwise the car would be on it's way home by now. We live in hope..................

 

[Ratslaaf]

Yeah, the gent should take the car past a few dealers so he can get a bit of a wake up call for what his car is worth.