F30 motor swap into E36

[96328i]

Hi Guys,

Anyone tried a F30 320i motor swap into an E36? I dont know much about the newer engines and what is required. I know they make good power and are relatively economical but I havnt come across anyone that has completed the swap. 

I have a 328i that I might have to sell to get something more economical, was thinking a motor swap might be a solution for me to improve my fuel economy. What are your thoughts and anybody with a ballpark estimate of the costs or should I just sell the car and look for something lighter?

I feel like I am going to miss or regret selling the car if Im going to be driving to work in a golf or uno etc...

 

[KarshS]

Dont spoil the e36 please...especially with an n20...

If you want an n20 headache...go buy one. It will cost almost the same to even attempt putting that in an e36 since the 320i is relatively cheap these days

 

[gavsadler]

I'll do my best to answer your question with some maths:

Let's assume the following:

• the current engine uses 10l per 100kms.
• the new N20 engine will use 7l per 100kms
• Petrol price is R15 odd

So for every 100kms traveled, you would save R45.  Over 1000kms, that's R450, over 10000kms, that's R4500, over 100000kms, that's R45000.

Right, so the "fuel savings" are there.  Now onto the costs of the conversion:

Assuming a like-for-like on labour (depending whatever engine is fitted), let's ignore this.

You'll need a management system to run the new motor.  Budget R10k to install and tune a basic system.  Then you will need other ancillaries to make the new turbo motor work as intended, things like intercooler, downpipe, modification to exhaust, new engine mounts, gearbox / bellhousing / clutch adaptation) the list goes on.  What I'm getting to is that the other expenses will quickly negate and perhaps overtake any fuel savings (assuming you drove the car like that for another 100000kms).

I don't think it's impossible, but IMO I don't believe it's the best route to follow if you're looking for fuel savings.  There are better options.

Also, as others have said in other threads, don't build what you can buy.

 

[Donz135]

What's your budget?

 

[96328i]

What's your budget?

Budget is 30k. So I guess the reasons above would explain why it hasnt been done before. Thanks for the replies.

 

[zaleonardz]

Its possible, stupid, but possible.

However, if are going to take this on, make sure you understand, in detail, automotive electronics, and you will be doing all of the work yourself, else be prepared to spend 40k just on an electrician, assuming you can find one "crazy" enough to take this on.

Financially, its a bad idea, mechanically is possible to do, provided you can fabricate yourself, practically, this project is illogical, and your still only going to have a 2.0l turbo, whereby you can go and buy one for 150k

If you have a spare E36, slap a lexus into it, and be done, it will still be a challange, but far far easier, read "much cheaper" then an N20

 

[Tinuva]

Personally, depending on your driving habits, and you really wanted to do an engine swap, go for the e36 320d engine.
This would reduce a lot of the headache and costs that come with an engine swap, because you should already have the correct engine mounts etc. All the engine management etc was made oem so its readily available etc.

That is, if you go ahead with an engine swap. Otherwise, like others have said, easier to buy a car which has better fuel consumption.

 

[J-Peter]

Hey man,

My advice, save yourself the headache and just buy an e46 330d if you after fuel economy and still want some poke and luxury (I know the 320d may be lighter but I'm biased towards the 30d) - should be able to find one within your budget too after selling the 328.

 

[gavsadler]

Also forgot to add, the hidden / forgotten costs when doing an engine swap:

• An engine change will require the car to have datadots applied (I think R800 last time I checked).
• Police clearance (R3000 odd I think?).
• New roadworthy and license (R1500 odd).

It never ends

 

[NBN]

Sell the e36, add your 30k you wanted to invest into the swap and honestly get yourself an econobox. You will be saving yourself a ton of time and effort. Or alternatively keep the 30k and use it to subsidize the fuel and maintenance costs of driving the 328.

 

[cRed001]

How much do you spend on fuel a month for you to even consider an engine swap as an option?

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

get a scooter and enjoy the 36 as it's meant to be :thumbs:

 

[TurboLlew]

R30k? Maybe the dude with the "R25k N54" conversion will pop in with an update. Or Mr i8 hillclimb car maybe?

:roflol:

 

[Nikhil]

Lol is all I can say

 

[tman]

R30k? Maybe the dude with the "R25k N54" conversion will pop in with an update. Or Mr i8 hillclimb car maybe?

:roflol:

Legend has it that N54 swop is still being built....

I say dont listen to the haterz, all the people here with negative comments are just jelly.

Take lots of photos and post updates here!