M60 into E46 318i

[Pho3niX90]

Hey guys.

So I want to make my own project car, and thinking of buying a M60 engine and putting it into the e46 318i chassis, I am very emotional attached to that car, and can't stand driving it with that small engine, so the only solution is to give it a hart transplant.

But before I even start buying, I need some guidance. Forget about brakes and suspension for now, because that's a given .

What will need to be done? Will the M60 be able to fit in the engine bay? Should I buy the whole harness of the car as well? Or are there only certain electrical mods done?

ANY suggestions and guidance will be appreciated, and maybe links to other similar mods will be appreciated

---

Also, what engine from the v8 series would work best? And what are the best suppliers to use

 

[moranor@axis]

I would get an e39 540 that has been written off... the tech found on that will be similar to the e46 which will help when swapping everything

 

[Legacy]

This is a bad and very expensive idea. My advice would be to rather buy an E34 540i (should be around R30k for a decent one) fit a loud exhaust and enjoy the car as is. The E34's chassis is more fun than the E46 in most conditions.

 

[maximus]

This is a bad and very expensive idea. My advice would be to rather buy an E34 540i (should be around R30k for a decent one) fit a loud exhaust and enjoy the car as is. The E34's chassis is more fun than the E46 in most conditions.

Join the E34 Mafia

 

[Psymon69]

I have a 5 speed v8 gearbox for you.check the for sale section. If you can afford it why not. If the world was logical and full of good idead it would be boring :rollsmile:

 

[Pho3niX90]

This is a bad and very expensive idea. My advice would be to rather buy an E34 540i (should be around R30k for a decent one) fit a loud exhaust and enjoy the car as is. The E34's chassis is more fun than the E46 in most conditions.

Yes I do agree that your method makes more sense, but like I said, I am very emotional attached to that car and need some speed, and that small engine won't do, the car will most probably never be sold.

I have a 5 speed v8 gearbox for you.check the for sale section. If you can afford it why not. If the world was logical and full of good idead it would be boring :rollsmile:

Thanks man, but first I will need the engine :rollsmile:




I am still checking to see what engine to fit.

The V8's from the X5 and from a 740i for instance, are they exactly the same, or does the X5 have a little bit more power? I want to fit something decent and no smaller than 4L

 

[Legacy]

The V8's don't fit in the E46, allot of modifying will have to be done, custom sump, custom engine mounts, third party engine management system since the wiring is totally different to E46 in terms of the number of modules and where they are located.

If you really want to spend R100k+ for a M60 318i then go ahead but it is not worth it in the end. If you are so attached to the 318i rather get a Lexus motor (pm Racing Snake on the forum for info) or a 2JZ motor. It will be much cheaper and still be as fun in the end.

 

[///Maniac]

What about a turbo conversion? With Uni Q chip? Might be less of a headache?

 

[Pho3niX90]

What about a turbo conversion? With Uni Q chip? Might be less of a headache?

Most people on the forum suggested not to go that route with the 318i..



Will it better to fit a M3 6cyl to the car then? At the end of the day I will be using the car mostly for track when done