B******_Most_Wanted_530i

So I've been having some motor-swap thoughts. My M54B30 isn't looking like it'll be reliable for too much longer so I did a little research and I want to do the S54B32 swap. However, I cant seem to find any info on the swap for an E39 chassis. My question is: Is this swap practical and do-able or is there a reason why it hasn't been done? Any info would help. Thanks.

loayo

That would be very cool definitely. i am surprised to hear that your M54B30 engine will no longer be reliable. I understood these engines to be bullet proof. also, do you believe that the character of the S54B32 can support the E39 chassis? I imagine that the added weight of the E39 needs low-end torque which is not much in the S54B32 perhaps to enjoy?

Also, I would imagine a S62B50 would easier and cheaper?

At any rate, all the best!

Regards,
Loay

AchtungE60

What's wrong with your engine that you would say such a thing? I have E39 with the M52B2 running on 320K+ miles and still have my 325 M54 and 530 M54 running strong. there is no difference in the M54 engines on 325 and 530. Actually I changed the 325's intake manifold and DISA and some other exhause mods and programmed it with 330 files and it's officially a 330! Just interested to know what you're experiencing maybe you're throwing in the towel when electronics are actually the issue.

B******_Most_Wanted_530i

@loayo:
I have noticed a lot of similarities between the M54 and S54 as far as fitment in the 330i and M3. Not 100% but I would assume as long as I keep my stock motor mounts that it should mount up fairly close to the same. Also, I am looking for more top end power anyway, and I'd prefer to keep the I6 motor. I don't think I'm ready to build a V8 yet.

@AchtungE60:
Honestly I'm the one at fault. My oil pump shaft nut spun off and I lost my oil pressure.(Yes, I was above 6k rpm.) Not noticing the difference, I started driving it back to town and the further I went the louder my head started ticking, eventually shutting itself off and not letting me continue my suicide mission back home. Long story short, I put the pump back together and it runs just as it did before. However the hydraulic lifters seem to have taken the most abuse from this. I bought my e39 530i wanting to build a street/strip monster. With hydraulic lifters, aluminum block, (plus the unknown internal damage of mine)and all the other differences that make the M54 so much different than the S54, it seemed more built for the task/abuse that I want. I fully agree, the M54 is a great motor. Mine has 170K on it now. I've driven it almost 3k since my "incident". I just want more power without sacrificing the genuine BMW motor or the Inline 6. Hence, this seems the best route.

AchtungE60

Agree. If you can find a nice S54 and all swap over all the electronics...why not

jahnaboi

That would definitely be interesting.