M3 in a e60
09-05-2018, 01:51 PM
#12
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My Ride: 2009 535i Sport
Model Year: 2009
Engine: N54
ha, don't bother with a 550 (or 545i). If you want power, you need a 535i, they're almost as fast as the 550i stock - and add JB4/MHD, you will be around 400+ whp and smoking 550i's.
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sdw70 (11-29-2022)
09-05-2018, 04:33 PM
#13
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If the OP (one and done?) is at all concerned with reliability, the N54 is not for the faint of heart by most accounts. My experiences have been very positive though.
09-06-2018, 06:53 AM
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My Ride: 2009 535i Sport
Model Year: 2009
Engine: N54
535i is the best E60 choice. The M/N62 is not exactly the picture of reliability either - coolant pipe, etc. E60 M5 is infamous for having high-dollar items fail frequently.
N54 is a reliable workhorse if you're diligent about maintenance, and it has a few points that a new owner would want to check/replace (HPFP, WP/T-stat, VCG, coolant expansion tank, etc.) but no fatal flaws like a lot of other modern BMW engines. The online support/ community for the n54 is a huge asset over the others, too.
N54 is a reliable workhorse if you're diligent about maintenance, and it has a few points that a new owner would want to check/replace (HPFP, WP/T-stat, VCG, coolant expansion tank, etc.) but no fatal flaws like a lot of other modern BMW engines. The online support/ community for the n54 is a huge asset over the others, too.
09-06-2018, 09:56 AM
#15
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Don't get me wrong, I've got the N54 as a daily driver, and have put over 80,000km on it with the only actual failure being a split radiator tube and a crank position sensor. Just threw some new coils and plugs on it last week and it's running great - coils were original. 220,000km now. Preventively changed WP and thermostat a while back. I have the JB4 but no other mods since I can't justify the expense and the car is fast enough for me now.
09-20-2018, 02:28 PM
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My Ride: 535xi Touring | M-Sport | Shadow Line | Slick Roof | SAT shifter | NCS Expert options coded
Model Year: 2008
I'm guessing he means the S50 or S54 out of the earlier M3's? I know the engine is a popular swap into earlier BMWs like the E30's and have even seen them in E28 and E34 builds, but haven't seen anything in the newer cars.
Would definitely be tough to make it work in a newer E60, but the 530 might be more similar to the earlier cars. One of the best known BMW engine swap shops is Castro Motorsports in Cali (Castro Motorsport | Automotive Repair & Performance in Los Angeles) - if anyone could tell you if it was possible with a reasonable amount of work it would be those guys.
Rabin
Would definitely be tough to make it work in a newer E60, but the 530 might be more similar to the earlier cars. One of the best known BMW engine swap shops is Castro Motorsports in Cali (Castro Motorsport | Automotive Repair & Performance in Los Angeles) - if anyone could tell you if it was possible with a reasonable amount of work it would be those guys.
Rabin