Has anyone done this? I'm wondering what would be needed to convert my 530i to the 535i turbo. Are the parts interchangeable? I was wondering if it was something simple such as swap the turbos and exhaust from a 535. And probably fuel injectors and flash the ecu.

Is it possible? Anyone have a diy? I've tried searching and can't find anything.

 

It would be cheaper and easier to just sell your 530 and buy a 535.

 

It would be easier. But not cheaper. I have negative equity in my car atm.

 

You'll need to do a lot. I just bought a 335i for a play car and there are major differences. I always get upset when people say, "Don't bother, you'll end up spending more than if you just bought the car you wanted." - but in this case, it's the truth. The N5x engines appear to use direct injection, so that means the heads might be different. There is a high pressure fuel pump mounted to the side of the engine, I will guess the N/A 3.0 doesn't have provisions for that. Of course the piping, intercooler, additional vacuum elements, diverter valves, oil lines, and some new wiring will all be necessary.

To offer advice that makes me cringe.....just enjoy the 530 as-is and appreciate the mileage. When you're ready to move on, the E60 535i will be very affordable, because it already is now.

 

Thanks for the advice. I was curious if it was just something you could bolt on or if internals and what not were different as well. I don't plan to get a 535i. I was interested in getting a 335i but at the time no dealerships would budge on their asking price. I almost bought a 550i, but the mpg scared me away. I drive 1700+ miles a month for work.

I just had the idea to give the 530i some more power using oem parts, since I live in CA and they have strict laws on mods.

 

"more power".........ESS Makes a superchaarger for your car hehehehe!

 

Ill look into that. Is it CARB legal? California sucks.