Rep Power: 363

Ok, my parents are talking to me about driving at college. My dad is saying I should get my neighbor's E46 BMW 3.25. It's a white sedan with auto transmission. I think it's a 2001 or 2002. No big deal, I know.

I'd like to put a 3.2L I6 M engine from an M3 in there, but I am totally clueless when it comes to swapping engines. My dad used to be ASE certified, could he and I do it ourselves? I know Does anyone have any info on this? Has anyone done it?

This is probably just all in my head, but an M-powered 3.2 sedan would be HOT.

Also, how much space is there in the engine bay? Any chance of the 5.0L V8 M5 engine fitting in there?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 
Rep Power: 0

ive seen pictures of it done, its gonna cost a grip, im not postive but from wut ive read the engine will cost the most, anywhere from like 8k for a used or around 12k for like a new one. oh and the 01 e46 3.2L engines have been known to blow up. you would also have to start thinking about the transmission too, would u swap with an smg tranny?

 
Rep Power: 423

Someone got the M5 engine into an M coupe (the breadwagon lookin' thing)... so I'm sure it can be done. The e46 M3 is a spruced up body on the same platform... so the engine fits. But you're gonna need to do a manual conversion, or figure out how to do an SMG conversion.

Here's another way....
The 3.0L is a stroked 2.5L, you could go that way....
Or take the easy way out and Dinan supercharge it.

Here's the room you got....

 
Rep Power: 363

The smg is paddleshift, correct? I'd be fine with a regular manual 6-speed. I learned to drive manual on a 6-speed, and I don't really want to go with fewer gears.

Since they are both I6s, and I assume about the same size, should it just be a bolt-out/bolt-in process?

And what exactly makes the 3.2 M-engine make more hp than the 3.0 engine? Would I be better off getting a 3.30 and just doing engine work with the 5-speed tranny?

 
Rep Power: 0

im not sure about the boltout/boltin but you also have to deal with the electricals and engine management and that can b a real pain in the ***. im thinking the 3.2L is stroked, has a bigger block, and free flowing with less restriction. i dont really know much about the e46 but i do read up on them once in a while. check out my e36 m3 in my ride. also heres a really helpful forum if you are serious about the bmw and all. www.bimmerforums.com

 
Rep Power: 423

The 3.2L is totally different
ITBs, individual runners, a totally different head, Double VANOS (Intake and Exhaust are both variable timed), the bore is larger, etc.... they're not too similar. You're also gonna need the "powerdome" hood because of the tall intake manifold.

Honestly, there's enough Bimmers out there that you can probably just find a 5 speed 330i out there somewhere and save the swap trouble.

if you really want some info, try www.e46fanatics.com

 
Rep Power: 0

^^^lol yea wut he said, i provided as much info as a 17yearold can.

 
Rep Power: 363

Holy sh*t. You're 17 and driving an M3? Dude... I'll be 18 in a month. I better get my act together.

Back to the point, I think it'd just be a better idea to find a 3.30 and supercharge it. I'm really not up to all that work, especially if it'll be my only car.

 
Rep Power: 0

good choice dude, supercharging bmws isnt cheap tho

 
Rep Power: 423

Just find one with the motor/tranny you want. Be advised that BMW engine work is a lot more expensive than Honda engine work. Get yourself a BMW parts catalog and you'll see right away.
Better yet... find an E36 M3 and have at it.