Price to swap the V8 into a non M?

NC325i · 11-24-2013, 01:13 PM

This is something I have been throwing around in my head for a while now and I was just wondering if anyone else could shed a little light on the actual cost to do this.

I have a e90 325i 6M. Currently just a little over 80k but climbing quickly. I figure at this rate i'll be at 180-200K in something like 4 years. Assuming the engine at trans are still good at this point and haven't already failed, I was considering doing an e90/92 M3 V8 swap into the car but with a little googling have found little to no helpful information on about what this might cost. I know prices and availability of parts will change within the next few years, but I was curious as to how easily and how expensive this swap would be if I was to do it today. Right now.

Has this ever been done before? I know there has been quite a few that have the M3 bodywork, but I could care less about looking like an M3. I would rather be able to go and sound like one!

I know many will say: "Why don't you just sell your non-M and buy an M3? It would be cheaper/easier/stupid to do the swap/insert reason not to do it here." I am aware that it would probably be easier and cheaper, etc. to just go and buy an M3, but I quite like my 325i

Any useful insight would be awesome! Thanks guys (and gals!)

Someone? · 11-24-2013, 01:32 PM

Wouldn't be worth it.

Alex07M3 · 11-24-2013, 01:44 PM

Go drive an M3, you wont like your 325 anymore!!

Haywood · 11-24-2013, 01:47 PM

You might have a S65 in your 325, but you won't have the chassis, balance, handling, and more. It won't be worth it after spending all that money to retrofit the engine in your car. Find a used M3 and you'll never regret it.

arter · 11-24-2013, 01:50 PM

Well a replacement motor is about $25000. You would also need the engine management computer.

///M Power-Belgium · 11-24-2013, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC325i

This is something I have been throwing around in my head for a while now and I was just wondering if anyone else could shed a little light on the actual cost to do this.

I have a e90 325i 6M. Currently just a little over 80k but climbing quickly. I figure at this rate i'll be at 180-200K in something like 4 years. Assuming the engine at trans are still good at this point and haven't already failed, I was considering doing an e90/92 M3 V8 swap into the car but with a little googling have found little to no helpful information on about what this might cost. I know prices and availability of parts will change within the next few years, but I was curious as to how easily and how expensive this swap would be if I was to do it today. Right now.

Has this ever been done before? I know there has been quite a few that have the M3 bodywork, but I could care less about looking like an M3. I would rather be able to go and sound like one!

I know many will say: "Why don't you just sell your non-M and buy an M3? It would be cheaper/easier/stupid to do the swap/insert reason not to do it here." I am aware that it would probably be easier and cheaper, etc. to just go and buy an M3, but I quite like my 325i

Any useful insight would be awesome! Thanks guys (and gals!)

When this is serious,yes the S65 swap was done into a E91/318 i Estate/Wagon !
Best thing to do for more info is PM this person,but i know one thing...this is NOT a piece of cake...

BTW...you will need good luck when doing this,link to thread ...>http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...+in+tour+wagon

h4nh · 11-24-2013, 02:23 PM

Anything is possible if your pockets are deep enough.

I'd throw an LSX engine in there if I wanted a V8 in a non-m. It would be a lot cheaper and less complicated.

I was planning to do this to my 325i years ago, unfortunately it got totaled :/

Xx__xs · 11-24-2013, 02:24 PM

lmfao

h4nh · 11-24-2013, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibmike

Wouldn't be worth it.

^this. The s65 engine is expensive. It would cost as much as buying a real e9x m3.

I do have a spare engine if there's anybody with hopes and dreams lol

Lucrecio84 · 11-24-2013, 02:28 PM

This would be a total waste

JEllis · 11-24-2013, 02:33 PM

There was a time when swapping a USED S65 engine into a non M was probably financially viable. Those days are now behind us as the E9X M continues to depreciate.

I have had thoughts of swapping an S62 into a E9X non-M... I think it would be really cool given the low end grunt of the S62 and motorsport backing of that motor. Not sure it would be any easier or cheaper though.

phrozen06 · 11-24-2013, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haywood

You might have a S65 in your 325, but you won't have the chassis, balance, handling, and more. It won't be worth it after spending all that money to retrofit the engine in your car. Find a used M3 and you'll never regret it.

NC325i · 11-24-2013, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

When this is serious,yes the S65 swap was done into a E91/318 i Estate/Wagon !
Best thing to do for more info is PM this person,but i know one thing...this is NOT a piece of cake...

BTW...you will need good luck when doing this,link to thread ...>http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...+in+tour+wagon

Thank you for the complete answer!

To everyone saying I should just get a M3, to each their own. Maybe I will change my mind when I am in the middle of my MBA 4-5 years down the road (currently in undergrad). But for now I think that I still want to do a swap. I have found wrecked e90/92 M3's going for between $15-18K and I assume they'll just get cheaper as time goes on.

Thanks for the info. I'll look into it more when the miles start to really climb and these thoughts I've been throwing around start to get a little more serious.

NC325i · 11-24-2013, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h4nh

Anything is possible if your pockets are deep enough.

I'd throw an LSX engine in there if I wanted a V8 in a non-m. It would be a lot cheaper and less complicated.

I was planning to do this to my 325i years ago, unfortunately it got totaled :/

I could never swap a Chevy engine into a BMW. I would do that swap into a jap car any day, but a BMW in my opinion should remain a BMW... Just my opinion.

h4nh · 11-24-2013, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC325i

I could never swap a Chevy engine into a BMW. I would do that swap into a jap car any day, but a BMW in my opinion should remain a BMW... Just my opinion.

well an M car should remain an M car

W/// · 11-24-2013, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC325i

Thank you for the complete answer!

To everyone saying I should just get a M3, to each their own. Maybe I will change my mind when I am in the middle of my MBA 4-5 years down the road (currently in undergrad). But for now I think that I still want to do a swap. I have found wrecked e90/92 M3's going for between $15-18K and I assume they'll just get cheaper as time goes on.

Thanks for the info. I'll look into it more when the miles start to really climb and these thoughts I've been throwing around start to get a little more serious.

Complete waste. I don't think you have any idea how much work and $ goes into a swap to make it work properly.

///M Power-Belgium · 11-24-2013, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W///

Complete waste. I don't think you have any idea how much work and $ goes into a swap to make it work properly.

True...100 % agreed,like i said above...this is NOT a piece of cake !
But you know...To each their own....

Haywood · 11-24-2013, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC325i

Thank you for the complete answer!

To everyone saying I should just get a M3, to each their own. Maybe I will change my mind when I am in the middle of my MBA 4-5 years down the road (currently in undergrad). But for now I think that I still want to do a swap. I have found wrecked e90/92 M3's going for between $15-18K and I assume they'll just get cheaper as time goes on.

Thanks for the info. I'll look into it more when the miles start to really climb and these thoughts I've been throwing around start to get a little more serious.

Again, what are you trying to accomplish? Having a more powerful engine doesn't mean anything if your chassis, sway bars, suspension, etc. can't handle it. Why don't you just rebuild the current engine and SC it?

Condor3 · 11-24-2013, 07:44 PM

Would be a waste of time and money.

V8FunNaturally · 11-24-2013, 08:09 PM

Think again. This is an infantile idea. Learn a lot more about engines and cars and you will realize this is not what you wanted to do in your right mind.

Cool Steel · 11-24-2013, 10:18 PM

The cost of the motor, labor and getting it to work and fit....30k easy. The trade in value on your car what 15 to 20k? ....that's over 50k....I see 2011 M3s with 15k miles or less going for about that on www.carmax.com all the time.....Just saying...

Beyond that think about resale in the future...a newer "real" M3 will resale much higher in the future. You save and regain money both ways.

I know you posted that you didn't want to hear this ...but its illogical to consider what your thinking.

ilikebmxbikes · 11-24-2013, 10:57 PM

Im working on dropping an S65 into my 1 series. YES, i know i could have bought an m3 with all i have spent on this car, but to be honest this build isnt about money or what is easier. I will say the strength of the m3 is in the complete package. You can add the S65 to a non M but it wont handle or feel like an M car. You need to do suspension, bushings, etc. Its the combination and balance that makes it shine.

OP, PM me and I can share pricing figures and sources if you are serious about it. Everyones numbers in here are all over the place. i am getting a used low mileage motor and it is a lot cheaper than people think.

11-24-2013, 01:13 PM	#1
NC325i Private 9 Rep 54 Posts Drives: E90 325i 6MT Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Price to swap the V8 into a non M? This is something I have been throwing around in my head for a while now and I was just wondering if anyone else could shed a little light on the actual cost to do this. I have a e90 325i 6M. Currently just a little over 80k but climbing quickly. I figure at this rate i'll be at 180-200K in something like 4 years. Assuming the engine at trans are still good at this point and haven't already failed, I was considering doing an e90/92 M3 V8 swap into the car but with a little googling have found little to no helpful information on about what this might cost. I know prices and availability of parts will change within the next few years, but I was curious as to how easily and how expensive this swap would be if I was to do it today. Right now. Has this ever been done before? I know there has been quite a few that have the M3 bodywork, but I could care less about looking like an M3. I would rather be able to go and sound like one! I know many will say: "Why don't you just sell your non-M and buy an M3? It would be cheaper/easier/stupid to do the swap/insert reason not to do it here." I am aware that it would probably be easier and cheaper, etc. to just go and buy an M3, but I quite like my 325i Any useful insight would be awesome! Thanks guys (and gals!)
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11-24-2013, 01:32 PM	#2
Someone? Perception is King 131 Rep 1,703 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: May 2013 Location: Michigan iTrader: (8)	Wouldn't be worth it. __________________ Perception and Reality are Two totally different Things.
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11-24-2013, 01:44 PM	#3
Alex07M3 Banned 82 Rep 2,688 Posts Drives: E92 M3, Evo X MR, A4 Allroad Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Gatineau iTrader: (1)	Go drive an M3, you wont like your 325 anymore!!
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11-24-2013, 01:47 PM	#4
Haywood I know a thing or 2 about a thing or 2... 3103 Rep 3,470 Posts Drives: E36 M3 Coupe, e39 M5, i3s Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: LI, NY iTrader: (11) Garage List 2003 BMW e39 M5 [0.00] 1997 BMW e36 M3 [0.00]	You might have a S65 in your 325, but you won't have the chassis, balance, handling, and more. It won't be worth it after spending all that money to retrofit the engine in your car. Find a used M3 and you'll never regret it. __________________ 2019 Imperial Blue Metallic i3s BEV 2003 Le Mans Blue e39 M5 Dinan S1 1997 Alpine White e36 M3 (the old gal) 2013 Mineral White e92 M3 (sold ) 2014 Carbon Black 650i M-sport (sold)
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11-24-2013, 01:50 PM	#5
arter collecting toys 41 Rep 810 Posts Drives: M3 MCB Join Date: May 2008 Location: rochester, ny iTrader: (1)	Well a replacement motor is about $25000. You would also need the engine management computer. __________________ 2011 e92 M3 Monte Carlo Blue ESS 535 - gone but not forgotten 2015 cayman GTS - new toy 2006 SLK 55 AMG sold
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11-24-2013, 02:23 PM	#7
h4nh Major 237 Rep 1,095 Posts Drives: 09 SC E90 M3 / 13 F10 M5 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 E90 M3 (superc ... [10.00] 2013 M5 [0.00]	Anything is possible if your pockets are deep enough. I'd throw an LSX engine in there if I wanted a V8 in a non-m. It would be a lot cheaper and less complicated. I was planning to do this to my 325i years ago, unfortunately it got totaled :/ __________________
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11-24-2013, 02:24 PM	#8
Xx__xs Major 201 Rep 1,255 Posts Drives: m6 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: los angeles iTrader: (1)	lmfao
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11-24-2013, 02:28 PM	#10
Lucrecio84 Captain 250 Rep 794 Posts Drives: TTE92 m3/ F10 CP M5 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Anaheim, California iTrader: (3)	This would be a total waste __________________ GINTANI TWIN TURBO E92/F10 M5
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11-24-2013, 02:33 PM	#11
JEllis Major General 532 Rep 5,498 Posts Drives: E36 M3, E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dallas/Ft. Worth iTrader: (4)	There was a time when swapping a USED S65 engine into a non M was probably financially viable. Those days are now behind us as the E9X M continues to depreciate. I have had thoughts of swapping an S62 into a E9X non-M... I think it would be really cool given the low end grunt of the S62 and motorsport backing of that motor. Not sure it would be any easier or cheaper though. __________________ Instagram: jellismotorwerks
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11-24-2013, 07:44 PM	#19
Condor3 335 2 Rep 80 Posts Drives: BMW 335 e92 07 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: California iTrader: (-2)	Would be a waste of time and money.
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11-24-2013, 08:09 PM	#20
V8FunNaturally Banned 57 Rep 1,017 Posts Drives: Regensburg Factory E92M3 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: NA iTrader: (0)	Think again. This is an infantile idea. Learn a lot more about engines and cars and you will realize this is not what you wanted to do in your right mind.
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11-24-2013, 10:18 PM	#21
Cool Steel Banned 10 Rep 358 Posts Drives: M3 E92 ZCP DCT Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: A galaxy far..far..away iTrader: (0)	The cost of the motor, labor and getting it to work and fit....30k easy. The trade in value on your car what 15 to 20k? ....that's over 50k....I see 2011 M3s with 15k miles or less going for about that on www.carmax.com all the time.....Just saying... Beyond that think about resale in the future...a newer "real" M3 will resale much higher in the future. You save and regain money both ways. I know you posted that you didn't want to hear this ...but its illogical to consider what your thinking. Last edited by Cool Steel; 11-24-2013 at 10:27 PM..
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11-24-2013, 10:57 PM	#22
ilikebmxbikes Banned 1518 Rep 4,744 Posts Drives: S65 1M Clone & E92 M3 4.6L Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (42) Garage List '08/13 1M Clone 4.0L [10.00] '11 e92 M3 4.6L [10.00]	Im working on dropping an S65 into my 1 series. YES, i know i could have bought an m3 with all i have spent on this car, but to be honest this build isnt about money or what is easier. I will say the strength of the m3 is in the complete package. You can add the S65 to a non M but it wont handle or feel like an M car. You need to do suspension, bushings, etc. Its the combination and balance that makes it shine. OP, PM me and I can share pricing figures and sources if you are serious about it. Everyones numbers in here are all over the place. i am getting a used low mileage motor and it is a lot cheaper than people think.
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