Swapping an M52TU in an E30?

[kanecvr]

Hi guys. I've been wanting to do an M52tu swap for a while now, mostly for reliability reasons (and better milage :) ). I know that it's quite difficult to swap in M52 engines because of the EWS, and the VANOS makes tings even more complicated.

What I want to know is if I can get away with swapping the EWS sistem as well, complete with ignition barrel, EWS antena and key from a donor E46. Would that be possible?

Could I also swap in the E46 instrument cluster (putting aside the fact that it's a different shape and size from the E30 cluster ).

Has anyone done this before?

Why an M52TU? Well, I can get an M52TUB25 really cheap in my country - nobody wants them, as they prefer to swap the B28 or the M54 engines since they are more powerfull - but I'm not looking for power - I'm looking to make an E30 with decent power, good mileage and good reliability. The M50B25 and M54 engines are out of the question because they are up to four times more expensive then the M52tu (for reasons I mentioned above) - espeically the M50B25 off the E34 525i. Those can go for up to 1000 euro, vs. the 200 euro I can get an M52tu for.

[328ijunkie]

All you really need is a matched EWS box, Key and ECU. Open the key up and tape the chip to the antenna ring. Wire to EWS box and wire EWS box to ECU and youre golden. Youll have some CEL's but it wont matter much

[Thujalvi]

The EWS can't be flashed from the MS42, but if you have access to a matching DME, key, EWS, etc. it's no big deal. I found the wiring very easy to do, as the engine loom is self contained, though you will need the X60004 connector from the body loom of the donor car, and if you're going with the EWS, you'll need all the wiring and connectors for it, as well as the X6011, which has starter wires, temp gauge, switched power and a couple of others. As for the temperature gauge sensor, I used one from a Rover 200, as it matched in both resistance and connector, with a thread adapter in the coolant drain plug. Coolant and heater hoses I fashioned from a bunch of left overs from the M40 which came out, as well as some random ones.

You can also get an EWS emulator like I did because I didn't have either EWS or the key to go with my DME.

Then it's just wiring up the C101 and the diagnostic connector (don't cut the diagnostic from the C101, makes things easier.) If you know your way around electronics, there's nothing difficult to make everything work, aside from the electrics, it's just as every other M50/52 swap apart from the brake booster, as you can use the stock unit.

Edit: Oh, I almost forgot, you'll need the throttle cable from an E39, it's an M52TU specific part. I seem to recall that the E46 cable won't fit the E30 pedal.

[DesertBMW]

you must use E46 cluster if you want to keep the EWS.

[328ijunkie]

False.

[DesertBMW]

False.

You have no experience with MS42/MS43/MS45 and I do.

[328ijunkie]

You have no experience with MS42/MS43/MS45 and I do.

Your arrogance is astounding...
not done with cleanup but runs/drives

[DesertBMW]

Your arrogance is astounding...
not done with cleanup but runs/drives

Your arrogance is astounding. It won't run for long without a cluster who sends RPM signal to EWS module via K line, this is needed for rolling codes. . All you did is made it run at idle. Drive the car for few days then you will see all of a sudden engine won't start.

[328ijunkie]

Will put some more miles on it and report back. Have driven it and started it tons of times moving it around the shop and not noticed any issues as of yet.

Your blanket statements of people knowing nothing as you do are infuriating.

[kanecvr]

I would like to install the E46 instrument cluser as well, complete with the OBC button. I have the following parts:

- Complete M52TUB25 engine off an 323i
- E46 radiator + hoses
- Engine Wiring Harness + ECU
- EWS module to match the ECU
- Two keys + ignition barrel and EWS antenna, they match the EWS module
- E46 Intrsument cluser
- E46 steerting column + toggles and a steering wheel with buttons
- Random assortment of E46 under dashboard wiring, incomplete...

Don't have a hearbox... can I mate the engine to a Getrag 260 / 265 off an M20 / M30 engine?

[328ijunkie]

We're running a m20 clutch/fw and a g260 on our swap

[kanecvr]

Perfect, I have a couple of 260s sitting in my garage.

[stonea]

I'm actually looking at doing the same swap. I have a low mileage M52TUb25 out of my old Z3. Anyways I don't know enough to help, but these guys are going to be your best help and they know what they're talking about.
DesertBMW

hoveringuy

Also this guy might be able to help you, he's very knowledgeable and although he is looking at doing a S54 swap, he is still full of information.
nando

A good thread to read:
M54 swap information thread

Andrew325is makes an engine harness to make the swap pluyg and play if I'm correct.
Plug and Play Wiring Harness Adapters for S54, M54, M52TU, & More

Also I'd post a thread in the M54 section instead

edit: This thread may be more helpful to you. It sounds like you wanna go this route instead.
Meet the bastard child

[kanecvr]

I love it - the e30 / e46 buttbaby! I won't go as far as to cut up the car to install e46 brakes and suspension, but I'm going to get me a complete E46 wiring loom, climate control pannel, buttons'n'shit and see what happens.

I like the E30 suspension setup better, but I prefer the E46 brakes - so I'll just stick the E46 brake booster and master brake cylinder in there + ABS system.

Don't know about the trunk / door sensors - could never figure out where they are on an e46... but i'll figure it out :)

[kanecvr]

The wiring harness for the M52TU kicked my ass so bad that I decided to go with an M50B25 S1 out of a 525i witch I got complete with everything sans exhaust for 400 euro. It has the same connector as the E30 chassis so it should plug right in.

Will revive this thread when I get to the 316....