Thinking to throw a complete S54B2 in the e30

[diegom6]

So I have the chance to install a complete S54B32 with SMG trans (shitty luck there) with DME, cluster, wiring harness, steering column for the key (not sure if I have to swapp it complete for the coil spring for the airbag, etc) clutch, etc. for quite cheap or correct price. This is from a german spec e46 M3 btw...

So to get it done properly installed in the e30, what else would I need? I know I have two option for the engine managment, if go stock DME and all, I will have to send the ECU to either source in USA or direct to germany for the software reflash that I'm not sure what they do with it or go standalone which is pretty much not a option right now unless is totally needed if the stock components fail on the way of the transplant.

About the SMG, does it bring another module besides the DME to control it? Or the DME is what control it directly together with the engine?

Not sure what else do I need to take off from the car to make it work properly once installed and dialed the hardware.

Opinions? thoughts?

[e46s54dr]

Its a shit ton of work. Look up MITE46 on e46fanatics, he has a complete build thread of transplanting a smg s54 into and e30.

[e46s54dr]

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=359200

Just because I know youre lazy. Lol

[GunMetalGrey]

s54 e30, sounds like a lot of work. But the final product :0

[e30polak]

Sell the SMG and get either a ZF 5 speed from a late model e36 328 or M3, or get a 6 speed. The s54 swap isn't that much harder than an s50 swap with all the info/resources available these days. The SMG on the other hand will be 100x more work, and is meant for an electrical engineer.

[TinyT]

I do S54 Pan and and E30 subframe mods. 6 Speed trans mounts too!

[diegom6]

Sell the SMG and get either a ZF 5 speed from a late model e36 328 or M3, or get a 6 speed. The s54 swap isn't that much harder than an s50 swap with all the info/resources available these days. The SMG on the other hand will be 100x more work, and is meant for an electrical engineer.

Do you know why would be much more harder/difficult with SMG tranny? Is everything is being swapped to keep all the hardware with their factory electronics just in other shell? Or for the hardware adaptation you mean?

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=359200

Just because I know youre lazy. Lol

Thanks for the link (but seems most of the pics, etc are gone?)

[diegom6]

I do S54 Pan and and E30 subframe mods. 6 Speed trans mounts too!

Cool. Will keep it in mind. How about the oil pan? Almost forgot it? S52 oil pan does work?

[TinyT]

You will want the S54 pan and oil pump. I do a notch in the pan and a sump. I will get you some current pictures of the latest ones. Ill pm you the details.

[sharky]

IIRC you can convert the SMG to be manual fairly easily

[diegom6]

IIRC you can convert the SMG to be manual fairly easily

That's what many thought, but searching for this "conversion" from SMG to manual, somone pointed out that a guy in germany tried to do it and failed. The housing of both gearbox are different size/design at certain aprt and while trying to make it work with the shifter rod/etc componentes...it won't bolt or work. Not sure if this is totally correct.

[samiam3356]

Sucks the pictures on that thread are gone. That was an impressive build thread. Guy found errors in the manuals as well on wire colors and what not. Do work Diego! Make this happen

[Wanganstyle]

That's what many thought, but searching for this "conversion" from SMG to manual, somone pointed out that a guy in germany tried to do it and failed. The housing of both gearbox are different size/design at certain aprt and while trying to make it work with the shifter rod/etc componentes...it won't bolt or work. Not sure if this is totally correct.

yes, best left to gearbox expert. inside of getrag smells terrible also lol


Use the 5 speed+s54, its lighter - gear it long for extra WANGAN!!