Triple Threat N52 E30

[Disterber]

Hello all! I was initially intrigued by Garageaholic YouTube E30 / N54 build series and then found and was inspired by this subforum. The plan is to perform E30 / N52 swap with focus on track toy / mountain road cruising / maybe hill climbs. Hope this crew of intelligent DIY'ers will keep me pointed in right direction! I've read through and taken notes on most of the major build threads but I'm surely going to miss something... or some aspect of the swap will have evolved.

I'm drawn to the N52 for same reasons as most... weight vs. power / torque... and it will fit nicely in SCCA Time Trial "Max 5" class. My E30 already has AC and Cruise Control removed... but heat and power steering must stay.

Similar to others, I am starting out with Z4 engine mounts. Evaluating custom subframe vs. custom oil pan. Keeping both options open at moment but leaning toward custom steel oil pan and SendCutSend parts have been ordered. MIG welding is not an issue but not yet proficient with TIG.

I've been thinking about this swap for awhile and last year I acquired an E90 with rear-end damage. Already pulled engine, harness, manual transmission, DME, pedal, CAS, key Fob, fan, brake booster, and misc other parts. A notable difference on this swap is that I'll be using E90 N52 from 2011. This means MSV80. (Current) plan is to use pre-made engine --> chassis harness with CAN emulator... with the intent of making everything "plug and play".

Phase 1 will start with N52 installation and getting the car up and running on stock DME with stock intake manifold. Hopefully we'll get to Phase 2 of increasing power!

[DesertBMW]

N52B30 is a very underrated engine. In my opinion it is better than S54B32. There is really no benefit to run MSV80 at all, it is not better in any way than MSV70. One vendor claims to have real stand alone EWS delete for MSV80 but I haven't found anybody that is using it.

[hoveringuy]

N52B30 is a very underrated engine. In my opinion it is better than S54B32. There is really no benefit to run MSV80 at all, it is not better in any way than MSV70. One vendor claims to have real stand alone EWS delete for MSV80 but I haven't found anybody that is using it.

There's nothing "wrong" with MSV80, there just aren't any benefits to it. I think the biggest negative is that the mapping is different so more difficult to use the pool of MSV70 tuning history. An MSV70 ECU is $50-$100 and the least of your worries.

(as an "oh-by-the-way..".... I'm presently converting my MSV-70 from the E85 CAN 11h protocol (K line) to BN2000 from the E90. Reason for this is that I can have an actual PT CAN network tied to my MK60 ABS and an Aim logger will be able to access ECU and ABS data simultaneously. More to follow...)

[Disterber]

I'm using MSV80 simply because that is what came with the donor car. If it becomes a roadblock I'll punt and convert to MSV70.

[Striker01]

Good luck with the swap. This subforum and help from hoveringuy and adam have mine up and running. I have the wiring diagrams for a 2011 e90, that's where my engine/trans setup came from, PM if you need them. 22RPD asked if I wanted to stay with MSV80 when my first ebay MSV70 couldn't be flashed, so I assume they can get it dialed like you'll need for the swap. I stayed with 70 for the reasons listed above.

I also just pulled my version 1 swap exhaust, if you're looking for a full system that will bolt right up. I'm getting ready to list it in the for sale section.

[Disterber]

hoveringuy - Thanks for all the oil pan CAD! Following your MK60 ABS journey and hope to get to that point one day! For now it will be stock E30 system with re-built ABS unit. People throw shade at the stock E30 ABS but I've found a properly operating system will still save flat spotting tires at the track! But certainly not the performance like a semi-modern ABS. I also run AiM Solo DL with Smarty Cam. Hoping to be able to record CAN data.

Striker01 - Sent message on exahust. Thanks for heads up!

[Disterber]

Update:
M50 is out!
SCS steel oil pan pieces have arrived. Planning to use hoveringuy 3D printed Al oil pick-up.
Striker exhaust system purchased and received. (Thank you!)
Next-up is to preliminary install of N52 and confirm plan for driveshaft, shift linkage, brake booster clearance.
Currently planning to use Mishimoto radiator, pusher fan, and stock E30 overflow tank. (Unless someone has better suggestion.)

[hoveringuy]

Cool! I highly recommend that you pick-up a bedplate to fabricate the pan, even better if you get it with an oil pump. You can bolt the flange to it and keep everything flat and tidy. Also Tig>Mig. It's not too tough to get a nice bead on clean steel but find someone that's got a decent rig and some experience if you don't.

Those cross-braces will also help keep the flange from pulling in while welding.

[Disterber]

Great point on the bedplate. I already started welding. Initially, I laid down just a few short stitch welds (without bedplate) and the entire flange warped almost immediately. I received bedplate last week and started over. Bedplate made HUGE difference. Essentially no warpage. I am using MIG with small stitch welds. Definitely not the prettiest and filling in pinhole porosity might be tedious. My plan is to pressure test pan and check for leaks with soapy water. Will post progress.

In summary, bedplate is a must!

[Disterber]

Let's talk flywheel & clutch.

Seems the common E90 N52 enthusiast direction is to go with the Valeo Solid Flywheel Conversion Kit, p/n 835115, ~$1000.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6997668&cc=1431851&pt=12825&jsn=8

Any other options to consider?

[adam.nonis]

I don't think there's any reason you can't use all the OE dual mass stuff. I just liked the serviceability of a single mass. I also drive Volvos with dual mass setups and having to replace a flywheel cause it can't be resurfaced….. sucks


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[Striker01]

Let's talk flywheel & clutch.

Seems the common E90 N52 enthusiast direction is to go with the Valeo Solid Flywheel Conversion Kit, p/n 835115, ~$1000.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6997668&cc=1431851&pt=12825&jsn=8

Any other options to consider?

I used this kit, I think Adam has the same one. Make sure the throw out bearing uses the thick ears. Clutch pedal engagement is very close to the floor. I ended up using a willwood clutch master from lantzfab. If you do order the lantzfab kit get the metal end link. Their 3d printed one will fail with the short threads off the master.

[CarlKB]

Hey guys - jumping in here with a random question. What are the thoughts on a sump guard? I'm debating this in my head for my build. On one side, I'm wondering if one is needed and on the other side I'm worried it won't fit with the front bumper and splitter I have planned (M3). Do people think a sump guard is necessary? Or have opinions on any clashes with the bumper, splitter clash? Thanks team!

[hoveringuy]

Hey guys - jumping in here with a random question. What are the thoughts on a sump guard? I'm debating this in my head for my build. On one side, I'm wondering if one is needed and on the other side I'm worried it won't fit with the front bumper and splitter I have planned (M3). Do people think a sump guard is necessary? Or have opinions on any clashes with the bumper, splitter clash? Thanks team!

You mean, like, a skid plate?

I think you'll see when it's done that the pan sits high, maybe even higher than stock M20. The front is also angled so unless you have an off into a curb the pan is generally pretty safe.

I'd wait until you have it done before you make the decision.

[CarlKB]

As always super helpful Hoveringuy, and yes I mean a skid plate. Who knew people who speak the same language used so many different words for the same thing: Oil pan = sump, sump guard = skid plate... Don't let's start spelling: Color = Colour or Aluminium = Aluminum Haha