N52 Swap Discussion

[Cdmef]

I’m sorry if I missed it but has anyone been able to confirm if an x3 fuel/ignition harness will work on a 2006 engine and remaining harness? One issue I wondered about is the wiring connection the fuel and ignition portions runs over the vc on x3 and behind it on my 2006. Might this cause a mounting issue? I want to be sure, seeing as prices are pretty dear now. Otherwise it looks like it plugs in fine, likely will have to transfer the relay in my 2006 circuit over

[hoveringuy]

I’m sorry if I missed it but has anyone been able to confirm if an x3 fuel/ignition harness will work on a 2006 engine and remaining harness? One issue I wondered about is the wiring connection the fuel and ignition portions runs over the vc on x3 and behind it on my 2006. Might this cause a mounting issue? I want to be sure, seeing as prices are pretty dear now. Otherwise it looks like it plugs in fine, likely will have to transfer the relay in my 2006 circuit over

I may have bought an X3 harness at one point but honestly forget how long it was, it's probably somewhere in my posts. The X3 and 330 versions of the harnesses use kinda rats-nest of plugs and relays. On those cars, they live in the big plastic ECU box and there's a place for them. On the e30 not so much, unless you want a big rats-nest of stuff. I highly recommend that you get the IVM module. It integrates all of the body to engine wiring, contains the relays and such in one svelte little box that sits in the glove box.

I may have even used the X3 ign wiring and just cut it to fit. It's pretty easy to re-pin the wires to go in the modular plugs. There are ZERO relays in any of my wiring between the IVM or ECU and the engine.

[Cdmef]

Ok this IVM thing is a bit new to me, I was re reading your posts related to wiring on pg 23. When I bought this swap I was under the impression the integrated relays were desirable haha! Ok so the IVM will replace that terrible mess of plugs and relays and clean the wiring up? This is a unit that can be found in the 2007+ cars?

The x3 wiring is definitely much longer on the chassis side from pictures I’ve seen. My only concern was that crossover wiring.

thanks for the help. wiring is like sorcery to me lol!

oh also I was surprised to read I think it was you who wired the ekp in the bay, was this just an easier location so long traces of wire weren’t necessary?

[hoveringuy]

The IVM is huge, it's incredibly nice to condense all that crap into one little box. Do you have the wiring guide that hubcapboy put together?

I put the EKP in the right rear door panel near the pump. The only wired that run to it are a wake up signal (ignition) and twisted pair for CAN. This keeps the actual power routing shortest and it's one less box up front

[Cdmef]

Yes I’ve looked through hubcaps wiring. My pinouts will be different, as I’m doing an e36 but basically the same idea I think. I think I will be locating the ekp out back as well.

btw what model IVM did you use? The “flatter” rectangular one? I’m seeing a couple different layouts

[hoveringuy]

My wiring looks like this, e36 will be different, of course. You may even have a place in the cowl for all that stuff.

[Cdmef]

That does look clean! I haven’t come across an IVM that looks like that one, I’ll be researching more. Silly question but does it have the needed relays integrated?

is it ok if I pm you wiring specific questions, I’m concerned with cluttering the thread with redundant questions

[sweet3]

Looking at planning and sourcing parts soon, any suggestions for engine + transmission sources other than ebay? I'll start searching locally too.

If you’re also looking for a wiring adapter kit, you can take a look at our option. We have a listing for the E30/E36 chassis, but we can make them for any popular chassis.

https://www.redline-motorsport.com

[hoveringuy]

If you’re also looking for a wiring adapter kit, you can take a look at our option. We have a listing for the E30/E36 chassis, but we can make them for any popular chassis.
www.redline-motorsport.com

I'm happy to see you offering this! What's the Can bus emulator?

[LukeJ]

Ok this IVM thing is a bit new to me, I was re reading your posts related to wiring on pg 23. When I bought this swap I was under the impression the integrated relays were desirable haha! Ok so the IVM will replace that terrible mess of plugs and relays and clean the wiring up? This is a unit that can be found in the 2007+ cars?

The x3 wiring is definitely much longer on the chassis side from pictures I’ve seen. My only concern was that crossover wiring.

thanks for the help. wiring is like sorcery to me lol!

oh also I was surprised to read I think it was you who wired the ekp in the bay, was this just an easier location so long traces of wire weren’t necessary?

Yet another N52 -> E30 swap thread - R3VLimited Forums. Check out post number 20.
The specific IVM pictured here is BMW #12637560626.

[Cdmef]

Awesome, thanks. I forgot you used one too. When I get the time I’ll be going over all the info again. My wiring experience comes from wiring 90’s Hondas lol! Now that’s easy.

[iansane]

For some reason I thought I could keep the stock engine in my new e30 for awhile. With the bang-for-buck nature of the n52 and the path you all have forged, this is a nobrainer. I'm checking out car-part.com right now. Thanks fellas. What's the situation on oilpan "weld-kits" now? That coolant crossover?

Also, being in Tacoma, I wonder if I could finagle a look-see or ridealong at some of your swaps.

[DEV0 E30]

Welcome to the fold. I thought the same, but quickly changed my mind too.

Tom had actually PM'd me right after I acquired my touring. Part of me wanted to get that one because I'm a hoarder? But it didn't make any sense to.

I sorted kicked myself knowing I'd eventually swap and that one was the perfect price for that. Looking forward to your progress.

Things add up, but hopefully you can get a ride. It seals the deal.

[hoveringuy]

Posting this as a data point.... a Tesla brake booster will fit with full intake when the motor is on the E85 arms. This photo shows the booster with the integrated fluid reservoir, the cool kids are using the one from the CRV that is remote mounted and has oodles of room around the throttle body.

The closest point of contact is the DISA transfer tube thing where there's about 1/4". Slotting the booster outboard another 1/4" would help but not really necessary.

I'm not going to run this, I got Lee's dual MC boosterless.

[DEV0 E30]

Very nice.