I agree with this. You really need to read through this whole thread, probably multiple times during the process. Nando talked a bunch about how MSV70 uses E46 protocols, I think he even said the cluster from one would just work. A couple of us have used 22RPD for the ECU work, they've been good so far.
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I did N55 swap into E36 so the whole procedure will be very similar, you can watch my whole instructional video on youtube. Then what is the point of having N52 in E46? It will not feel any better than having stock 2005 M54B30 330i 6 speed that you could buy for cheap then again it is just slow car anyway. With E46 you have to have 500hp engine to have any fun with it, that is why I am asking what is the point.Comment
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Thanks, I've started to plan going down this route. EKP from the Z4 is on it's way.
Well, it wasn't planned. I fell into a good deal for a prefacelift coupe, which is the platform I wanted. Around here, e46 coupes are harder to find than sedans or verts. Then, an opportunity for the N52 came around. So, I figured why not put them together. I'm an old fart and high horsepower cars isn't my thing and I'll just get into trouble with them anyway. I want a nice drivers car. The N52 is what I've read as the last good NA six banger. Also, tuning it will get more HP than an M54. Not a huge delta, but enough to make it fun (for me anyway). Also, it will be somewhat unique. Putting a stock motor in the stock chassis - boring. I don't want the complexity of a turbo. I was happy with my slightly massaged ZHP sedan. That's my goal and then a bit more. I love the challenge of just piecing it all together. I'm an engineer by trade and by heart. Is 300hp achievable or close to it? In roughly a 3000 lb car, it will be more entertaining than stock. I don't need double the horsepower. Anyway, I'll check out the video and see if it will help me out.Comment
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Last summer I measured my oil temps after a track session and they were too hot for me, so I added a coolant-to-oil stacked plate heat exchanger that's common to many of the factory N52's. I instantly noticed that the coolant takes much longer to come up to temperature because it needs to warm all the oil along with the coolant, which is good.
I had a ho-hum day at the track yesterday because I spent 90% of my time teaching the Car Control Clinic students and getting vertigo on the skid pad. I did get some lapping in the late afternoon and collected "after" data.
Temps went down from 265 to 245, which is better but still not great. If I did any kind of endurance racing I would definitely want the N54 style oil cooler with a thermostatically controlled radiator. I also noticed that last summer the oil would stay hot basically forever until it naturally cooled, like it was sitting in a thermos bottle. Now the temps come down almost instantly as I leave the track because it's being actively cooled.
temps were taken with a thermocouple down the dip tube, sitting in the middle of the pan.
Last edited by hoveringuy; 04-26-2025, 11:32 AM.Comment
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I always wondered on M20 e30s if the oil cooler is something that the engine really need or it is just a sale gimmick. Then on E28/E34 5 series there is no oil cooler on M20 engine and the chassis is much heavier.Comment
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I signed-up for Alfa Club twilight lapping last night and it was a good event as usual. Had a fresh set of Azeni 660+ tires that were pre-heat cycled and was impressed by them. I got to the event late and only got a few laps in the first session, but enough to scrub-in the tires. Quickly set a PB in my second lap of the second session, and then another PB well into the third session (2nd or 3rd lap is usually my quickest, so it's unusual that I'm fast towards the end of a session, but there was traffic...).
Parts of the night felt like a DTM race, running with a Cosworth 190E...
It's nice that there's not a single drop of fluid under the car in the morning. Just 100% quick and reliable!
adam.nonis Is going to help me dial-up the power just a hair now. Still running the pedestrian DISA intake....
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I have an E90 mostly complete harness and the Z4 fuse block. I won't be able to use it in my e46 application. So, I am offering here for sale here if anybody can use it. $100 for both. I have one of the connectors for the fuse block. I posted pics in the classifieds.Comment
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IVM Mystery.
Love this forum! This is my first post:
I’ve successfully installed an N52 into my S30 (which is a Datsun 240Z) With Kassel EWS deletes done on the DME, engine fired right up on an engine stand using the 330i engine harness and accompanying mess of relays and power wiring in the e-box.
Several of you have cleaned up said wiring mess with the Z4 IVM and so am I. On the workbench, I’ve been able to light up all the IVM fuses (except F7) by activating the DME relay and VVT relay. F7 is a mystery! It supplies power to the injectors from the injector relay which is integral to the IVM. It should be easy, I just can’t locate the activation signal. It’ll be switched power (not switched ground).
That switched activation power could come internally off “Run/Start” Pin 23 X691 but doesn’t. How is this relay activated?
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Thanks Hoveringguy….It lights up now!
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A few more pictures…. I’m amazed by the ease in which this engine slips into the engine bay. Brake booster and 3-stage intake are quite happy together. Stock oil pan fits perfectly, Stock E92 radiator and fan assembly fit like a glove and without causing any fore and aft space issues. Hood clearance is snug but still allows room for the BMW beauty cover. I needed to buy 2 sets of AA style headers and used the 2nd 1-2-3 header section in the 4-5-6 position to get things to fit with minimal fuss.
I still have a long ways to go but feel like I’ve broken the back on this project. And so so appreciate the ground-breaking work you all have done with your E30 N52 swaps.
I hope to tap into this community from time to time and would happy to share my progress occasionally.
Thanks!
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Damn... it was made for that chassis. Stock motor was iron block? I know it was a light motor but I'm sure you're losing some weight while doubling? your hp, and 6th gear is really nice.
There have been a few FRS swaps as wellLast edited by hoveringuy; 01-18-2026, 07:49 AM.Comment
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Looks great, are you posting on hybrid z as well? Did you weld tabs for the motor mounts to the factory subframe or is it custom?Comment
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The car is a lightweight at around 2400lbs (not unlike the E30) but the block is indeed cast iron…all in it weighs 425 lbs. Few in our community run the stock 4-speed anymore and swap in a 5-speed which is 101 lbs for a total of 526 lbs. Equivalent N52 and 6 speed is 458lbs, so 68 lbs of weight savings plus an extra 100+ HP will be nice. At the limit, the S30 struggles with understeer, so the reduction of this weight over the front axle should improve handling even more.
6th gear will be nice, but 3:54 rear end gears combined with 24.9” OD dia tires might not be best for highway cruising….taller gears would be nice. Should be a jackrabbit around town though!.
The S30 engine bay affords us the room for a multitude of swaps including V8, JZ, RB, and S54B32 but my rationale mirrors that of many in your E30 world…weight loss, improved handling,and cost. Plus there is just something to love about that inline-six sound eh?
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