The semi-Comprehensive M60b40 into E30 swap Q&A

[mkcman17]

time/money is probably only going to let me move on one of my projects this year...debating selling my ZF 5-spd to fund my ix manual swap. would anyone be seriously interested in it?

[BoostinEuros]

I have the special tool required for m60 flywheel removal if anyone would like to rent it. Fwiw, I used a m60b40 mated to a m60b30 flywheel and "stage 2" clutch from eBay with good results. Iirc, the b30 flywheel is a bit lighter than it's b40 counterpart. I was able to rev match downshift pretty easily.

[JGood]

I have the special tool required for m60 flywheel removal if anyone would like to rent it. Fwiw, I used a m60b40 mated to a m60b30 flywheel and "stage 2" clutch from eBay with good results. Iirc, the b30 flywheel is a bit lighter than it's b40 counterpart. I was able to rev match downshift pretty easily.

A 'stage 2' m60b30 clutch? I've never seen anything other then stock 530i clutch.

[BoostinEuros]

A 'stage 2' m60b30 clutch? I've never seen anything other then stock 530i clutch.

Yep. I purchased it off eBay. It used a new oem disc. The pressure plate was powder coated red and had stronger clamping springs installed. That was the only difference.

[JGood]

Yep. I purchased it off eBay. It used a new oem disc. The pressure plate was powder coated red and had stronger clamping springs installed. That was the only difference.

If you happen to come across the brand name or find one offered for sale, let me know. I searched quite a bit and came up empty handed. Do you remember what the price was?

[Mr. Burns]

Yep. I purchased it off eBay. It used a new oem disc. The pressure plate was powder coated red and had stronger clamping springs installed. That was the only difference.

I remember comming across this aswell, and it was the the lower end in terms of cost.
now I can't seem to find it ffs.

so you're saying this is actually tested and true?

if so f'kya!

[mkcman17]

Alright, almost ready to go find my motor. it's like picking the best looking tree for christmas!

With the increased availability of m62s at the wreckers in my area, i'm considering NV 4.4 now. however, I have a harness from a manual 530. I'm sure it's been covered before, but are the two compatible or is my harness only good for m60s because of the trigger location?

also, I have access to a set of s62 heads sans ITBs...are they of any use in either application?

[The Dark Side of Will]

S62's are dual VANOS and dual row chain. While the heads would bolt on, you'd be in for a lot of frankensteining parts to make them work. Also, the S62 has a cam position sensor at the back end of each cam, so you'd have to mix/match those to work with some other engine management.

The M60/2 intake manifold won't bolt to the S62 intake ports.

[mkcman17]

i'm putting in my order for a clutch this week. if i'm planning to use either a b30 or m/s62 240mm flywheel with a 5spd, i can use an m52 clutch and PP, right?

also, for the 6spd, would it be possible to pair a 6spd clutch with an m52 pp? or would the stack heights be wrong?

[JGood]

i'm putting in my order for a clutch this week. because of the non-custom nature of the 5spd, i've decided to at least start that route and possibly go 6spd later. to beat a dead horse one last time, if i'm planning to use either a b30 or m/s62 240mm flywheel, i can use an m52 clutch and PP, right? i was going to pick up a stage 1 328 kit good for 300+whp.

I'm getting ready to do the same. I'm going with a stock e39 540i flywheel (LW is out of the budget). And I'm going to give this clutch a shot...

Sachs organic performance clutch

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/BMW/328i/Sachs/Clutch_Kit/1997/Base/6_Cyl_2-dot-8L/S2K7020601.html?intcmpid=Product+Listings+Clearance

Not sure how it will work out, but for $230 shipped, it won't be a huge loss either way. There are guys running 300whp turbo 328's with worn stock clutches without a problem, so I can't imagine 260whp with this sport clutch will be an issue.

Thanks again to Bruce for figuring out this combo!

[mkcman17]

to edit my post one more time here, i just discovered that my friend has a full CnC machine at his god dang house. does anyone have dimensions for motor arms and/or 6spd trans mounts? i might be able to have a few limited sets made at reduced cost (at least cheaper than .de stuff).

[Jean]

Good deal on that clutch kit, maybe I missed it but is there a single mass B30 flywheel that you guys have found or some other flywheel that works with this clutch kit on M60s with the 5speed tranny??

[JGood]

Good deal on that clutch kit, maybe I missed it but is there a single mass B30 flywheel that you guys have found or some other flywheel that works with this clutch kit on M60s with the 5speed tranny??

I contacted BimmerWorld because I saw that they had an e34 530i JB Racing flywheel on their site. I asked them if that was for the euro m30 car, or the US m60 car, and if they know if the stock m60b30 clutch would hold the m60b40 power. This is the response I got:

"No the E34 530 only came in a m60B30 the flywheel would be for that motor with the stock clutch. The stock 530 clutch should be fine for an M60B40 motor."

If you visit JB Racing's website, you'll see they actually have a flywheel listed for the e34 530i m30, but not for an m60b30. So I'm going to assume the guy at bimmerworld was just wrong.


Anyway, there is a company in the UK selling actual m60b30 lightweight flywheels, basically made to order... to use any PP you desire. The company is Big Bavarian Beauties, and the price he offered to me was £420-00 delivered. He also recommended getting the flywheel set up with a different clutch as they've seen slippage issues with an m60b30 clutch behind the 4 liter.

I scratched the LW plan due to my budget. e39 540i flywheels can be found for under $250 shipped.

[Jean]

Thanks for the info on BBB, I'll have to look them/contact them as I don't want to run a dual-mass flywheel with it's rubber center section that wears out.

Where did you find e39 540i flywheels for under $250 shipped?

[JGood]

Thanks for the info on BBB, I'll have to look them/contact them as I don't want to run a dual-mass flywheel with it's rubber center section that wears out.

Where did you find e39 540i flywheels for under $250 shipped?

car-part.com, ebay, forums, etc..

I posted a WTB on bf.c a few weeks ago, and Travis from Bavarian Auto Recycling responded. I called him up about 10 minutes ago, he said he has a bunch of the e39 540i flywheels, just sitting on the shelf because nobody ever asks for them. He checked them all for play between the halves and hot spots on the surface, picked out the best one, and is getting it to me for $100 plus shipping. Seems like a cool guy, we BS'd about my swap for a bit, and he told me he's building an s50 e30 truck conversion. If you want to call him, send me a PM, I'll give you his number.