dream swap... new idea for a "more grown up" car. input?

[sefb222]

both of my E30s are nearing completion, and it's looking more and more like i'm going to need a daily driver that holds my interest. ive got a 2001 toyota tacoma for work related errands, and my wife has a 2003 MB C240 4matic for hauling the kids around.

i'm thinking i might be able to unload the tacoma for a lot more than i paid for it (kinda stole it for 3500 bucks w 80k on it. nevada car, with no rust), and put the money into a more serious daily driver.

here's what i'm thinking...










e39 wagon + S54 = aweZome.




so... assuming i'm moving forward with this.

does anyone have any input regarding making the wiring work? would a 2001 e39 540 wagon with a blown engine be the ideal candidate? any ideas as to whether the 6sp from a 540 sedan would mate to the S54?

i know you guys are 99.9% E30, but someone here has to have an idea, and i'm the kinda guy who wont stop obsessing with a plan until its actualized, or completely shot down.

im really just thinking out loud at this point. but, thinking seriously.

[Julien]

The v8 trannys have different bellhousings than the 6cyl models... seriously, get the 540i/6 you won't be disappointed, even in stock form.

[sefb222]

did the 540 wagon come with a 6sp?

also, i had an E34 540, and the engine was kinda problem prone.

and.. im also thinking in terms of sound.


the S54 sounds amazing at WOT. a V8 isnt going to rev to 8k, and the idea of a wagon making that kinda noise gives me an automotive boner.

im open to suggestions though.

[Julien]

then grab a 528i/5 touring and swap in a s52 (supercharged?) or just supercharge the 528i ;-)

[FredK]

S62 swap! Or, you can just get an E39 M5 for peanuts these days.

[Charlie]

Lot easier to swap in a 6 speed to a 540 than it is to make an S54 work in a big heavy chassis like that..

-Charlie

[oekundar]

While the 528/525 is no slouch...the 540 is definitely a good look and if you do get one...swapping in a 6 speed would make it tons of fun... :)

[sharky]

stupid swap IMO, just turbo the M52 or swap a SCed S52. Good choice on a car though.

[MikeDE]

BTW that's an S50B32(euro), not an S54...but we get the idea nontheless:)...I say go for the 528iT, 5spd if available, then SC rather than turbo for reliability. But if resources allow, wrecked E39 M5 + E39 540iT......

[z31maniac]

Don't see the point of putting a high revving sports car engine in a touring.

I'd rather have something with loads of creamy torque for that car.

[eurohick.]

anyone who says the s54 sounds better than a m62 is a retard.

its a nice motor but it sounds like complete garbage.

just find a really nice 540/6, you wont be disappointed. even tho id say just run the taco, as havin a pickup is always handy, especially if you have a house.

[devonjordan]

If you have to swap a motor in, the V8 from the e39 M5 is the one. M5 Wagon... I just jizzed in my pants...

[TDE30]

Interesting idea, but to echo so many on here, an M62 with 6-speed swap makes more sense over the long haul. The E39iT's are great DD's and even though they never made a 540iT/6, you can find 420G's all day long to swap in. If you want more power out of the M62, there is always the possibility of an ESS supercharger that would put you at the E39 M5's bhp and way above the E39 M5's torque. It's food for thought, and it doesn't sound like you'd be afraid to spend money on this little project.

http://www.esstuning.com/default.asp?c=shop&cat=93&subcat=102&subcat2=110&id

[euroshark]

I'd go with the V8. It's a hell of a lot less work, it's got more torque which you will probably appreciate, and if you get bored with it you can always throw a supercharger at it.

[smonkbmw]

then grab a 528i/5 touring and swap in a s52 (supercharged?) or just supercharge the 528i ;-)

better

If you have to swap a motor in, the V8 from the e39 M5 is the one. M5 Wagon...

BEST!