[iqraceworks]

Just tossing the idea around...I've seen several LS swaps into 335i's online......just wondering if anyone on here has done it. The mechanical aspect of it seems simple....what worries me is the DME, wiring harnesses, electronics, etc,etc...needed to keep the BMW systems working (airbags, power locks/windows, gauges, etc,etc)....while still allowing allowing engine management for the LS. Can you run a stand-alone system like the holley Terminator for the motor...and keep the BMW DME to control everything else? If not..mwhat so you do?

Also....what about the transmission options? Is the best best to go with a GM auto/manual? If so.....back to the electronics. Is the BMW DME going to throw all kinds of faults when the BMW transmission is gone?

Just trying to wrap my head around this.....any info/tips/advice would be great!

[ragingpanda]

You would be better off with a platform that already has a ls motor.

[Tyc0]

I would try to reach out to the people who have done it, I've seen the videos and it looks and sounds crazy, also seems crazy complicated

[iqraceworks]

Originally Posted by ragingpanda

You would be better off with a platform that already has a ls motor.

Yeah probably.....but LS swaps are everywhere now, in just about any car you can think of. If you could figure the electronics part of it out......you could have a reliable, 600+hp powerplant.....that would be reliable. And it would be reliable. See where I'm going with this.....

[Smgs1992]

Ive got a buddy who is supposed to be doing this swap and i’m gonna buy his N54 if he goes through with it.

Personally i would buy a 328i to do the swap with. Youll be replacing the drivetrain anyway and theyre cheaper, less desirable and imo not really an engine worth keeping in the car.

[Ten-Zing]

Given all the listed concerns about electronics, etc. does a E39 platform sound like a better starting point?

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

You could have basically the same thing as a 600+ HP E39 M5 clone. Less electronic obstacles to overcome and the V8 fits the space easier plus more room for drivetrain.

[iqraceworks]

Probably....but that's a lot of money for a car you are going to gut. But, I understand your point. I have seen LS swapped 335i's online.....and the guys who own them claim that everything inside works just like it did from the factory. So I know there is a way to do it.....I just need to figure it out.

Controlling the LS motor is easy (Holley Terminator)...but keeping the BMW DME and other modules "happy" with a different motor and transmission is what concerns me..

[Ten-Zing]

Isn't a 335 typically more $? (just to gut it?)

I think the point of the ad was to show that the platform is a more natural V8 swap platform.

You can find cheap 528's (>$4k) with manual transmissions fairly easy. I think the E39 would accept a LS engine swap fairly easy and the electronics is a lot easier to solve on that platform.

The old E39 is barely bigger than the E90 platform as well but most of its size difference is in the engine bay. I have done lots of engine swaps into lots of different types of machinery, and I think the most overlooked aspect when people take on a project is forgetting the end result will be something they will want to live with (ie, maintain after the fact).

I think this is a big reason BMW dropped having a V8 in the 3 series (M3) and went back to an inline 6.

On another note, LS engines are durable and easy HP, which is one reason you won't stop screwing with them. (Heads, cams, turbos, intakes, etc.) So if someone went with a project LS swap car, they should do it in a platform that they can continue modifying it after they get it running.

[Ten-Zing]

E90 swap - This guy says he would share all his info on how to do.

[Ten-Zing]

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showt...1330984&page=4

There's a great thread here that a forum user made for an LS swap.

Seems to be in Houston and sounds willing to help anyone make the swap. He states he would charge a fee that is a bit more than if someone wanted to swap in new turbos on a N54 car with other supporting mods.

LS engines are cheap and make HP cheap. I have owned several vehicles with LS engines, including 2 Corvettes. That engine platform is just as addicting for mods as the N54/N55 though.

I bought my E90 because I wanted to hotrod a AWD car with a manual transmission. If you search for that criteria see what pops up, BMW is a real natural pick from this pool.

I liked the E90 so much after I got it that I got my wife one (2011 N55). I am now thinking of selling hers and getting her a Porsche 911 C4S in a manual trans because with that I won't be tempted to start modifying it like I am with hers.

I still don't believe a E90 is a natural platform for an LS swap though, I think a 5 series is more natural to it. E90 wheelbase is ~109", E39 = ~111" and E60 = 114".

Anyhow, it would be interesting to see someone take on this project again. Maybe apply lessons learned from older swaps and see what comes of it. Will it be a car you can live with?

https://www.instagram.com/ls_smrf/?hl=en

Join the Facebook group dedicated to these swaps...you wont find any info here. You'll hardly find decent info here on the motor that actually came with the car from the factory, much less an LS.

[iqraceworks]

Originally Posted by FCobra94

Join the Facebook group dedicated to these swaps...you wont find any info here. You'll hardly find decent info here on the motor that actually came with the car from the factory, much less an LS.

Thanks, I will check it out 👍

[DCook]

Junking the n54 was one of the best decisions I've made for a LS. The thread you shared, is the guy whos in the videos and who makes the swap kits for the e9x. Super cool friendly guy.

You won't find any info here, as said. Late model e9x and e8x ls swap group on Facebook is the go to for info.