Just like the title says, it should fit in my e46 328 no problem, was wondering how much it'd cost with an engine that has say 80k miles max.

im looking into this too.. look to pay ~8k or more

Its going to cost a lot to get your hands on one...and its going to cost a lot to have it put in the right way and have it run correctly. Don't forget all the crap you'll have to do to keep the rear end from tearing itself apart.

Its going to cost a lot to get your hands on one...and its going to cost a lot to have it put in the right way and have it run correctly. Don't forget all the crap you'll have to do to keep the rear end from tearing itself apart.
yes. indeed. im already lookin back at my original plans lol

I've been spending the past few months doing a lot of research into this. Here are some items to consider based on what I have come up with so far. Keep in mind that this is all just based on my research. I’ve never actually done the swap myself.

Recipient Chassis and Driveline
No big deal here. Should bolt right in to any E36 chassis and mate to the 5-speed without issue.

Engine Sourcing
Donor S54 are more common today, but still not simple to source. Expect to pay $4,000 - $8,000.

Engine Management System and EWS Calibration
If you are planning on running OEM style, this will be a BIG hurdle. Not much more I can provide on this right now. Standalone will cost you several thousand and could cause you problems with passing emissions testing (depending on your state and local laws)

Fuel System
The S54 uses a different style of fuel system. Check out the differences on the ETK. If you have to buy the parts from the dealer, this could add up to quite a bit.

Intake and Exhaust Systems
Most S54 donor engines I’ve seen for sale do not include the intake muffler. You can use a M Roadster OEM type, but it’ll be pricey from the dealer. Even if you fab one on your own, you’ll still need the HFM. Factor in at least a few hundred for this. And the S54 HFM is distinctly different in style than the S50/S52 HFMs. So even a 3.5” CAI will need modifications to work. The header system can also get pricey. The US style header/cats are pricey from the dealer. Search the boards and you can find them used for less. If you decide to go euro, factor in several thousand for the headers and midpipe/cats. And speaking of midpipes, you’ll need a custom set to fit the E36 chassis. So at least another couple hundred here to have a shop fab them for you.

Cooling System
You’ll probably want something beefier than the E36 stock system. A full S54 style system from the S54 powered M Roadster will probably cost $1,000 - $1,500 with the oil cooler and expansion tank.


Ancillary Systems
More potentially hidden costs. Consider the following items that may not come with you S54 core or if used from the E36 may need modifications to work; starter, power steering pump, alternator, air-conditioner compressor, belt drive system, emission control air pump, etc. Specifically, the power steering lines will need to be modified at the least. Also, the parts for the belt drive system add up FAST. And aren’t always included with a S54 core. These can quickly reach close to $1,000 if you have to buy them new.

If one were to swap the S54 in with motor, trans, ECU, harness, cluster. How would the wiring work out? Basically what I'm trying to ask is since the swap isn't plug and play like putting an s52 in an e36, how would one go about wiring everything up so that it is like the factory put the motor in the e36? And what would be required to make it a factory like swap?

Along with the electrical and drivetrain issues, dont forget about the hood. There is a bulge in the M3's hood for a reason; the engine is tilted.

Along with the electrical and drivetrain issues, dont forget about the hood. There is a bulge in the M3's hood for a reason; the engine is tilted.

I dont think thats an issue with the E36. There are several E36 S54 installations and no one has commented on hood clearance issues.

Yeah I think the "power bulge" on the hood of the m3 is purely show.

I dont think thats an issue with the E36. There are several E36 S54 installations and no one has commented on hood clearance issues.

He was wanting to know about installing it into an E46. check the first post again.

As for the bulge in the hood, I really think that it serves a purpose. Could be wrong though.

Read the 5th post down on this forum, concerning the hood.
https://mvs01.spt.unisys.com/showthread.php,DanaInfo=forum.e46fanatics.com+?t=1 91582

This is from an E46 M3 driver.

my .02

I want to turbo an s54 so bad. either in an e46 M3 or e36 M3. yum

$10,000

That is cheaper than wanting to get an M10 motor built from Top End Performance for a turbo application in a 75 2002, from intake to Turbo and all parts needed. :( wish I had 13K just laying around:(

My cousin is seriously looking into this swap right now, the engine is coming from a rolled e46 m3 (he will have the whole car so access to absolutly any part needed). A really good shop here in ontario that has done alot of BMW swaps has quoted me about $200o CAN for a complete factory-like turnkey swap using the stock ECU.

sell your car for 10k, add another 15k and buy a damn e46 M3 with 80k for 25k.

it will probably cost alot to get ahold of an engine and tranny. alot of them are still in warranty at dealerships. once the e90 m3 comes out then you will def start seeing more and more e46's out there for sale.

and btw i have an s54 long block that im tryin to get rid of

pm me if interested

sell the car...you will still have transmission, suspension, brakes, etc leftover

its was gonna cost me 10k Canadian turn key. But i figured for less money i can get a Euro 3,2 (S50B32)

What shop in Canada is does the s54 into e36 conversion with the stock ecu? Will all the gauges work as well?

You should just buy a euro s50 and lightly build it and boost it. Wouldn't be anymore expensive, and it would be cooler,faster,And different.

Euro s52: $8000 < You can use your stock tranny with s50
supercharger/turbo W/build: $7000
Swap: $2000 +
total: $20,000 by the time everything is sorted out and exterior mods dyno time ect.

S54-

Used beat S54: 6-10k
Motec +dyno time: 3000
tranny...SMG? :4000
exhaust setup: 1000(cheaply)
mounts and other bullshit: $xxxx

total s54 amount: 20k with less power and more headaches.

You should just buy a euro s50 and lightly build it and boost it. Wouldn't be anymore expensive, and it would be cooler,faster,And different.

Euro s52: $8000 < You can use your stock tranny with s50
supercharger/turbo W/build: $7000
Swap: $2000 +
total: $20,000 by the time everything is sorted out and exterior mods dyno time ect.

S54-

Used beat S54: 6-10k
Motec +dyno time: 3000
tranny...SMG? :4000
exhaust setup: 1000(cheaply)
mounts and other bullshit: $xxxx

total s54 amount: 20k with less power and more headaches.

My understanding is that the S54 can mate to the E36 without issues. Also, the only exhaust component that needs fabrication is the midpipes. This should be easily done by a muffler shop for under $1000

The Getrag 420G six speed averages around $2500 these days, for the non SMG version. You'd pay around the same for a euro Evo six speed transmission. You don't need it though. You can reuse the ZF 320 5 speed transmission, as BMW did with the Z3 M Roadster and Coupe.

The European M3 received the S50. Never an S52. That was a US only engine. The 3.2L Euro M3 engine is the S50B32.