I guess I don't really need help, more like a confirmation. So, I did the S50 B32 swap with 6-speed tranny and KMS polished gear euro diff no problem. The only set back was, when I recieved the subframe, it did not come with the front diff mounting bracket. Also, I was unaware of the tranny support bracket being different, those two parts have been ordered and should arrive shortly. I have read the posts involving the wiring for the EWS and the ignition. Now comes the question of the hour. The ignition I recieved came with everything, but the antenna for the key on the outside of the ignnition swivels. I have read stories of people have to get this aligned. I don't have a steering column cover and I was wondering how this is supposted to stay aligned if it swivels, or if it in fact won't matter? Also, I don't have it wired in yet, but when I did crank the engine with the original ignition, the engine started, but only ran for a few seconds(if that), is this also normal? Thanks much for your help.

BimmerTim

i believe u ruined the motor. i will purchase it from you for 1000 for spare parts.

Just exactly what would be ruined about the motor? If anything, an ecu and sensors, but hardly a ruined motor. I read a post about a guy with the same thing happening and he just had the key aligned and it ran fine. There is nothing mechanically wrong with the engine at all, the ews is just not wired up yet, that is why it won't continue to run.

he's joking! You need the ews aligned

yea sorry man but nice motor. how much did you pay for it?

Sorry, I was perplexed, and I'm new to the forums and the bimmer scene, but I have been working at Motorwerks BMW in Minneapolis, so I caught on quick. I paid 6500 for the motor, 2500 for the 6 speed trans, and 2500 for the KMS diff. I went with the Moton club sport coil-overs, ground control sway bars, and BBS RGR forged 17X9 wheels. I did some other stuff, but mostly suspension bearings. But, since I have no steering column cover, how is it that the ring for the ews stays in place? Right now it just moves around freely. How exaclty do you align it? Are there any other tips or hints anyone knows for the swap? I'm done with it already, but for future reference. I'll take some pics tomorrow and post those as well. The final touches on the trans mount are all thats left. I didn't feel like waiting for a trans mount to get here from the EDM, so I'm fabricating my own. Plus, it should be able to handle the power better. It's bad enough I have to wait for the front diff braket, but Motorwerks said it was released from Germany on Wednesday and they should have it by Monday. Like I said, I'll take pics and post what I did for the swap and the trans mount. Thanks again.
Tim

Ok, after I wired up the EWS, I put the key in and it fired right up. However, I read on a different post that if the EWS is not aligned, the DME goes into a "limp mode", and it red lines at 7000. Is this true? I don't really feel like redlining my engine just yet, a break in period would be better. Any help would be appreciated. Have many people on the boards performed this swap? Thanks
Tim

no such thing.

either it runs or it doesnt run.

Perfect! Well, it runs. So, that is that. I got the trans bracket done today. All that is left is for Motorwerks to have my diff bracket. Hopefully tomorrow that will be in and on the it will be. Pics will be soon.

the "alignment" isn't a phsycial alignment, it is programming your DME/EWS to work with whatever engine/dme/key combination that you have. If you used the DME and EWS that was on the engine, that's probably why it worked. As the last poster said, though, if it runs, your EWS is good. If the EWS is not correctly aligned(programmed) then you'll crank and crank and crank and it won't run.

Thanks for your help. I finished it up today and it runs and drives. That engine really is a work of art. It has to go to the exhaust shop in the morning and then its back to the daily grind. This winter I plan to put in a cage and some Recaro seats and get it painted. I can't wait to let her rip, I get all excited just thinking about it. Thanks again guys. Later.
Tim