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Thread: Engine swap advice....528i

  1. #1
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    Engine swap advice....528i

    Hey everyone. Looks like I'm walking into an opportunity to perform an engine swap on an E39 (my boss). I know...not E46.....but I have an E46 so I'm posting here, as I trust you guys (just more comfy hangin with you guys-no homo).

    The question I have is this.

    Does anyone know of a reputible place to pick up a used or rebuilt engine for his car. It is a 1999, 528i. If I need to provide any more info...please let me know. I have seen engines for between $1500.00 to $2500.00. Of course I want to get the best deal for him...but don't want to buy a piece of junk either.

    If you care to read further on this (all the juicy details of how he blew his car up).....check out the below link on the E39 forum....

    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1295124

    The items I think he is gonna need, so far, are:

    1) Engine.
    2) New pulleys and belts.
    3) New radiator.
    4) New expansion tank.
    5) Various hoses.
    6) All New fluids.

    We also need to get his AC up and running, as it was down prior to this

    My buddy has quoted him a $1000.00 for labor (a few hundred better than the two quotes I got, and about $9000 less than the dealer)

    Sorry bout the long thread.

    Also...seems like they have disabled the "Bump" feature...so I will just submit a new thread every day for this....

    Dane
    Last edited by danewilson77; 08-28-2009 at 05:40 PM.

    by Dane Wilson, on Flickr

  2. #2
    nathancarter is offline Stretch Haters Club #1 BMW CCA Member
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    You can only bump if either of the following are true:

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  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by nathancarter View Post
    You can only bump if either of the following are true:

    - You are not the most recent poster to the thread; OR
    - Your most recent post was more than 24 hours ago.

    If neither of those are true, then your attempt to bump will be auto-merged as an edit to your most recent post.
    OK...thanks. Many don't look at the second page...and theres gotta be more advice out there...unless what I am asking is very rare.

    Thanks again Nat
    Last edited by danewilson77; 08-29-2009 at 10:44 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

    by Dane Wilson, on Flickr

  4. #4
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    Using this as the build thread. Boss finally purchased the engine. You were correct JAson. He needed the M52tu. I talked to George at Bavarian Auto Recycling and he verified this...and said www.realoem.com leaves the tu off the engine make (I never knew)

    Anyway, it ran him $2000 for an M52tu with ~86k miles on it....all tested sat to BMW spec's (and a 2 year, umlimited mile warranty o boot). He also picked up a used AC compressor ($125.00...the new ones are $600.00) and both will be in my driveway, hopefully by next Friday...and we will start the swap Saturday. I will post pics and relevant info to E46 enthusiasts...and let you know how the build goes.

    Total build cost will come in under $5000.00. Thanks for all the advice and help thus far on this project.

    by Dane Wilson, on Flickr

  5. #5
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    Saweet! Keep us updated.

    You're gonna learn so much and it's gonna be sweet hearing it start for the first time.

  6. #6
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    Part Ordering, 1 hour:

    Update...all parts ordered...

    ~1100.00 - Parts
    ~2500.00 - Engine plus AC Compressor
    ~1000.00 - Labor...plus we are doing his tranny, diff, and AC

    1st order...


    Part #: Item:
    Price:


    Qty:


    Total Price:

    17 11 1 436 060

    Radiator 1999 528i
    $169.95


    1


    $169.95

    11 53 1 705 223

    Hose - Upper Radiator 1999 528i
    $21.95


    1


    $21.95

    11 53 1 705 224

    Hose - Lower Radiator 1999 528i
    $21.95


    1


    $21.95

    82 14 1 467 704

    Antifreeze - 1 Gallon - Genuine BMW 1999 528i
    $19.95


    1


    $19.95

    17 11 1 436 381

    Radiator Expansion Tank 1999 528i
    $68.95


    1


    $68.95

    17 11 1 712 911

    Radiator Mount - 2 Per Car 1999 528i
    $1.95


    2


    $3.90

    17 11 1 740 315

    Radiator Bracket - Top - 2 Per Car 1999 528i
    $1.95


    2


    $3.90

    11 28 1 433 571

    Tensioner for AC Belt 1999 528i
    $79.95


    1


    $79.95

    11 28 1 427 252

    Tensioner for Water Pump / Alternator Belt - Only for Mechanical Belt Tensioner - pulley included 1999 528i
    $64.95


    1


    $64.95

    11 28 1 437 475

    Belt - Serpentine 6k x 1538 1999 528i
    $33.95


    1


    $33.95

    11 28 1 437 872

    Belt - Serpentine 5k x 863 1999 528i
    $23.95


    1


    $23.95

    WS 102 00 AXX

    Wheelskin Leather Steering Wheel Cover - black 1999 528i
    $35.95


    1


    $35.95


    Subtotal:
    $549.30


    UPS Ground:
    $27.79


    Total:
    $577.09



    2nd order...


    Part #: Item:
    Price:


    Qty:


    Total Price:

    51 14 8 132 375

    BMW Roundel Emblem 1999 528i
    $32.95


    1


    $32.95

    51 14 1 807 495

    Emblem Grommet - 2 required per emblem 1999 528i
    $0.95


    2


    $1.90

    51 14 8 203 864

    Trunk Badge - Roundel 1999 528i
    $28.95


    1


    $28.95

    51 14 8 209 932

    Emblem Grommet - 2 required per emblem 1999 528i
    $0.95


    2


    $1.90

    HD1 BLACK KIT

    Emblem Blackout Kit - for hood and trunk emblems (sold as a pair) 1999 528i
    $9.95


    1


    $9.95

    WD3 BLACK KIT

    Black Emblem Cover Kit - set of 4 - wheel emblem overlays only
    $12.95


    1


    $12.95

    07 51 0 017 866

    Genuine BMW Synthetic Oil - 5w30 - 1 Quart
    $7.95


    7


    $55.65

    11 42 7 512 300

    Oil Filter - With Seal Rings 1999 528i
    $7.95


    1


    $7.95

    64 11 9 070 073

    Interior Cabin Air Microfilter - Activated Charcoal - Sold singularly - 2 required per car 1999 528i
    $34.95


    2


    $69.90

    13 72 1 744 869

    Air Filter 1999 528i
    $17.95


    1


    $17.95

    RLD4ATF

    Red Line D4 Synthetic Transmission Fluid - 1 Quart 1999 528i
    $9.95


    5


    $49.75

    24 11 1 899 KIT

    Automatic Transmission Filter Kit 1999 528i
    $74.95


    1


    $74.95

    RLDFL

    Red Line Synthetic Differential Fluid - 75W90 - 1 Quart 1999 528i
    $9.95


    2


    $19.90

    11 61 1 436 631

    Intake Manifold Gasket Set 1999 528i
    $47.95


    1


    $47.95

    11 62 1 744 252

    Exhaust Manifold Gasket 1999 528i
    $18.95


    1


    $18.95

    11 61 1 716 174

    Throttle Body Gasket 1999 528i
    $9.95


    1


    $9.95

    12 61 1 744 292

    Gasket Ring - for Oil Level Sensor 1999 528i
    $5.95


    1


    $5.95

    11 72 7 505 259

    Gasket for Secondary Air Pump Valve 1999 528i
    $4.95


    1


    $4.95

    11 42 1 719 855

    Gasket - Oil Filter Housing To Engine Block 1999 528i
    $3.95


    1


    $3.95

    11 12 7 526 447

    Gasket Ring - Oil Filler Cap - Located Between Valve Cover And Plastic Coil Cover 1999 528i
    $3.95


    1


    $3.95

    11 28 1 748 130

    Belt Deflection Roller Pulley - Water Pump / Alternator 1999 528i
    $24.95


    1


    $24.95


    Subtotal:
    $505.25


    UPS Ground:
    $0.00


    Total:
    $505.25



    FTW!!!!

    Will be performing the swap this next weekend...
    Last edited by danewilson77; 09-29-2009 at 09:17 AM.

    by Dane Wilson, on Flickr

  7. #7
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    UPDATE: All but 4 parts recieved. It was kinda like Christmas at my house today...hehe







    Still awaiting engine.....intake & exhaust gasket, and 2 other minor pieces.....then it's game on!!!!

    by Dane Wilson, on Flickr

  8. #8
    nathancarter is offline Stretch Haters Club #1 BMW CCA Member
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    I like the little photo of happy Germans on the filter box.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by nathancarter View Post
    I like the little photo of happy Germans on the filter box.
    You're right...that is oddly hilarious, when you think about it....

    by Dane Wilson, on Flickr

  10. #10
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    Day 1...3 hours

    ok....so we got a little progress done today. Removed all the obvious stuff (Radiator, Intake, in cabin filters, Fan and housing, coils, etc...).

    It never ceases to amaze me how easy these cars are to work on....

    Removed headlights as I purchased replacement P39's today from DDMTuning. Those are gonna be a sweet add..along with the new emblems all around and the black wheelskin. Found that the passenger headlight bulb had popped out of housing, and had melted/charred the headlight...so it's good were picking up new one's. All parts seem to have good integrity thus far, except obviously for the radiator and pulley issues.

    The most amazing part thus far was the amount of bugs and debris, that were stuck in the radiator, and in between the transmission/power steering coolers. Made me want to take a shower, then overhaul the coolant system on my car.

    So...the fun begins



    Cleaned up the frontend...ready for new lights



    Interference removal exposing coil packs



    Intake removed and in cabin air filter ducting removed exposing holes.



    The bugs and debris.....wow



    Transmission and power steering coolers.



    Bugs and debris up against transmission/power steering coolers.



    Debris that was swept up that fell out...



    Alternator



    Final shot for the night...look at the pulleys/ Go him a new AC compressor, both tensioner pulleys and an idler/deflection pulley. All other pulley's appear to be sound...



    More pics and progress tomorrow....Were gonna try to get it pulled tomorrow....and we got word today that the engine won't be delivered until the 23rd.

    Have a great night!!!
    Last edited by danewilson77; 09-19-2009 at 10:09 PM.

    by Dane Wilson, on Flickr

  11. #11
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    Nice job Dane, good pics.

    This would be fun, too bad I'm not around..

  12. #12
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    Day 2......5 hours

    So....we began the day by tackling the wire harness, alternator, oil filter housing, power steering, fuel intake, headers, cats, motor mounts...then out with that motor!!!

    AC Compresser (Trashed-New one on the way)


    Alternator


    CCV pipe (pinhole leak coating the inside of the engine compartment)


    Fuel Dist piece removed


    More intake removed (right) and oil filter assembly gone-mating surface left side of screen


    Throttle body looked great!


    Throttle body housing


    Intake removal completed


    Starter removed and tranny loosened at the bell housing. Tranny supported by a jack. Flywheel visible.


    Time to bring on the beast!!! (That's what my son called it...I thought it was an appropriate name)


    The beast all hooked up.


    I just thought this was a cool pic of the side of the block.


    Tranny support SAT!


    GET OUTTA MY ENGINE COMPARTMENT!!!!


    Torque convertor now visible


    Headers and O2 sensors...


    Rear view...Auto flywheel


    Post CAT O2 sensors...


    Pic of the passenger side engine mount and steering components...


    Job done for the day...


    The product of extensive cleaning of the tranny/steering coolers...


    On the deck and in the garage now, Still have to break down the top end (Valve cover, coil packs, plugs, probably VANOS) We are going to wait and see what the new one comes with. Due to arrive Wednesday.


    I thought we were done when I turned around and saw that we had forgotten something.


    I was gonna shut the hood on him (then what would he have done?)...but thought I would be nice since he helped out a ton today.


    The only other problem we ran into was we need a torch to loosen the bolts on the headers....and the wiring harness....was a bear.
    Last edited by danewilson77; 09-19-2009 at 10:09 PM.

    by Dane Wilson, on Flickr

  13. #13
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    Again my friend, nice job Dane, well documented pics.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Phillips0417 View Post
    Again my friend, nice job Dane, well documented pics.
    Thanks Jason.....and if anyone in the future runs across this thread and needs a pic of somethin else.....I didn't post all the pics, and probably have it.

    by Dane Wilson, on Flickr

  15. #15
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    good job

    I'm surprized you didnt have to take the hood off to pull the motor .
    red

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by red99ryder View Post
    I'm surprized you didnt have to take the hood off to pull the motor .
    red
    Yeah...close....but had a couple inches of clearance

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  17. #17
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    So lol did you get the engine? I'm excited to see the end result. Good work man!

  18. #18
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    Got the engine today. It came with many of the parts we removed from the old one. It looks like they cut the radiator hose and oulled the engine.

    One outta two pulleys are trashed (we got new ones anyways). Also recieved the AC compressor...so we should be good to go at wrapping this up soon.















    As a heads up, when ordering from these knucleheads...be advised that the motor is NOT pressure washed, NOT capped. I hope it was dyno tested and compression tested like they claim. It did offer a 2 year warranty however.
    Last edited by danewilson77; 09-29-2009 at 09:29 AM.

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  19. #19
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    Having just completed this sort of task on my '99 323i, I can make a few suggestions (for better or worse):

    1. Removing the entire front of the car (bumper, core support, headlights, etc) makes things much easier.
    2. Completely make up the replacement engine before installing in car. What I means is leave the intake, oil filter housing, alternator, a/c compressor, power steering pump,starter (sitting in proper place), exhaust manifolds, etc. bolted to the engine. Then, when time to install engine, it is properly balanced left to right. Otherwise, the engine tends to roll over toward the exhaust side making installation much more diffilcult.
    3. Disconnect steering shaft and get it out of the way. Now you can remove the tranny oil coole lines if need be to avoid damaging (bending) them.
    4. Get a long bolt that fits the torgue converter and cut off the head. Cut a screw driver slot in the end of the created "stud". Screw the stud into the torque converter to help with alignment.
    5. Connect water hoses to water pipes and fuel line to rails before dropping in engine. Easier to connect on end other than engine once engine is installed.
    6. Use a piece of wood to spread the chain to keep pressure off the plastic intake manifold.
    7. Balance the engine front to back before dropping it in.

    Good luck.

    Edit: Almost forgot, disconnect engine wiring harness from E-box and install on engine before you drop it back in. Reconnecting harness to E-box is super easy. Go ahead and put the belts on as well. In otherwords, totally make up the engine before you drop it in. Then you only have to connect a few things and you are done.
    Last edited by DavidF; 09-23-2009 at 04:53 PM.

  20. #20
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    Wowsers look at that engine; it looks like the oil filter housing is leaking which I'm sure you guys will take care of right? Should replace the oil pan gasket and main seals while it's out and easily accessible. IMO of course, I certainly would. A hell of a lot easier to do now than later in the car with barely enough room to twist a wrench.

    And you're of course gonna do the VANOS right almighty VANOS Dane?

    Can't wait for the rest of the install and rebuild pics; it's gonna be sweet when yall get that thing started for the first time!

  21. #21
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    1. Removing the entire front of the car (bumper, core support, headlights, etc) makes things much easier.

    Yeah....I can see how it would make it easy....but I don't know if we are going to do this. Did you try to install without removing the front end?

    2. Completely make up the replacement engine before installing in car. What I means is leave the intake, oil filter housing, alternator, a/c compressor, power steering pump,starter (sitting in proper place), exhaust manifolds, etc. bolted to the engine. Then, when time to install engine, it is properly balanced left to right. Otherwise, the engine tends to roll over toward the exhaust side making installation much more diffilcult.

    Agree....we will do this.

    3. Disconnect steering shaft and get it out of the way. Now you can remove the tranny oil coole lines if need be to avoid damaging (bending) them.

    Don't know if we are going to do this either.

    4. Get a long bolt that fits the torgue converter and cut off the head. Cut a screw driver slot in the end of the created "stud". Screw the stud into the torque converter to help with alignment.

    Great idea...

    5. Connect water hoses to water pipes and fuel line to rails before dropping in engine. Easier to connect on end other than engine once engine is installed.

    Copy

    6. Use a piece of wood to spread the chain to keep pressure off the plastic intake manifold.

    Or....could wait and put this on after.

    7. Balance the engine front to back before dropping it in.

    Nice

    Thanks for all the hints...

    Quote Originally Posted by Phillips0417 View Post
    Wowsers look at that engine; it looks like the oil filter housing is leaking which I'm sure you guys will take care of right? Should replace the oil pan gasket and main seals while it's out and easily accessible. IMO of course, I certainly would. A hell of a lot easier to do now than later in the car with barely enough room to twist a wrench.

    And you're of course gonna do the VANOS right almighty VANOS Dane?

    Can't wait for the rest of the install and rebuild pics; it's gonna be sweet when yall get that thing started for the first time!
    Suprising enough we are not doing the VANOS. We are gonna get the engine running AT...then maybe...hehe

    After engine install......we will have to evacuate and rechargethe AC........Tranny fluid/filter change...and diff change. Obviously oil and antifreeze will be freash, along with all the new parts above..
    Last edited by danewilson77; 09-23-2009 at 06:14 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

    by Dane Wilson, on Flickr

  22. #22
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    Gonna take care of those leaky gaskets?

  23. #23
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    Major part of install complete...FTW!!!

    Day 3, 6 hours:

    Absolutely....







    Last edited by danewilson77; 09-29-2009 at 07:36 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

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  24. #24
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    Niiiice!! Lookin good buddy!

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by Phillips0417 View Post
    Niiiice!! Lookin good buddy!
    Thanks...we used a bunch of brake cleaner to clean the new engine......THAT DID NOT COME PRESSURE WASHED OR CAPPED. IF I COULDA STUCK IT IN AN ENVELOPE OR A BOX....I WOULD'VE SENT IT BACK....

    by Dane Wilson, on Flickr

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