2004 530i - 2006 M5 engine swap

Hi Guys,
This is my first post on this forum.
My question is whether or not it would be possible to drop a 2006 BMW M5 in a 2004 BMW 530i?
I hoped to have this question answered as sson as possible since the engine I'm going to buy will be sold soon.
Both vehicles have automatic transmissions. The M5 transmission does come with the tranny.
So, really there are 3 questions:
1. Is space or mounting brackets an issue? I'm pretty sure all 5 series have the same size engine bay.
2. Would all of the features of the M5 cause problems? (various M modes and such)
3 And finally, will the wiring harnesses line up well?

The reason for this swap is that I think I can get the engine cheap, more power, and the stock inline 6 is satring to give up.

That's an awesome project...
With correct resources, brackets can be moved, walls can be cutout and reinforced... transaxle can be modded or replaced. But one glaring thing that makes me believe you are not totally ready for this project - how do you suppose you will use the I-6 harness to work on a V-10?

The engine I'm looking to buy comes with the harness and ECU. All for around a 1.5k
I havent done that much looking around yet, but I'd assume connections are similar between the two engines, since both are e60's.
When I said harnesses up above I meant the electrical for the sensors, gauges, etc.

Ahhhh... awesome project. You may want to search around the 5Series.net to see if there are some modders who's done it and pick their brains.

Check 5series.net or the M5board - there was a guy in Greece that converted his regular 5 series to an M5 by transplanting everything from a crashed M5.

Originally Posted by Nube1kenobi

Ahhhh... awesome project. You may want to search around the 5Series.net to see if there are some modders who's done it and pick their brains.

Your sincerity makes me chuckle

It certainly is a big job... including registering his car as a "rebuilt" since we have laws that may not be compatible with such an endeavor.

Originally Posted by Munich77

Check 5series.net or the M5board - there was a guy in Greece that converted his regular 5 series to an M5 by transplanting everything from a crashed M5.

I heard someone took a bulls heart and put it in a dog - damn thing broke through walls when it saw anything red.

The mechanical swap will not be your issue. The real problem will be getting all the electronics to work. You will need to find someone who can recode everything to work together. It would be much cheaper to sell your 530 and 1.5k and buy a M5

Originally Posted by spartan117jhw43

The engine I'm looking to buy comes with the harness and ECU. All for around a 1.5kI havent done that much looking around yet, but I'd assume connections are similar between the two engines, since both are e60's.
When I said harnesses up above I meant the electrical for the sensors, gauges, etc.

Anyone else amazed that hes getting the V10 for 1.5k?

Heck, i'd resell that thing and go on a vacation!

How much do you guys think a 2006 M5 engine with 50k miles and from a totalled M5 is worth?
Remember it comes with the tranny wiring harness and ECU but its a salvage title...

Originally Posted by spartan117jhw43

How much do you guys think a 2006 M5 engine with 50k miles and from a totalled M5 is worth?
Remember it comes with the tranny wiring harness and ECU but its a salvage title...

Given the latest market data.. about $1,500.


Now I want to build a track car!

Originally Posted by WULFFZA

Given the latest market data.. about $1,500.


Now I want to build a track car!

Yeah.... I think the M5 V10 would be a sweet swap for an E30 (which has been done a couple of time) or perhaps a 2002 or first generation 5 series...

What makes an M-car is not just engine, but also suspension, braking, gearing, trans etc. It'll make more sense to sell the 530i and buy a used M5, unless you're up to the challenge and have the means but asking this board show you are not the later.

At what point does the re-badge to an M5 become acceptable? Engine+Suspension+Brakes+M-aerokit?

Originally Posted by WULFFZA

Your sincerity makes me chuckle

I missed this one! I chuckled too. But tell me, you saw me blink? I tried to type it with straight fingers. No wonder I lost that poker game. Gave away a tell...

Seriously, you don't want to even try this.
You will be money ahead to just buy an m5.
However, if you found a used v10 for 1500 bucks that you KNOW works, youre lucky. I've seen them as high as 10 grand.
Sounds kinda fishy.
Be careful you don't get burned!