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BMW E39

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  • Discussion about smooth running test: , ).

    Fluid flush procedure: ) requires the several components to be synchronised. Some of these components are unable to be re-programmed or reprogramming requires expensive equipment. The components which need to be synchronised are: DME, EWS control unit and the electronic chip inside the ignition key. The easiest method to maintain synchonisation is to send the new DME, EWS and the car key to a specialist for re-coding (MichaelK5990 thread, 766jack thread). Having the existing key re-coded avoids the need to replace all the locks in the car. Another option is use the DME from your old engine on your new engine.

    Even matched EWS components can need re-syncing (HTK12 post).

    Replacement with identical engine:

    Using a replacement engine of the exact same specification (same family, same capacity, same vanos configuration) enables the old engine's electronics to be used with the new engine (1). This avoids the complications involved with modifying the EWS system.

    Alternative sources for replacement engines:

    - M52: E36, E38 (pre September 1998 only) or Z3 (pre September 1998) (1)

    - M52TU: E46, E38 (post September 1998 only), Z3 (post September 1998)

    - M54: E46, Z3 (3.0L only), Z4 (pre September 2006), E53. Note: the E60 and E83 models also used the M54 engine, however they started production after the E39 was discontinued, therefore there may be changes which are incompatible with the E39

    - M62: E38 (pre September 1998 only), E31 (4.4L only)

    - M62TU: E38 (post September 1998 only), E53 (pre July 2003 only)

    Note that coding is required when installing an engine from an automatic car into a manual car, and potentially vice-versa.

    Replacement with same engine family, but different engine specification:

    This section described engine swaps within the same family (eg M52, M54, M60 or M62). Although the M52 and M54 engines are similar in many ways (similarly, the M60 has many similarities with the M62), unfortunately the small differences may cause difficulties for an engine conversion (1). Therefore, it is often much more straightforward to use a replacement engine from the same family. Nonetheless, there are still challenges when remaining in the same engine family. Therefore, in addition to the issues noted above, the following issues should be considered.

    Capacity changes require a change of engine tuning to operate at its full potential. It is possible to get the new tune coded into your old DME (2), thus avoiding EWS modifications. Also, it may be possible to 'virginize' a DME so that a new tune can be used (3). Note that sometimes the ancilleries are different for each engine capacity, for example the maf, intake, airbox are different between the M54B25 and M54B30 (4).

    Changing the vanos configuration (eg replacing a single vanos M62 engine with a dual vanos M62TU engine) is considered not a practical option (1, 2, 3), since it would require extensive modification to the cars electronics.

    Engine swaps for power increase

    "Anything is possible, the question is if it is worth your time and money. I have seen someone swap an engine out of a 2006 M3 into a 1989 M3. Was it really cool and fast? Yes. Was it really worth spending almost $20k for it? No. For that kind of money he could have built up an impressive euro S50 and blown away his current setup" -Jimmys530i

    The issues discussed above in replacing a broken engine all apply, plus added complications due to differences in how the car is configured for each engine.

    E39 engines- 6 cyl:

    E39 engines- V8:

    For 6 cylinder owners, it will probably be cheaper to trade in your car and buy a V8 E39 than to do a V8 engine swap on a 6 cylinder car (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).
    • BMW M62TU replacement of M62: Theoretically, this swap is similar to M54 replacement of M52TU (see above).
    • BMW S62: This swap is expected to be very difficult (1, 2)

    Non-BMW engines:
 
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