Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

2008 E85 3.0i S54 swap

First port of call for new members
Post Reply
Skatindeep6ish
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2018 7:44 pm

2008 E85 3.0i S54 swap

Post by Skatindeep6ish » Thu Aug 09, 2018 8:02 pm

Greetings fellow enthusiast!! :)
Joined this forum to help out and receive some inputs from the community of talent.
Purchased a 2008 Z4 3.0i
Going to build an M and document the process of what is required, then take it a step further.
From my research the transmission in the E85 3.0i is the ZF GS6-37BZ. This is also the exact same 6 speed used for the Z4 M. Lovely.
Find a guage cluster as well.
The S54 engine used houseing bolt up and match to the same bell frame.
The ECU required however for this swap from what I have gathered is to be the base M variation for the Z4 to keep with the 3.0i options that will be run from it.
Aside from minor engine bay alterations and changing out the exhaust mounts and obviously a body mod or kit, does anyone have any inside knowledge on this matter?
Also not sure how the insurance or registration works with these alterations.
Attachments
84368677-AE31-4E8D-9776-DB3C883D1926.jpeg
84368677-AE31-4E8D-9776-DB3C883D1926.jpeg (294.08 KiB) Viewed 2074 times
B5554EDE-00F4-4304-B6C8-0F6A92EF8DD8.jpeg
B5554EDE-00F4-4304-B6C8-0F6A92EF8DD8.jpeg (473.52 KiB) Viewed 2074 times

User avatar
Yorkie Z
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 2594
Joined: Thu Nov 28, 2013 9:19 pm
Location: Plymouth

2008 E85 3.0i S54 swap

Post by Yorkie Z » Thu Aug 09, 2018 8:23 pm

Maybe an obvious question but why don't you just buy an M///? Surely it must be cheaper or are you after a project. Personally I'd stick a V8 in if I was after an engine swap.
A Dirty M///

Z4 COUPSTER
Member
Member
Posts: 789
Joined: Sat May 05, 2018 8:08 pm
Location: Bridgend South Wales

2008 E85 3.0i S54 swap

Post by Z4 COUPSTER » Thu Aug 09, 2018 8:37 pm

As above git a V8 or even seen a V10. Then fun begins. Or just buy a Z4M if that's your route.
Oh and Welcome!!!!
D
:thumbsup: Z in da Head.
3.0i Z3 sport,sapphire black,3.0i Z4 roadster Sterling grey,auto,Z4 3.0si Coupe Titanium silver,Stubby &B06 Plus some other German beauties!!

User avatar
Jakg
Member
Member
Posts: 367
Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2018 12:36 am
Location: Suffolk

2008 E85 3.0i S54 swap

Post by Jakg » Thu Aug 09, 2018 8:41 pm

Yorkie Z wrote: Thu Aug 09, 2018 8:23 pm Maybe an obvious question but why don't you just buy an M///? Surely it must be cheaper or are you after a project. Personally I'd stick a V8 in if I was after an engine swap.
I found a Z4 3.0 SI for sale with a dead engine cheap and thought "well if I have to go to all the hassle of fitting a new engine, why not see what else might fit?".

I was put off by lots of posts online with electrical issues, and the mismatch between hydraulic vs electric steering.

User avatar
Mr Tidy
Legend
Legend
Posts: 23608
Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
Location: North West Surrey

2008 E85 3.0i S54 swap

Post by Mr Tidy » Thu Aug 09, 2018 8:51 pm

Jakg wrote: Thu Aug 09, 2018 8:41 pm I found a Z4 3.0 SI for sale with a dead engine cheap and thought "well if I have to go to all the hassle of fitting a new engine, why not see what else might fit?".

I was put off by lots of posts online with electrical issues, and the mismatch between hydraulic vs electric steering.
Well I can see why you need to do a swap! :thumbsup:

But if I had to go to all that trouble I'd want to make it unique, rather than fitting an S54 like BMW did.

I found a write-up somewhere on a Z4 someone had fitted with the 5 litre V10 from the M5/M6 - maybe the photo will inspire you! But whatever you decide to fit, this could be the start of a fascinating thread! Good luck. :thumbsup:
Attachments
V10!.jpg
V10!.jpg (205.69 KiB) Viewed 2044 times
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black

Zoomer
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1115
Joined: Tue Jul 08, 2014 10:14 pm
Location: Staffordshire Moorlands

2008 E85 3.0i S54 swap

Post by Zoomer » Thu Aug 09, 2018 10:08 pm

Surely your side of the pond a LS MOTOR would be cheaper to do?
Sterling Grey 3.0i E85 Black Heated Leather M sports seats , 224's ,Sat Nav, Bluetooth, Xenons, PDC, Gaptech ,Cruise and a nice warm garage. NOW GONE
Silver 3.0i Z4 NOW GONE

Z4 COUPSTER
Member
Member
Posts: 789
Joined: Sat May 05, 2018 8:08 pm
Location: Bridgend South Wales

2008 E85 3.0i S54 swap

Post by Z4 COUPSTER » Mon Aug 13, 2018 9:40 pm

Mr Tidy wrote: Thu Aug 09, 2018 8:51 pm
Jakg wrote: Thu Aug 09, 2018 8:41 pm I found a Z4 3.0 SI for sale with a dead engine cheap and thought "well if I have to go to all the hassle of fitting a new engine, why not see what else might fit?".

I was put off by lots of posts online with electrical issues, and the mismatch between hydraulic vs electric steering.
Well I can see why you need to do a swap! :thumbsup:

But if I had to go to all that trouble I'd want to make it unique, rather than fitting an S54 like BMW did.

I found a write-up somewhere on a Z4 someone had fitted with the 5 litre V10 from the M5/M6 - maybe the photo will inspire you! But whatever you decide to fit, this could be the start of a fascinating thread! Good luck. :thumbsup:
That's he boy. Seen it n you tube. Crazy bit of kit.
D
:thumbsup: Z in da Head.
3.0i Z3 sport,sapphire black,3.0i Z4 roadster Sterling grey,auto,Z4 3.0si Coupe Titanium silver,Stubby &B06 Plus some other German beauties!!

Online
User avatar
buzyg
Legend
Legend
Posts: 26423
Joined: Fri May 20, 2011 6:11 pm
Location: Cornwall

2008 E85 3.0i S54 swap

Post by buzyg » Mon Aug 13, 2018 11:24 pm

Note for Mr T and others. Though I agree with your sentements. Jakg is not the OP :wink:

OP, welcome to the mad house. Lots of different bits on the ///M not on the other E85's in addition to those you mention

Steering is hydraulic.
Brakes are from the M3 CSL
Suspension has several unique ///M bits
Seats have a rather nice embossed logo.
Steering wheel.

In short, buy an ///M and save your self the expense. :wink:
Image

Post Reply