M54 to N52 Swap

[MrNrge]

I just acquired a 2003 BMW Z4. 6 manual transmission. The M54B30 likely has a blown head gasket. How big of a hassle/project would it be to swap the M54 for an N52b30?

[Smartbear]

I just acquired a 2003 BMW Z4. 6 manual transmission. The M54B30 likely has a blown head gasket. How big of a hassle/project would it be to swap the M54 for an N52b30?

It would a be much harder job than replacing the head gasket, are you 100% it’s failed? It’s almost unheard of for the head gasket to fail on those engines. What tests have you done?
Rob

[SonnyA85]

It's what an extra 30bhp for a lot of hassle. Would be better off supercharging and fixing the head gasket I would have thought.

[Zedebee]

If you are worried about a bit of mayonnaise under the filler cap, it’s common on the M54. It’s a symptom of a failed/clogged CCV (easy fix) rather than a blown head gasket.
As above, replacing the engine would be a significant challenge.

[brillomaster]

Its easy... sell the earlier car, buy a car with a later engine. Job done

[MrNrge]

I have 3 cylinders (2,3, & 4) with relatively low compression about a 150 PSI. And I have hydrocarbons in the coolant.
Sounds like a bad head gasket to me...other thoughts?

You'll have convinced me to just fix this engine.