Z4 e85 V8 conversion

[DC88]

Hi All…

I’ve seen a few discussions around this topic but never anything that has been conclusive. I’m hoping I can get some answers from my fellow z4 enthusiasts here!

I live in Zimbabwe and own a 2003 BMW 2.2L 5 speed manual. I bought the car with the intention to do a V8 swap. There is a 540i e39 automatic for sale locally and I’m interested to get it as a donor car to the z4. I still want the manual gearbox however I know the 5 speed I have won’t handle the new engine. My thinking is then to use the m57 diesel gearbox with an adaptor plate (there a few available online).

With the above information my question is - Will it be difficult to get the electronics, etc to work and talk to each other? What would it entail to get the electronics to work?
I want the car to not have lights, etc flashing halfway down the driveway.

All information is greatly appreciated.

[MonsterZ4]

I would imagine the electronics will be the biggest hurdle.
I’m quiet, I fancy the 335d engine in my Z4 Coupe……

[DC88]

I’m quiet, I fancy the 335d engine in my Z4 Coupe……

That is a very interesting combination!
I figured the electronics would be the challenge… I’m hoping someone can tell me how to get around it.
Resources are lacking in Zimbabwe

[BigDaddy]

That is a big project that I can’t help with on the technical side but I hope you manage to get it sorted as it would be fantastic. I had an e39 540i and it had loads of torque and sounded great. Went brilliantly over 100mph. Having it in a car that weighs 300kg less would be pretty amazing I’m sure.

Good luck and please take plenty of photos.

[tomscott]

Interesting project! I think if I was going to the effort I would put the S65 in. Light, more powerful and an S variant.

Don't think ive seen an S65 z4 conversion. Considering the S54 is 217kg and the S65 is 202kg and has 76hp 35nm more, then if not enough you can always supercharge it. Quite the combo I think!

Can't help on the electronics but a V10 swap has been done with a manual gear box so I'm sure it can be done. The electronics took a long time to sort from memory there is a thread on here somewhere.

[plenty]

Many E46 M3s have been LS swapped so I'd imagine it's not too hard to put an LS in an E85/86.

[abar121]

There is at least one S65 Z4 out there, not seen anything about it for yonks though.

I can't say I'm a big fan of that engine, although it might be more lively in something lighter than an E92 and when tuned.

I'd go V10, why not.

EDIT: Plenty on YT.

Just searching, Rogue Engineering have apparently done an S62 conversion, maybe talk to them, OP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WubVG3qqJk4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fusAZhHmZwM

[brillomaster]

if you haven't bought the donor car yet, i'd really try and buy one that already has a manual gearbox. then all you'd be doing is swapping the engine and gearbox into the Z4 chassis, with a custom propshaft to link to the existing Z4 rear end....

but either way, best of luck - keep us updated if you get anywhere with it.