2.2 to 3.0 Engine Swap

G

GarethFishr

Member
Hi,

Has anyone ever swapped the 2.2i for the 3.0i in their Z4 or have any details?

Is it a straight swap - work with the same wiring, gearbox, mounts, etc. etc.?

Cheers

G
 
Honestly I don't think anyone has done it. The question comes up fairly regularly on here. But given the relative costs of the cars these days most would opt to sell one and buy the other. I bet its physically a straight swap though but you'd need at least a remap and possibly a ecu swap to get it running right. Then there also the issue of different gearboxes, props, diffs and driveshafts not to mention the exhaust is different IIRC.
 
If the 2.2 dies at any time, I understand they’re pretty cheap to replace

Depending on how or why it dies, a rebuild/modification could be worth considering

Ive read that fitting the crank and rods from a 3.0 can increase capacity from 2.2 to 2.6 or 2.7, which if combined with the 3.0 intake and Ecu can release noticeable power

That’s what I’d consider if mine ever gives up
 
That said, there’s a lot more commonality between the 2.2 and the 2.5, so a 2.5 would be more likely to just slot in as a replacement

As others have posted, the 3.0 is a bit too different
 
It is a very simple swap as both engines are the same gen. I'm just finishing a 2.2 swap to a 2.8.
 
You may encounter insurance issues etc. The brake discs are bigger on a 3.0 for a start, to provide more stopping power.
Not a project killer but an example of things to consider
 
Number5 said:
You may encounter insurance issues etc. The brake discs are bigger on a 3.0 for a start, to provide more stopping power.
Not a project killer but an example of things to consider
Click to expand...

This is true although not the end of the world. You'll also need to source the bigger prop shaft as the bolt pattern is slightly wider.

It's actually not as bad as it sounds, just need to sit down and think it all through.
 
Any other input on this swap... Got a smashed 3.0 and a decent 2.2

I read that everything is the same... And keep the 2.2 gearbox and diff for some decent acceleration

Then just a case of a remap as they are both m54 engines and it's only down to the map 2.2 Vs 3.0
 
I doubt it's common for Z4's, but I bet it's been done hundreds of times for E46's which are basically the same.
 
Lowzed said:
Any other input on this swap... Got a smashed 3.0 and a decent 2.2

I read that everything is the same... And keep the 2.2 gearbox and diff for some decent acceleration
Click to expand...
You wont get much more acceleration out of a 2.2. gearbox.
The 5 speed has longer 1st and 2nd than the 6 speed, so that defeats most of the shorter final drive.
So you then have about the same acceleration and you're missing 6th gear
Besides, both the 2.2 gearbox and diff have a much lower torque rating than the 3.0i driveline. The torque rating on the 2.2 components is lower than the output torque of the 3.0i.

If the driveline (so gearbox, propshaft and rear axle) is still in tact I'd swap those too. That's not that much of a job. 2 days work at most if you know the platform.
 
I did a 2.5 to 3.0 swap. Both M54.
They are pretty much the same, besides suspension and brakes difference what you would need is a 3.0 DME with EWS or reflashing yours. Gearbox would fit but theroetically the torque of the 3.0 it's too much for it, mine is fine for now. On the intake side, everything changes, from the intake manifold to the filter airbox (different diameter sizes), injectors and pretty much that's all what changes "outside" the engine. It's really doable, but maybe in the UK it's just not worth the hassle... I'm living in Spain where these cars prices are totally different...
 
I always understood that certain BMW modules could not be reassigned to a new car, having no idea what was involved in swapping a DME (main engine management unit) and EWS (immobiliser) I had a little read out of interest. Apparently it can be done, all explained here for those like me who can tune carbs by ear and set points & timing, but nearly deleted a load of modules with their BMCables kit :P
https://www.ecudoctors.com/pages/bmw-ecu-dme-reprogrammed-and-rebuilt


But my guess is that the cost of the engine swap with necessary brake and other upgrades, would be far less than selling the car and buying a 3.0 or even a 3.0si
 
Hello im new to this site. but iv blowen my 2.5i engine well head geskets gone. i cant get a garage to replace the head gesket for less the £1600+ i can get another engine for a lot less but my question is can i fit an engine out a e46 2.5 or 3.0? Iv looked into buying another z4 but iv spent loads of time and money on mine and i havent come a cross 1 as mechanily sound all wheels bearing brakes and suspension all sorted even polly bushed most of the way round so i dont wont to replace the car just need an engine and z4 engines ant cheep comperd to e46 moters
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

bigwinn
E89 N20- engine swap
Replies
18
Views
758
flybobbie
F
T
N46 engine swap
Replies
1
Views
229
DarkApollo
D
L
e85 engine swap
Replies
0
Views
218
leonacikalin
L
P
If you have questions about engine swap (new member)
Replies
3
Views
364
Ole gits rule
O
S
E90 335i N54 Engine Swap
Replies
5
Views
421
mcbutler
M
Back
Top Bottom