How does one go about putting an M5 engine in a Z4M?

[alexman]

Seen this like many of you have on another post: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/12/for-sale-bmw-z4-with-551hp-m5-v10.html

Just toying with the idea...

How would one go about getting this done? I'm guessing finding a scrap M5 would be the way forward if the engine was running, but even then it would have to be Cat D to avoid paying for the whole car... wonder how much of a job it would be to fit it, although I'm thinking that with the M's 343hp the suspension/transmission etc should be able to take the added power of the V10 engine?

 

[Andrew D]

I've seen M5's and M6's at brakers (FAB Direct, etc.) so you'd be able to pick a motor up from there, although probably not inexpensively.

Suspension / brakes wouldn't necessarily need modifying, unless you want to make the thing, you know, driveable.

But you'd need a new transmission probably as torque is 30% up on the S54. That said I expect that the E39 M5's manual box would be able to take it, so you needn't put the 7-speed SMG into the Zed, and you might be able to recycle the E39's diff. as well. But, unless the stock item is up to it, you'd be looking at a bespoke drive shaft as the M5's would be too long.