S50 into e46 compact

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mikekean
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Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:06 pm

I know this isnt e30 related but there seems to be alot more knowledgable on this site when it comes to wiring and engine conversions than e36 and e46 related sites.

Im looking at putting an s50 into an e46 compact, you will probably say why not put an s54 in well this is my second option but 1. it is alot more expensive 2. the wiring is a nightmare.

So my question is does anyone know if wiring an s50 into an e46 is a simple job, or are the EWS and other related electronics compatible?

Thanks,

Mike
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mikekean
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Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:10 pm

Actually scrap that, just remebered posts 99 e46 have drive by wire throtle so wont work with a cable throtle s50.
leeparkes
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Fri Jan 08, 2010 1:59 pm

mikekean wrote:Actually scrap that, just remebered posts 99 e46 have drive by wire throtle so wont work with a cable throtle s50.
Could it be converted to cable?
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mikekean
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Fri Jan 08, 2010 11:24 pm

probably ill have to look into it. thing is an m54 drops straight in which has 230bhp straight out the box, not sure if the extra 50bhp is worth the hassle.
Cook318IS
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Fri Jan 08, 2010 11:34 pm

im pretty sure glenn converted the s54 that was in an e30 m3 he had to cable throttle. Probably worth doing a search under his username, might have some hints to convert the e46?
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Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:26 pm

Glenn's was running S50B32 management..

S54 into an E46 is the way to go, I believe the wiring will be far more simple than an S50 for a start.. Almost plug and play seeing as engines were shared with the rest of the E46 range
Got cable ties? Get diffin..

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UweM3
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Sun Jan 10, 2010 4:40 pm

mikekean wrote:probably ill have to look into it. thing is an m54 drops straight in which has 230bhp straight out the box, not sure if the extra 50bhp is worth the hassle.
I think you will find that it's more than just 50 bhp which make a difference.
But I agree that the M54 is worth considering if you want to keep the costs in check.
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martinpallot
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Sun Jan 10, 2010 7:50 pm

Martin Stockdale runs and e46 compact rally car with a 3.0ltr S50 and 3.2 head so I'm sure its do-able
Dave_M3
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Sun Jan 10, 2010 7:58 pm

If the M54 is a straight swap, there not much reason why the S54 won't be too difficult.

S54 engines are nearly cheaper than M3 Evo engines here as everybody is scared shitless of the wiring and think they will be too difficult to fit into any car bar an E46 M3.

Which is brilliant for people that want to be a little different as everybody wants an S50 over here... they'll be as common as Alpina reps soon :roll:


In regards the fly-by-wire conversion to cable throttle. Its pretty easy to make up the bracket and linkages if you have access to a machine shop. Otherwise you can spend 200 quid or so to buy the kit in loads of places like VAC, CA-automotive etc.
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AussieM3ti
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Mon May 24, 2010 1:18 pm

Dave_M3 wrote:S54 engines are nearly cheaper than M3 Evo engines here as everybody is scared shitless of the wiring and think they will be too difficult to fit into any car bar an E46 M3.
Sorry to reserect an old thread, but I have done the S54 into an E46 Compact swap. Mine is a race car and the easiest thing was to bring the M3 wiring loom across.

The issue had to do with the M3 DSC. The E46 Compact has only ASC and is missing all the senors for the DSC. The S54 without the right DSC is nobbled with a 6500 rev limit.

Once I brought the M3 loom and M3 DSC and sensors across everthing worked great.

Cheers Brian
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