M54 vs M52

[Coyote_ar]

Hey guys, on the local yard i just found a M54 from a 2001 330ci.
Also there is a M52B25 from a 1999 323ti.

Im considering the M54, or the M52B25 + the M54B30 crank.

In both cases im planing running MS2, and ditching the vanos, maybe some other shared upgrades as ITBs. neither engine has the ECU or wiring, so thats mainly why im going the MS2 route, and starting from scratch

cost is higher for the M52, since i have to get the engine + the M54 crank.

So the question is, which one would you get? ive read that some people dont like M54s over M52s, others do. So i would like to know why is that you prefer one engine over the other one if possible.

thanks.

[maxfield]

Ain't M54 fly by wire, so that would cause a problem on it's on wouldn't it?

[Coyote_ar]

not really if you ditch the stock ecu, just swap the fly by wire TB for a regular one, or a set of ITBs.

[maxfield]

That's that problem solved.

I'd go for the M54 then...

[Coyote_ar]

any particular reason? better head? or any highlight? im just curious.

[maxfield]

Because there has been lots of M52's done, not many M54's..

[DanThe]

Both, then stroke the M52, ditching the M52 management is a good move

[Coyote_ar]

Dan, any reason why you would prefer the M52 over the M54? In this case i think both blocks are alloy. so weight and strengh should be similar i guess.

In both cases, how much harm would losing the VANOS would cause?

i know i will have to choose to either lose the low end torque or high end hp, o most probably just do a compromise of both. but really would it be that bad?

[Gunni]

Get the bigger engine.
lock the vanos and if there is DBW get rid of it.
And you have a very late model Non vanos M50 style setup.
Should make nice power and excellent drivability

[Coyote_ar]

thanks gunni, what do you mean by DBW?

i mailed VAC motorsports, asking if the S54 vanos elimination kit will fit on the M54, but no answer so far.

[DanThe]

i mailed VAC motorsports, asking if the S54 vanos elimination kit will fit on the M54, but no answer so far.

It wont, they are totally different.

M54 is nothing like the M50

M54 is a PITA, its restricted to f*ck from the factory, and I dont just mean the bolt on manifolds.
The inlet is a huge chunk of headache, and you would struggle to get it in the E30 bay IMO.
Im in the middle of converting an M54B30 to go in my car, believe me it would be a lot less work and a lot less money to buy both engines and use the M52 block/head for the same results

[Coyote_ar]

besides the manifold, that im considering to ditch anyway due to the ITBs, is there any other limitation you found Dan?

[Gunni]

DBW Drive by wire.

[Morat]

I'd love to hear what restrictions the factory put on the M54... and which ones could be removed in an E46

[JungleGus]

great thread, something i am very curious about myself. thanks guys!