Need help - m50 into e46

[Quaser]

Has anyone on here done such a swap?

Whats the story with Can-bus? im so confused with everything ive read!

[mcbonio]

I'm unsure why you would want to put an m50 engine into an e46?

[Quaser]

so i can slap a turbo onto it

[leeparkes]

Will the M50 be running standalone management?

[Quaser]

yep - hoping to have it on vems, but ive read that the e46 has a can-bus system which will control the speedo, heaters, windows and everything else in the 1 ecu!

[alpina123]

An e46 has a general vehicle module size of a video tape which signs behind the glovebox that controls windows and central locking interior lights etcetc, what year and engine is the e46

[Quaser]

not bought the e46 yet - just researching how feasible it is before I get one, if I get one. what would be the ideal one for the easiest swap

[DanThe]

I wired up a mates E46 compact track day car, the engine ECU does not need to be there for the heaters and elec windows, swapping an M50 in wont be a problem but you will probably need to use E36 clocks as the E46 clocks do need canbus signals
The E46 ABS system might give you a signal to run the E36 clocks, im not 100% sure, maybe demlot could tell you

Here is one ive been working on over the winter, had the same issue with the speedo and ended up making a trigger wheel to fit on the front hub







S50B30 engine and E36 body loom molested to suit

[Quaser]

how much molestation are we talking about? couple of wires here and there or something that I will have to get you to wire up for me ;)

[alpina123]

A 323 or 328 would probably be the easiest as that is only an m52 and it already has cable throttle etc

[Andyboy]

Just avoid it. The E46 doesn't have a speedo sensor in the diff as it runs from the rear ABS sensor. E36 clocks don't fit in the E46 dash, different shape.
Basically, you'll never make it work unless you can find an Alpina B3 engine loom and ECU. Stick with the lighter, superior E36.

[Quaser]

lighter?? hmm - that's got me thinking now! is it worth all the agro for a faster car when the extra weight will slow it down again!

How much heavier is it?

[Andyboy]

Lots. Plus they are a complete pain in the arse to work on, boot floor dramas, alloy wishbones that you can't fit balljoints to and crap like that.

I've sold mine. As you can tell, I'm cured.

[Simon13]

Andy is an e46 lover!

[Andyboy]

They're great breakers!