E46 M3 engine swap to 330i???

Has anyone tried to do an engine swap from the new M3 into an E46 3 series. I am interested in doing this because there is no 4 door M3. I would plan on swapping the whole powertrain, including the engine, trans, driveshaft, and differential. I know the gauges will need to be changed. I'm hoping the console will accomodate the shifter going into 6th gear. Any other insights or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Ryan

Sounds complicated and expensive. My understanding is that an M3 sedan is on the way (according to my local dealer) however not sure of time frame.

i hope so, i dont know why they stopped making M3 sedans in the first place, i think i remember the e36 m3 also being available in sedan form. . .

Supercharge yor 330 and you´ll get about 330 hp wich will take you close enough to the m3 for about 6k.

I don't want to supercharge my 330 for 2 reasons. First , I don't like the sound of superchargers. Second and most importantly, naturally aspirated horsepower is so much better.

the e46m3 is already available in all forms in deutschland, ive also seen pictures of a wagon

http://www.iaw.on.ca/~fearless/

i dont know whether this source doctors ALL their pictures or not, but that should give u a brief peek at what u can expect... all the e46s are accessible... again... (questioning validity)

My dealer said they are no longer making m3 in sedan form in the US, and yes N/A runs better but us poor people can afford a 15 Grand engine swap and the risk of it all. 6K for a supercharger is already to much, also get a centrifugal S/C and you can't even hear it.
Good Luck

in fact, BMW never made any E46 M3 for any market. Only coupes and convertibles

I heard that a new BMW 330i is almost just as fast a m3 but the handling may not be as good. Its brand new though if $$ is an issue.

I don't like the sound of superchargers but if you like, why not... ;)

keep me posted Im thinking about doing the same thing

We can help you. Since you don't like the sound of superchargers or turbochargers, have you ever thought about building up the motor? Professional engine builders, our free flowing system could easily power up your 330i well over 330hp, at a fraction of the cost of what it would cost to build the first E46 M3 sedan in the states. Still, if you insist going the M route, we can help you there, too.


Performance Engineering (http://boykinracing.us/index2.htm) :sunglasse

Go to www.bimmerforums.com
I think that there was one or two people that have done this swap over there. Ask and they'll be happy to help you.

I heard that the new m3 is going to be a sedan and the M4 is going to be the coupe both with a similar m5 engine V8 400 hp so i would keep my money and wait for the new one good luck