[billabum]

Expecting to get a typical response to this question like "Just buy a 335i" but I digress.

Anyway, is it viable to swap out the 320i N43 engine to a 335i N54? Can someone with the knowledge please fill me in on the logistics behind this?

Thank you

[BMOmega]

Anything is possible, just time and money. By the time you're done, you prolly could buy a 335 twice over.

[vtl]

Waste of time and money. A 335i is more than just the engine. It has a much higher spec interior, suspension and brakes. Different transmission and differential. Sum of all the parts worth way more than what a used 335i is worth.

[Trev88]

Find a 335i with the parts you want. Buy it. Sell your 320i and swap the plates use the extra $$$ to buy more parts hahaha

[DOCTOR.Y]

Um... how to say... if your goal is to make the 335 engine work in 320 body shell, then you can definitely do it.

However, if your goal is to turn 320 into 335 in terms of balance/performance by changing its engine, it's hardly to achieve.

Whichever way you go, good luck!

[e36mmm]

Good point. I have personally witnessed a 318i transformed into a 325i on an e46 chassis and my gosh there are so many differences from brakes, suspension, diff, engine, tranny, electronics, cluster, steering update, seats, even rear parcel shelf where rear speakers sit is different material, wiring, interior bits and pieces. A lot of differences. Once the car was completed, we took it for a test and then took an original 325i for a test. The original 325i was quieter on gravel roads in the rear compartment compared to the transformed car. We realised that the original 325i had a thicker inner cover in the rear wheel arches to reduce road noise. So even inner wheel arches on a chassis that looked identical from the outside is different between the models. Yes it was done to the T at the end but only because the parts were outsourced dead cheap and it still cost the person $10k with everything. Ordinary person who buys bit by bit first either through dealer or outsourcing was something like $15k plus more like $20k. On an e90, Everything is dearer. Mind you once you are done you will probably need preventative replacement parts on the engine that you have sourced second hand and that's several k more to bring it to 'new' condition.

To answer your question. Yes viable 100% and once done right even an enthusiast can not pick the difference between an original and your transformed car. But I reckon you will avoid it unless you are a die hard fan. I thought it was a piece of cake originally until I saw the process bit by bit, week by week. Good luck.

[bradsm87]

It is not financially viable. Not when 335is are as cheap as they are.

[iliketurtl3s]

100% possible.

Are u going to diy?

[Aus335iguy]

Possible, but as others have said. Why walk up a mountain when you dont have to? Just buy a 335?

[Mayuri Krab]

Way cheaper and easier to just buy a 335i, debage it and slap a 320i badge on

[Boganian Rubes]

E90post still killin ma dreams

[BimaExtremeRetro]

I have done this conversion on my own e91 320 lci since finding an lci e91 n54 proved very difficult and I find non lci rather dated in comparison.

There are benefits:

- Damaged 335 are worth very little. 135 even less.
- having the n54 out allows you to address the many common issues with the engine easily. Sump, rc gasket, Watergate bushes, line o rings, filter housing etc
- wiring as usual is tricky and requires some fairly intimate knowledge of bmw electronics but is certainly possible.
- the ekps module needs to be added.
- sender and pump along with the breather lines and hoses.
- 335 exhaust will bolt on, although stick out a little more if from an e92/3.
- it's a simply straight forward swap as everything simply fits and requires no custom fabrication whatsoever.

During the RnD phase I also retrofitted, comfort access, active cruise, MDM and edc which are all now offered as a retrofit to anyone interested.

Anyone else interested in servo steering, cic retrofits etc feel free to pm for a good deal.

[scanspeak]

It would make more sense and be much easier to install a N52B30 from an older 1 or 5 series.

[101Duck]

I have a full e92 335 missing motor and box if you need parts