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      09-20-2018, 09:27 PM   #1
Justin Daniels
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Coding for a Swap

I've read a few threads where some of these questions have been asked but it's generally been someone looking to bypass a broken part; as such, the response has been "fix/replace the part" (rightfully so).

Some background:
I have a 2009 E90 328xi that I daily drive and maintain and will leave bone stock forever. I picked up an automatic E90 325i that will be receiving an LS4 mated to a GS6-53BZ. I have the trans and the engine, just need to mate them together.

I have spent my spare time over the past year and a bit refreshing a Mercedes M120 (mostly in my living room, because the shop isn't heated and Onterrible has cold winters) to put into a 1986 Mazda RX7 I had. Sold the RX7 because it had too much Ontario cancer and now have an M120 to put into something. I have (for now) decided that I want to build an E91 with a V12 engine under the hood.

Here's where it becomes about coding:
I want to keep the stock DME in order to make everything else in the car happy because it will be daily driven and have to pass an OBD2 emissions test. I will be managing the M120 with a Megasquirt MS3Pro and can feed inputs into the DME as required in order to "stimulate" it. I would like to retain as much of an OEM feel to the car as possible (interior/functionality/etc).

The problem(s) I face are that the M120 does not have dual VANOS or Valvetronic2, I'll be going from auto to manual, and the xDrive system is being ditched (may have to swap my DXC for a DSC and code it - if possible). I've considered rigging up the Valvetronic equipment to act as an electronic throttle actuator; but that will require some funky thinking.

My question is this: Am I totally screwed for integrating this without having my dashboard light up like a Christmas tree? In the Socialist People's Republic of Ontario, an illuminated MIL is an instant fail for out drive clean. If I modify the VANOS maps, the expected cam position should never vary and I should be safe (though the M120 does have a simple on-off VVT system on the intake cams, so that may screw with it... would be easier for the DME to ignore cam position altogether)

I have access to an entire 325i's electronics and will gladly swap over as much of the wiring/modules required to accomplish this.

Disclaimer:
I am TOTALLY new to coding/BMWs and I am NOT looking for someone to spoon feed me; if the information exists please point me in the right direction.
I am NOT looking to cheat / bypass emissions equipment if I can avoid it (though the thought has crossed my mind).
This is a thought experiment that will only turn into a reality if it's feasible.
The M120 is a bone stock long-block that I'm HOPING will make 480-500 crank horse with a good intake/exhaust/tune. Yes I can make more power other ways, yes it's heavy (not too bad really).

Thanks for reading.

- Justin

Last edited by Justin Daniels; 09-20-2018 at 09:39 PM..
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      09-20-2018, 10:00 PM   #2
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Before and After of the M120 for anyone that may care. 440lb long block (as pictured)
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      09-21-2018, 10:39 AM   #3
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This is certainly an interesting build. Although I dont have any information I can provide to help lead in the right direction, I do hope you keep us posted on your progress should you go through with the build.
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      09-21-2018, 12:58 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by apexit4 View Post
This is certainly an interesting build. Although I dont have any information I can provide to help lead in the right direction, I do hope you keep us posted on your progress should you go through with the build.
Thanks, I'll definitely put a thread somewhere to document the build and keep me motivated (nothing like a bunch of "any updates?" posts to force me into the shop). Is there a build-log section on here?

I may just end up using the E90 325i as a test platform for mechanical fitment / break-in / tuning of the M120. This way I won't have to worry about any OEM electrical integration. Then I'll pull the engine/trans back out and set it aside until I find a good E91 candidate.

Too many engines floating around; choice is a burden.

Attached a photo of the $750 (Canuckistani Pesos) 325i I scooped up last week. Anyone need parts?
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Last edited by Justin Daniels; 09-21-2018 at 01:04 PM.. Reason: Added photo.
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      09-22-2018, 07:59 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Daniels View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by apexit4 View Post
This is certainly an interesting build. Although I dont have any information I can provide to help lead in the right direction, I do hope you keep us posted on your progress should you go through with the build.
Thanks, I'll definitely put a thread somewhere to document the build and keep me motivated (nothing like a bunch of "any updates?" posts to force me into the shop). Is there a build-log section on here?

I may just end up using the E90 325i as a test platform for mechanical fitment / break-in / tuning of the M120. This way I won't have to worry about any OEM electrical integration. Then I'll pull the engine/trans back out and set it aside until I find a good E91 candidate.

Too many engines floating around; choice is a burden.

Attached a photo of the $750 (Canuckistani Pesos) 325i I scooped up last week. Anyone need parts?
Not sure if there is a specific area on the forum for builds, not that I've seen at least. You might be best off posting it in the general E90/E91/E92 forum.

If you've got parts that you want to sell off then you'll probably get more hits putting that info in the general build thread and opening a new thread in the for sale section (and linking to it in the build thread).

How'd it you manage to get it so cheap? I'm guessing there's something big that's wrong with it?
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      09-22-2018, 12:50 PM   #6
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An experienced tuner is able to easily stop fault codes from activating. I'd speak to a local tuning company regarding a custom tune for the DME.
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      09-23-2018, 10:41 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by apexit4 View Post
Not sure if there is a specific area on the forum for builds, not that I've seen at least. You might be best off posting it in the general E90/E91/E92 forum.

If you've got parts that you want to sell off then you'll probably get more hits putting that info in the general build thread and opening a new thread in the for sale section (and linking to it in the build thread).

How'd it you manage to get it so cheap? I'm guessing there's something big that's wrong with it?
I'll post up a build thread there when I start making real progress.
I'll definitely make a classified post when I have some parts off.

As for the price; I sort of lucked out and they kept dropping it (originally $1500) without me even prompting. Transmission is in fail-safe/limp mode (probably a pinched harness); windshield is cracked; bumper has a dent in it; codes for VANOS and some other things; and the interior is absolutely disgusting (owned by a younger kid who smoked in it and was a total slob).

All things that don't bother me any because I'm going to be stripping all of that out to make it a fun track car.

Happy update: ended up picking up another Mercedes V12 in a rolling chassis for $500 and it's being dropped off today; so I may just put this not-rebuilt V12 into this "track chassis" and use it for general development use. Save the LS4 for something else (ideally something with a starter mounted to the transmission; like a 300ZX perhaps).

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sensible_ View Post
An experienced tuner is able to easily stop fault codes from activating. I'd speak to a local tuning company regarding a custom tune for the DME.
Noted; from my reading it seems the MSV80 is a bit of a pain to "tune" / "code" but what I need done may be absolutely possible. I think I'll just jam the thing in and go from there when the time comes. I think I'd get a lot more support from a tuner (and the community) if the engine was in already vs it being someone's napkin pipe-dream.

Thanks
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