lightning95sc

I'm wondering if anyone here has contemplated, done or seen an LS motor swap on a early to mid 90's BMW 5 series?

I'm looking at a well used 528 wagon. Instead of putting ANY money into a 2.8 6cyl I'd rather spend the money on a 6.0 and make it truly entertaining. By the way, I'm used to driving a Volvo wagon with a 5.0 conversion and a blown Lightning. Chuck

jfman

iTrader: (6)

there's a guy that made one fit in an E36 (318) so I cant see why it would not fit in your car.

I have also seen it done in a E30 M3....

Go for it man !

redmist

I did one into a 1977 BMW e12 5 series and a 1983 E21 3 series. Believe it or not the front frame rails are the same distance apart. A 5 series wagon would be cool. The rear diff, axle shafts and CVs can handle the power. I had a conversion driveshafts made to go from the T56 to the BMW diff,
The only challange with your 5 series is if you have a steering box versus a rack and pinion. If you have a box then you might have to switch it out for a rack.

lightning95sc

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm sure this conversion has got to be easier than a 5.0 in a Volvo. Which is not really that difficult, but it gets real cramped real quick. Chuck

Cam72aro

iTrader: (28)

What year is the wagon? Is it e34, or e39? I agree that it would be really cool, and upset alot of mustangs. Leave the stock wheels and all for that grocery getter look. I think the only problem is the trans tunnel, might have clerance issues.

BLKWS.6

Ls1 in a Z3 or 4 would be OBSCENE, but BMW has an equivalent, its the Z3M.

bimmers4life

iTrader: (1)

im sure it would be a lot easier than an ls1 into an e30 like i was going to do. The 5 series has a ton of room in the engine compartment. During the planning stages of my swap i was debating on weather or not i should sell my car for a 5 series instead. good luck keep, us updated!

chuntington101

there is a guy on this forum that has done a LS into a Z3! looked almost stock when he finished!

will try and dig out a link for you.

Chris.

owen v8litew8

LS1 5series wagon?
nice family hauler, good luck on the project, I'm sure it wont be too hard.

jeepinpete

I had a MZ3 for a couple years, and there ain't no way it would keep up with a LSx equipped Z3. I played with a C5 once out in OR, and he would walk away from me at will. It was a hugely entertaining car, lots of fun to drive sideways, but BMW makes power by RPM and gears, not natural torque. A Z3 with a LSx would have to be a sub 5 sec car. I sold the car, and regret it every time I thing about it. I dream of putting a LS2 in a MZ3...

jfman

iTrader: (6)

Which version ? the 240hp version or the 330ish ho version ?

chuntington101

are BMW still giving you guys the lower powered version of the Msport engines???

just wondering cos we get the full 340bhp stuff over here (uk)

Chris.

Cam72aro

iTrader: (28)

Are you referring to the s54 engine? In the e46 m3 it makes 333hp. I am not exactly sure about the new e85 m roadsters. I think it is the same. I know they are pretty quick. We have had a few roll thru the dealership.

redmist

One more thing...
The vette oil pan makes things a lot easier regarding the crossmember. That's what I used in the e21 bmw. The oil pan is even with the crossmember so you can lower the wagon quite significantly without any issues. It also enables you to line the tranny and diff in a very straight line.

Sparetire

www.vorshlag.com

Also, go to Bimmerforums.com and search the E36 specific forums for "LS1 E36". I think it was start by a guy names Franchise or Fair. Either way, the thread title is Ls1 E36 and its a great read.

The reason I think this is pertinent to your 5 series is that the guys at Vorshlag have done a spectacular development program that puts most other hybrid operations to shame. They have prototype headers and steering shaft mods just so that they could perfectly place the engine in the car for optimal weighting (they are big F-Body autox guys and love M3s). If they can make it work in a E36, then simply doing some different mounts will probably be enough to use their kit (whenever its gets tested and produced in its entirety). And you will probably have tons of room to boot. I suspect wiring will be very similar between the two.

JoeZ

iTrader: (5)

THere are some pics floating around of a guy who did a twin turbo LS1 setup into his 5er but I've never found any details.

I'm almost finished with my LS1 into 1996 Z3 and have a couple threads going https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...4&page=2&pp=20

more recent pics https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-swaps/578304-couple-more-ls1-into-z3-pics.html



Badass 5er