08-22-2015, 02:59 PM | #1 |
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F31 F30 328Dx AWD to RWD Swap: Project Completed
Hey everyone, we are new on Bimmerpost, but not new to the BMW world. Back in 2011 we built the first twin screw supercharger for the M62 chassis and since then we have done many E series swaps from the E46 M62, to a 100% factory-replica E39 wagon S62 which was featured at Bimmerfest 2015. Now it's time for us to enter the Fxx swap world. The first F series project we completed was done to discover any new difficulties BMW might have in store for us when it comes to power-train swaps.
For this project our donor car was a 2015 BMW 328Dx AWD Wagon. It's unfortunate that BMW never released any RWD F31 Wagons in USA, so we decided to see if this concept was possible. After initial research, it appeared that the F31 and F30 share the same base frame structure, just as the E39 sedan and wagon do. Further research showed that the software/coding should be a relatively easy job since the USA has a RWD 328D sedan and most of the coding can be carried over. All of that sounded straight forward, until we got into it. Day One: The easy part of the project. Removal of the AWD components: Basic AWD layout on Fxx AWD T-Case and Trans are ready to be removed Now we are ready to install the new transmission. Since both cars use 8HP45 transmission with identical bell housings, the new RWD transmission and torque converter can just bolt right up to the engine block. The driveshaft ordered for Euro 320D wagon bolted right up without any issues, but that was the end of the easy part of the swap. The USA spec 328D wagon has much wider trans mounting to support the AWD transfer case so we had to address this issue: The solution: A little bit of custom fabrication. With everything mounted up, all we have left are the oil pan/front wheel drive components, which we will address in the next update. (Excuse the red zip-tie, it was used to hold wiring in place during welding) http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/...psfeejavfc.jpg This concluded the mechanical part of the swap. Overall, it went smoothly enough and only took us about 5 hours from start to finish. For now, we left the front wheel drive axles, front differential and AWD oil pan on the car. We did that because in the next 2 weeks we will removing DPF to build a custom one, so the front AWD components will be removed at that time. Next Day: Coding There aren't many pictures during this stage of the project, but it was the most complicated part of the swap. The first step was getting the transmission to shift, as the transmission was stuck in park. Originally, it seemed that plain old coding was the answer to our problems, but that wasn't the case. Back in the E90/E46 days, swapping transmissions was as easy as plug-and-play. The car would never check the VIN number of the transmission or anything similar. Now, BMW, to avoid people from buying used parts like transmissions, has implemented a new code to block shifting unless the TCM (built into the valve body) VIN number matches with the one in EWS/FEM AND DSC. No matter what coding or software we ran on the transmission, it would not shift because EEPROM's VIN would not match the FEM module's VIN. After a lot of head scratching, different ideas and many cups of coffee, we were able to finally change the VIN in the TCM's software and EEPROM. At that point, the trans shifted into drive and the first part of the swap was complete: Basic Coding to make the car realize that its a RWD model: All coding done, but the transmission would not shift and DSC was having alignment issues: VIN issue solved, Trans shifts! (Airbag light due to the fact that SRS module needs to be, all fixed with quick ISTA procedure) : http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/...pspz690d0j.jpg Applying our reflash tune and the car is ready to go: |
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08-24-2015, 07:07 PM | #3 |
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It was done for two reasons. First being the fact that you can't buy a RWD 328D in USA. second one being: no one has swapped anything in F30, so why not
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08-25-2015, 02:09 PM | #4 |
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Subscribed; other than losing the complexity of xDrive that's unnecessary in SoCal, what are the main benefits of doing this? Is this a very costly transformation? I love the F31 diesel, but don't want xDrive
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08-25-2015, 02:40 PM | #5 |
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Xdrive is good in cold weather climates but completely useless in SoCal. Now that the car is RWD, it feels way more responsive, lighter and on top of that gets about 6 more mpg. BMW should have offered RWD Wagons in USA as the car really feels transformed compared to AWD.
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08-25-2015, 07:34 PM | #6 | |
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Any plans to try this on a F25 diesel and make it an sDrive? |
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08-26-2015, 12:21 PM | #7 |
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Impressive engineering concept and actual work.
Now the big question is, BMW does not have a decent Diesel engine over there.... Next project fit an F3x 335d engine If give the choice between 4 cylinders and 6... |
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08-26-2015, 05:19 PM | #8 |
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Yes, you have read our minds exactly. We are actually planning on swapping in N57 (either the twin turbo 335D or the tri turbo 550Md) soon.
For now we are focusing on getting the F30 and F10 tunes released to public. |
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08-29-2015, 11:32 AM | #10 |
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We can do anything really. 335d swap into e92/F32 is the best option. Im pretty sure you will not want to take F82 M4 and swap in a diesel into it. Besides the costs, the swap itself is a do-able project. If you really want a Coupe Diesel, the best thing you can do is get a F32 with blown motor and swap in a euro N57. The twin turbo euro version of N57 puts down 380HP with our tune and will be a really fun car to drive.
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08-30-2015, 12:04 PM | #12 |
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PM replied
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09-02-2015, 11:23 AM | #13 |
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Go with the tri-turbo. Go big or go home LOL
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09-07-2015, 10:47 PM | #14 |
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Post more info instead of PM =D
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09-12-2015, 05:01 PM | #15 |
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What info would you like to know?
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10-01-2015, 07:40 PM | #16 |
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5K miles later and not a single issue. Car pulls great thanks to the tune and a lot of less weight.
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10-07-2015, 09:41 PM | #18 |
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Theoretically, yes you can if you also kill the fuse/disable the T-CASE. The issue is that there will be issues regarding warning lights as well as the fact that the weak part of the drive train is still there (the transfer case).
Last edited by MissionPerformance; 10-07-2015 at 09:48 PM.. |
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03-11-2016, 12:23 AM | #19 |
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Car received a stage 2 software with DPF/EGR/SCR delete about 3 months ago. After much real world testing, including high altitude tests, we settled on a software revision designed for a daily driven 328d to limit WOT smoking as well as safe operation at low ambient pressure condition
Dyno results of stage 2 reflash: Since this dyno, peak torque curve has been moved 300 rpms up the power band for smoother feel. |
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08-28-2016, 01:02 PM | #20 | |
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Way more responsive now and so much more power that My wife tells me she wants to learn how to drift since it wants to drift every corner. Thank You for the awesome work!! |
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10-08-2016, 12:34 PM | #22 |
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Bloomin' heck! I would have swapped you my 320d RWD F31 for your 328dX F31....it would have cost less I think!
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