[das328xi]

Hi everyone. So I have a 2013 328i xDrive. My girlfriend has been exclusively using the car for several months and the timing chain just let go, grenading the motor. I'm sure I would have noticed the characteristic whine while she did not, but I digress.

I had been planning on trading up to a 2016+ 340i anyways, but I'm wondering the following. Is it possible to swap an N54 into this chassis? I found a wrecked 2016 Z4 35i that had been t-boned and they're only asking like 2k for the motor, which is <70k miles. I was excited at the idea of the B58, but I would actually prefer the N54 for a couple of reasons. First, it doesn't have Valvetronic so it's possible and easy to cam it, and once cammed it can rev to a tick over 8k RPM. Just as a function of torque an RPM, it's easier to make super high HP numbers with a higher revving engine (and the B58 has a hard limit at 7k) Secondly, it would be relatively easy to make it closed-deck before swapping it in. Thirdly, there's still a lot more aftermarket support for the N54 since it's been around longer, even though the B58 is in the Supra too.

I know that the ZF 8HP that's in my car could never hold the power, but then again the DME wouldn't be compatible anyways. There's a company called Turbo Lamik that makes a plug and play aftermarket TCU kit for the N54 to work with an 8HP70 or 8HP90, which can each hold tons more power than even the 8HP50 that's in the new 340i and Supra (let alone the 8HP45). You could even map the shift points to be at 8k RPM at WOT. So if I can get a fully functioning engine and drivetrain, would it be possible to get the electronics working too? I know the iDrive is totally different, but I'm just wondering if it's possible?

Call me crazy but I like really like the idea of an F30 AWD N54 that revs to 8K.

Here's an example of a Schrick cammed 8k RPM single turbo N54:
https://player.vimeo.com/video/236733000

[LA1Z24]

Yes it's possible. But I think you'd spend close to 10k to make this happen...All for an N54. Not that it's a bad engine, but A LOT can be had for 10k. You can probably find another whole 328 for 10k

[das328xi]

I have about 20k to blow on this. I don't mind doing that at all for a car that a.) I'm planning on keeping for as long as it lives, and b.) is AWD with super high HP. Even the F80 M3/4s are RWD and I'm really not enamored with the S55.

What sorts of things would have to be done to pair the electronics if you don't mind my asking? My expertise is in engine and drivetrain so all the ancillaries are still a little beyond me.

[n55david]

Originally Posted by das328xi

I have about 20k to blow on this. I don't mind doing that at all for a car that a.) I'm planning on keeping for as long as it lives, and b.) is AWD with super high HP. Even the F80 M3/4s are RWD and I'm really not enamored with the S55.

What sorts of things would have to be done to pair the electronics if you don't mind my asking? My expertise is in engine and drivetrain so all the ancillaries are still a little beyond me.

I'd ask the n54 guys but most of your electronics won't work. you'll need n54 stuff.

[jackthew]

It is absolutely possible with the right amount of money. But it seems beyond silly.

[Boostedphil698]

B58 is the better motor lol. The N54 is archaic.

[AmuroRay]

Someone once said "if you could do it, you wouldn't ask about it"

You're honestly better off buying a different car with a better engine. The N54 isn't even that special by I6 standards. It's head flows terrible, the DI causes carbon build up, the valvetrain is bulky and would likely inhibit you from revving high, and what cams would you use?

A B58 would be better in every way - better still, you could just sell your car and get one with a B58. No offense, this is just a fantasy.

[Boostedphil698]

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

Someone once said "if you could do it, you wouldn't ask about it"

You're honestly better off buying a different car with a better engine. The N54 isn't even that special by I6 standards. It's head flows terrible, the DI causes carbon build up, the valvetrain is bulky and would likely inhibit you from revving high, and what cams would you use?

A B58 would be better in every way - better still, you could just sell your car and get one with a B58. No offense, this is just a fantasy.

What this guy said x2. People need to stop with the N54 craze. I'd go as far to say that the N55 EWG models are better than the N54.