Change e39 engine from M52 to M54

[Bukit Mertajam]

Hi,I am new here and hope someone can help me with my E39 problem.Tried searching for a similar thread but could not find one. If anyone knows of similar thread, please let me know.I am not a car techie and I will try my best to explain my car problem.I have an E39, May 2000, 523i (M52 engine) which I have been driving for almost 4 years. Lately my car experienced overheating problem and I have sent to a workshop in Bukit Mertajam a couple of times. The last time they told me it was caused by a leakage of the gasket and therefore water slips through it. They eventually open up the engine and have grinding works and gasket replacement etc. However, when they tried to close back the engine, they discovered that they could not tighten the screw as the hole, which was previously tapped has loosened. Re-tapping the hole is not possible as it may lead to other problems. It was then suggested that I changed the engine. If so, I would like to change to a newer M54 engine which my forman says would cost around RM9K (used unit). As I google in internet, I discover that there are some differences in the M52 and M54 such as the air manifold etc etc.My concern is, can I change to a M54 engine? Besides the air manifold, I was also told that the E39 with M54 engines (525i) uses sensor for fuel control compare to M52 model which uses cable. Would this be a problem too?I really hope someone can help me as I need to make a decision so that I can have my forman proceed with the repair or changes.Thanks all.

 

[bmw7833]

Bro, which workshop u sent to?

PM Seargent, he changed his engine to m54 from m52 last year.

 

[Bukit Mertajam]

Bro, which workshop u sent to?

PM Seargent, he changed his engine to m54 from m52 last year.

Sent to a workshop in Bkt Mertajam. It was called Jia Xin previously. They chnaged to Chin Soon a few months ago. I have been servicing my E39 eversince I bought it 4 years ago.

 

[bimmerholic]

Or get yourself a complete M54 half-cut instead? That way it saves the headache of having incompatible parts during installation.

p/s: It's nothing like having your hair half wet and the water runs out!

 

[Seargent]

bro's correction.. i didnt change M52 to M54. it's M52b25 to M52b28. still single vanos. bro bukit mertajam.. u need complete ecu, wiring harness to upgrade to M54. very leceh.. i think yours is M52B25TU ? year 2000 uk spec already double vanos leh.. my advice.. change back same engine code with bigger engine. Easy to plug n play. no much worries later.

 

[bmw7833]

bro's correction.. i didnt change M52 to M54. it's M52b25 to M52b28. still single vanos. bro bukit mertajam.. u need complete ecu, wiring harness to upgrade to M54. very leceh.. i think yours is M52B25TU ? year 2000 uk spec already double vanos leh.. my advice.. change back same engine code with bigger engine. Easy to plug n play. no much worries later.

Oppss..sorry, my bad, was though that u went for m54.

 

[Bukit Mertajam]

bro's correction.. i didnt change M52 to M54. it's M52b25 to M52b28. still single vanos. bro bukit mertajam.. u need complete ecu, wiring harness to upgrade to M54. very leceh.. i think yours is M52B25TU ? year 2000 uk spec already double vanos leh.. my advice.. change back same engine code with bigger engine. Easy to plug n play. no much worries later.

Hi Seargent,
Yes mine is M52B5TU Double Vanos. I actually asked my forman whether it is possible to change to a 2.8 or 3.0 engine but was told I would encounter problem with my gearbox. Something like there is a delay during gear change.

 

[Bukit Mertajam]

Seargent,
Which workshop did you go to for your engine upgrade?

 

[tamade7]

If yours a double vanos you can change to a double vanos 2.5, 2.8, 3.0 liter engine. Since yours a M52TU engine it would be better to change back to M52TU e.g. 2.5 or 2.8. If you want a 3.0 then all you can do is to use the engine kosong and treat it as a stroker kit. Wiring and ECU will be maintained and you might need to get your ECU reprogram.

Wiring for M54 is different and you need a half cut to completely change to M54B30.

 

[bimmer73]

Hi,
I am new here and hope someone can help me with my E39 problem.Tried searching for a similar thread but could not find one. If anyone knows of similar thread, please let me know.

I am not a car techie and I will try my best to explain my car problem.

I have an E39, May 2000, 523i (M52 engine) which I have been driving for almost 4 years. Lately my car experienced overheating problem and I have sent to a workshop in Bukit Mertajam a couple of times. The last time they told me it was caused by a leakage of the gasket and therefore water slips through it. They eventually open up the engine and have grinding works and gasket replacement etc. However, when they tried to close back the engine, they discovered that they could not tighten the screw as the hole, which was previously tapped has loosened. Re-tapping the hole is not possible as it may lead to other problems.

It was then suggested that I changed the engine. If so, I would like to change to a newer M54 engine which my forman says would cost around RM9K (used unit).

As I google in internet, I discover that there are some differences in the M52 and M54 such as the air manifold etc etc.

My concern is, can I change to a M54 engine? Besides the air manifold, I was also told that the E39 with M54 engines (525i) uses sensor for fuel control compare to M52 model which uses cable. Would this be a problem too?

I really hope someone can help me as I need to make a decision so that I can have my forman proceed with the repair or changes.

Thanks all.

Bimmerholic is right you have to get a half cut inclusive o the wiring hardness. You have to change the entire wiring hardness of the whole car including the ECUs. It can be and has been done many times over.

1.However you can retapp the holes again it is called helicoil. You can purchase a new set of helicoils and send it to the machine shop to get it done to fit in the the holes. There's aluminiun heli coils and copper. You have to use a new set of bolts and helicoils which comes together with purchase.

2. a possibility that your mechanic has use the wrong sets of bolts. I hope your mechanic is knows what he is doing. from your explaination he does not seem to know. ask him if he has done the helicoil when he fixed you cylinder head on. Heli coil is retreading a new set of tread onto your engine block. refer to the links below to get an idea

http://www.helicoil.in/pdf/HeliCoil Catalogue.pdf

http://www.helicoil.in/pdf/HeliCoil Professional Kit.pdf

 

[kelvinjb]

I have a Used Engine Kosong of M52TU 2.8 for sale @5.5K. Come with Kastam Document.

Interested Call: 012 7840726 Kelvin

 

[Bukit Mertajam]

Bimmerholic is right you have to get a half cut inclusive o the wiring hardness. You have to change the entire wiring hardness of the whole car including the ECUs. It can be and has been done many times over.

1.However you can retapp the holes again it is called helicoil. You can purchase a new set of helicoils and send it to the machine shop to get it done to fit in the the holes. There's aluminiun heli coils and copper. You have to use a new set of bolts and helicoils which comes together with purchase.

2. a possibility that your mechanic has use the wrong sets of bolts. I hope your mechanic is knows what he is doing. from your explaination he does not seem to know. ask him if he has done the helicoil when he fixed you cylinder head on. Heli coil is retreading a new set of tread onto your engine block. refer to the links below to get an idea

http://www.helicoil.in/pdf/HeliCoil Catalogue.pdf

http://www.helicoil.in/pdf/HeliCoil Professional Kit.pdf

Thanks bimmer73 for the advice.
1. I am not sure what tapping my mechanic mentioned but I remember my engine was once retapped (a few years ago) with something like in heli-coil, but not sure whether it is heli-coil or other brand. The first time retapping, done a few years ago, required the whole engine to be sent to the reattapiong workshop. This time around, he told me there was no need to send the engine but the retapping guy can do on site with the engine still with the car. However, the retapping guy said it is not possible to retapp as he needs to drill to a bigger hole before he puts in the coil.Drilling the hole bigger may cause other issues.
If heli-coil can be applied without drilling the whole bigger, then I will be very happy to go for that as this is definitely much cheaper and less hassle than changing a new engine. Is it possible to do so?

2. I will check with him how his retapping friend plans to do the retapping.

3. If I were to go for a M54 and maintain the cable for throttle control (instead of the fly yi wire), do I need to change the whole wiring harness?

4. My initial intention was to change to a M52B28 or M2B30 engine but my mechanic advised against it. He mentioned that he did an engine upgrade for a 3 series sometime back (same engine but bigger cc), and there was issue with the gear change. There was slight a delay before the gear changes. Now, the owner, as advised by the mechanic, is waiting for replacing some gear component (cant remember the actual part name) to solve the problem.

5. Now, my mechanic is proposing to me whether to go for M54 engine (2.5) from a 3-series or an E60.I did mentioned to him about ECU remapping and he told me he can upgrade my ECU with his diagnostic computer. Is this so? I am beginning to worry whether my mechanic is doing the right thing now. According to him, the M54 from the 3 series will cost around RM10K while the unit from E60 costs around RM11K. Are these fair prices?

6. Can anyone suggest a workshop around Bukit Mertajam or Penang that has good experience changing an engine?

Thanks all for the help. Really appreciate it.

 

[Bukit Mertajam]

I have a Used Engine Kosong of M52TU 2.8 for sale @5.5K. Come with Kastam Document.

Interested Call: 012 7840726 Kelvin

Thanks Kelvin. Will call you.

 

[bimmer73]

Thanks bimmer73 for the advice.
1. I am not sure what tapping my mechanic mentioned but I remember my engine was once retapped (a few years ago) with something like in heli-coil, but not sure whether it is heli-coil or other brand. The first time retapping, done a few years ago, required the whole engine to be sent to the reattapiong workshop. This time around, he told me there was no need to send the engine but the retapping guy can do on site with the engine still with the car. However, the retapping guy said it is not possible to retapp as he needs to drill to a bigger hole before he puts in the coil.Drilling the hole bigger may cause other issues.
If heli-coil can be applied without drilling the whole bigger, then I will be very happy to go for that as this is definitely much cheaper and less hassle than changing a new engine. Is it possible to do so?

2. I will check with him how his retapping friend plans to do the retapping.

3. If I were to go for a M54 and maintain the cable for throttle control (instead of the fly yi wire), do I need to change the whole wiring harness?

4. My initial intention was to change to a M52B28 or M2B30 engine but my mechanic advised against it. He mentioned that he did an engine upgrade for a 3 series sometime back (same engine but bigger cc), and there was issue with the gear change. There was slight a delay before the gear changes. Now, the owner, as advised by the mechanic, is waiting for replacing some gear component (cant remember the actual part name) to solve the problem.

5. Now, my mechanic is proposing to me whether to go for M54 engine (2.5) from a 3-series or an E60.I did mentioned to him about ECU remapping and he told me he can upgrade my ECU with his diagnostic computer. Is this so? I am beginning to worry whether my mechanic is doing the right thing now. According to him, the M54 from the 3 series will cost around RM10K while the unit from E60 costs around RM11K. Are these fair prices?

6. Can anyone suggest a workshop around Bukit Mertajam or Penang that has good experience changing an engine?

Thanks all for the help. Really appreciate it.

Bro

you can upgrade to a bigger engine, you can go for M52B28 or M52B28TU from an e39. TU will be a better option more power. Going for M54 is a lot of hassle as you must change the entire wiring including trottle from cable to wire. you need to change the

ECU,
CWS (ignition control unit),
Air intake box,
trottle body (EML),
Intake manifold
fuel Injectors.

if you can get the gear box ECU for 528 engine not sure if reprogrammable for M52. Maybe torque convertor not too sure about the gear box of M52 if they are the same. the final drive also need to be change for top speed. for M54B25 and M54B30 the gearbox is the same only software 10K plus installation and lubricants is reasonable for a 523i or 525i engine.

I Paid RM15K for my upgrade from M54B25 to a complete M54B30 without the gear box ALL IN with lubricants and Workmanship and other parts. engine cost me RM10K thats a 530 engine. i reuse my ECU from my 525i because it is reprogrammable for M54 my mechie just copied the 530 programs into my 525i ecu. I don't have problem with my gears slipping. The only problem i have with my 525 gear box is the top speed pick up is slow because my gear ratio is different pick up from 0 is awesome. I have not change my final drive and have not upgrade my gear box ECU. thats the next project.

RM 10K just for engine is very steep i will check with my chop shop on the price and let you know if you can PM me your mobile no. then you have a guide line of the cost.

My advise to you is to go back to M52 engine but go for M52B28TU you will not have headache. should you decide to go for M54B30 if not done properly will not only give you headache but a brain tumour.

Hope this helps in your decision making.

 

[ckchow7]

Wow... thats some food for thought if i wanna change my m54b25 to m54b30!

 

[Bukit Mertajam]

Bro

you can upgrade to a bigger engine, you can go for M52B28 or M52B28TU from an e39. TU will be a better option more power. Going for M54 is a lot of hassle as you must change the entire wiring including trottle from cable to wire. you need to change the

ECU,
CWS (ignition control unit),
Air intake box,
trottle body (EML),
Intake manifold
fuel Injectors.

if you can get the gear box ECU for 528 engine not sure if reprogrammable for M52. Maybe torque convertor not too sure about the gear box of M52 if they are the same. the final drive also need to be change for top speed. for M54B25 and M54B30 the gearbox is the same only software 10K plus installation and lubricants is reasonable for a 523i or 525i engine.

I Paid RM15K for my upgrade from M54B25 to a complete M54B30 without the gear box ALL IN with lubricants and Workmanship and other parts. engine cost me RM10K thats a 530 engine. i reuse my ECU from my 525i because it is reprogrammable for M54 my mechie just copied the 530 programs into my 525i ecu. I don't have problem with my gears slipping. The only problem i have with my 525 gear box is the top speed pick up is slow because my gear ratio is different pick up from 0 is awesome. I have not change my final drive and have not upgrade my gear box ECU. thats the next project.

RM 10K just for engine is very steep i will check with my chop shop on the price and let you know if you can PM me your mobile no. then you have a guide line of the cost.

My advise to you is to go back to M52 engine but go for M52B28TU you will not have headache. should you decide to go for M54B30 if not done properly will not only give you headache but a brain tumour.

Hope this helps in your decision making.

bro bimmer73,
Thanks for the feedback. At this point in time, I have decided to drop the idea of changing to M54 engine. I will PM you my hp.
My another concern is to find a good mechie for the engine change. I have spoekn to 2 mechies but looks like they have different views on engine upgrades.
If anyone can let me know a good mechie around Penangm or Kedah, I am very much interested to talk to them.

 

[azan23uk]

Good decision. Stay with similar M52 and same cc. Try Chu Seng at 012-4023268. He's at Jalan P Ramlee, Penang isle. Quite an experienced chap.

 

[erica34]

...my advice.. change back same engine code with bigger engine. Easy to plug n play. no much worries later.

+1. that's what i'd suggest too for the reason mentioned. single vanos 2.5 to single vanos 2.8 or double vanos (TU) 2.5 to double vanos 2.8.