modz

Original car 2001 N54B20 318i auto touring

M54b30 will be ex 330i 2001 also, but will run ZF 5 speed.  Upgraded mechanicals - brakes, subframe, PS, driveshaft, diff etc

I've just converted an E46 330ci to ZF 5 speed so am more familiar with them now  

I have watched your video's on youtube converting the Ti also

Before I commit to the project, is there anything I should be aware of from a wiring perspective for an E46 318i N42B20 to M54B30 conversion?

I'm aware that I'll need ECU and DME so will line all that up from the M54 donor.

TIA

Coupe or sedan?

WTB per title, after the plastic frame that holds the shift boot in a manual E46 bmw.

Doesn't appear to be sold anywhere as a separate part (?)

Thanks

Thanks, yeah box is out; I'm keen to do this correctly and get it checked / correct before it goes near going back in the car..

It's now at the Gearbox Factory for a proper inspection.

9 hours ago, Allanw said:

It should sit directly above 4th, under 3rd. If it does, its in the right place.If it has increased resistance moving across to the reverse or 5th plane, there is nothing wrong with the detents.

 

If all that is fine, and it leans to the right, it's been dicked with - It's common it the shifter parts or trans are wrong for the car - was it factory manual or dodgily converted?

Thanks AllanW the box is not in the car but the shifter sits way over below 5th in its neutral position and wants to stay there while bench testing.

It is the correct 5speed box model for the car, had it come from the factory in manual and using all new OEM parts for the rest of the conversion, so it’s being done properly.

On the plus side, the shift gates are much improved since doing the detents.

Taking it in today to get looked at; want the conversion all done by end of Jan all going to plan.

I’ll update this post with info to help others out should they have the same issue.

The two detent pins (5th and reverse) impact how easily the shift occurs into the gate and in turn position of the shifter.

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=385063

http://www.bimmerworld.com/Driveline-Shifter/Transmissions-Accessories/ZF-Transmission-Detent-Repair-Kit.html

So I spent all afternoon replacing the 5th and reverse detent springs, replaced one at a time to ensure part and direction match for the replacements.

However the shifter still leans to the right - highly frustrating.

Any tips, tricks or thoughts?

Would the box being super dry of fluid make any difference?

TIA

Hi team does anyone have a 10 spline (std ZF manual) clutch alignment tool I could borrow and return mid Jan?

Anyone have a spare plastic clutch alignment tool I could buy? 

Cheers

21 hours ago, Gabe79 said:

If you can wait till January, I’ll be in the US and happy to bring some back. ?

Cheers Gabe will keep that in mind. Ideally need some before then so I can do it in my holiday.  

The fan/clutch is still here when you’re ready too

Managed to forget buying new flywheel bolts in my last FCP order.

Any good local sources for new ones that would have them in stock? 

For a challenge, they are the 22m for a single mass f/w, not the standard 28mm...

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/flywheel-bolt-priced-each/11220616143/

TIA

I’m wanting to clean my m54 engine of old oil and dirt gunk before reassembly.

Mostly because I hate dirty stuff, but also because I might as well having removed this much off the engine block!

I have the inlet ports blocked with rags, but given the engine is on an angle what have others done/used to clean the head area particularly?

TiA

Well I bit the bullet and purchased an RHD flywheel. Arrived on my doorstep in 3 days, machine work looks excellent and was well packaged.

I bought the heavy duty version that bolts up to m54 directly, using an m30 based clutch.

Sterling auto& clutch will have my clutch ready for pickup tomorrow.

Aiming to install in Jan once all the other parts arrive. Will update further then

Thanks to all who offered advise

8 minutes ago, 3pedals said:

Is the Valeo kit actually lighter or just a solution for people who can't drive manual cars? 

Others do lighter flywheels which may be better suited to a track car stock mass is 11.4kg there are some around 7kg and some very light ones under 5kg 

Very good point. The Valeo kit is the same / similar weight as the DMF - which to me negates the point of going SMF. 

Since my initial post I've been reading more about the Sachs/FX SMF which is closer to 7 kg 

https://gripforce.com/sachs-oem-clutch-kit-and-flywheel-bmw-323-325-328-i-is-m3-z3-m-e36-525i-e34-528i-e39/

Yep specifically single mass as it will be a track day car most of the time.

Thanks all for the insights so far. FCP sell Valeo so looks like that's the go.  Hopefully customs don't sting me too much!

Anyone had experience buying from local or international suppliers for single mass flywheels?

specifically looking at one for my e46 m54

most packs seem to be $1200 with clutch

opinions and experience with vendors or kits appreciated

TIA

Cheers Graham, that's just up the road from me so I'll drop in and have a chat

I’ve used GT Refinishers in the past for custom work (metal work & paint) but wondered if anyone else came recommended?

Must be able to metalwork, not just attach new panels...

TIA

For those interested a brand new cowl unit is $70-90 usd from either FCPeuro or ECS.

2 minutes ago, qube said:

 

I dont do 5000kms a year.. so should i say my car is a project and reduce my insurance from $XXX to $XX??

Worth a shot. Probably more likely under Classic Cover, which has similar stipulations tho.

Well done on the project and the detail, following this with interest. Once my E46 coupe may end up getting a V8....there are so many nay-sayers online in regards to it not fitting purely due to the sump, which does seem a cop out

I insure my project E46 coupe through AA classic cover. $84 per year as long as it's in a garage or similar.

All you have to say is that it is in storage, that it is being restored and that once back on the road you'll be driving less that 5,000km per year.

Anyone have one they want to sell?

I realise they can be had brand new for $1-200, but thought I'd ask on here first.

Thanks, really after full leather Sport type's as I have half/half at the mo