BMW engine replacement, specialist required?

bmowner

Hi lads, back again with my 325i engine problem. Anyway I have sourced an engine from FABdirect. 2003 engine with 66,000 miles. £1,100 plus VAT including delivery. The question I have is whether a specalist BMW garage/mechanic is needed to put in the engine. I am down in Co. Tipp and one of the local garage said they will put it in. I have no doubt but they would be reasonable on price. Do you think however that a specialist is required?

peasant

started a new thread for this, nothing to do with the quiz

skyhighflyer

bmowner wrote: »

Hi lads, back again with my 325i engine problem. Anyway I have sourced an engine from FABdirect. 2003 engine with 66,000 miles. £1,100 plus VAT including delivery. The question I have is whether a specalist BMW garage/mechanic is needed to put in the engine. I am down in Co. Tipp and one of the local garage said they will put it in. I have no doubt but they would be reasonable on price. Do you think however that a specialist is required?

I doubt it, putting in or removing an engine isn't as difficult a job as it sounds once you have the equipment. I've watched friends do it it's not too difficult. Although for peace of mind you could have AC car sales in Dublin do it, I hear they're great for BMW but it might not be an option for you if you're in Tipp.

mick.fr

bmowner wrote: »

Hi lads, back again with my 325i engine problem. Anyway I have sourced an engine from FABdirect. 2003 engine with 66,000 miles. £1,100 plus VAT including delivery. The question I have is whether a specalist BMW garage/mechanic is needed to put in the engine. I am down in Co. Tipp and one of the local garage said they will put it in. I have no doubt but they would be reasonable on price. Do you think however that a specialist is required?

Don't need a specialist as long as this guy knows he got to disconnect the battery before doing this
Now if he did a few in the past that would help.

If this replacement engine is the same as the broken one, that will be a straight swap. NO ECU programming etc.

In essence that will be a pretty easy job.

bmowner

Thanks for replies. This is spec on replacement engine

Model: BMW 3 Series E46
Colour: Orient Blue metalic
Trans Speed: 5 Speed
Trans Type: Automatic
Body Shape: Touring
Trim: 325I M54
CC: 2500
Reg Year: 2003
Mileage: 66,677
Engine Type: Injection
Fuel Type: Petrol
Damage Description:

My own car is a 2001 manual 325i Coupe.

I presume there are no gearbox issues.

but43r

No, the only thing between auto box and manual is flywheel which can be taken aout of your old engine. You don't need a specialist for swapping engine over as long as the mechanic you are bringing it to is not stupid your car will be fine

Matt Simis

Would you not put the next size up engine in and "plead ignorance"* tax wise? Seems a waste to do 100% of the effort of an engine swap and not get something extra out of it.


*Ive never done this, but I wont judge you!

but43r

Matt Simis wrote: »

Would you not put the next size up engine in and "plead ignorance"* tax wise? Seems a waste to do 100% of the effort of an engine swap and not get something extra out of it.


*Ive never done this, but I wont judge you!

#
A lot of problems can arise as a result (not always but most of the time). There is a lot more to think about than just swapping engine if the donor is different engine, brakes, gearbox, ECU and there is a lot more so better do a lot of research before attempting to do something like that.

Matt Simis

but43r wrote: »

#
A lot of problems can arise as a result (not always but most of the time). There is a lot more to think about than just swapping engine if the donor is different engine, brakes, gearbox, ECU and there is a lot more so better do a lot of research before attempting to do something like that.

Yeah of course, but thinking / planning is free!

bushy...

bmowner wrote: »

Thanks for replies. This is spec on replacement engine
..............
Trans Speed: 5 Speed
Trans Type: Automatic

etc

My own car is a 2001 manual 325i Coupe.

I presume there are no gearbox issues.

Slight chance there would be a different cam profile to suit the auto box. Possibly different sensors here n there too. Worth getting engine numbers from yours and that one and getting them compared.

bmowner

Thanks, I'll keep it simple and exchange 2.5 for 2.5. The point on the cam is a question I will put to local garage (they are experienced and won't make a mess of it, I hope) and to FABdirect. Really appreciate all the inputs from all of ye.

bmowner

BTW what does ECU mean?

rebel.ranter

bmowner wrote: »

BTW what does ECU mean?

Electronic Control unit, i.e. the computer "brain" that controls the engine.

cianclarke

but43r wrote: »

#
A lot of problems can arise as a result (not always but most of the time). There is a lot more to think about than just swapping engine if the donor is different engine, brakes, gearbox, ECU and there is a lot more so better do a lot of research before attempting to do something like that.

I would have thought the only thing you'd need to is get in at the ECU and fix it to accept the new engine?
From there, the lack of uprated brakes to suit the additional power might be a safety concern, but it'll still run? Anybody care to explain, I'm curious!

but43r

cianclarke wrote: »

I would have thought the only thing you'd need to is get in at the ECU and fix it to accept the new engine?
From there, the lack of uprated brakes to suit the additional power might be a safety concern, but it'll still run? Anybody care to explain, I'm curious!

The car will run but the brakes might not be able to cope with more powerful/heavier engine. The gearboxes are different for different engines and there is a lot more bits and peaces that may have to be replaced.

mick.fr

Brakes are larger on 330i, air intake is different, exhaust line is different etc.

bmowner

Just like to report on the engine replacement. Went ahead 1 month ago. got a 66,000 touring car engine in my 96,000 325ci. FAB Direct supplied engine including delivery for Stg1,000.00. local non specalist garage put it in. the car is going better than ever. Thank for the good advice.

rebel.ranter

Best of luck with it fair play for coming back to update. How much were you charged for the labour for the install, just out of curiosity?

bmowner

didn't send me the bill yet!

cianclarke

Fair play for following up on this, hope it serves you well!

bmowner

rebel.ranter wrote: »

Best of luck with it fair play for coming back to update. How much were you charged for the labour for the install, just out of curiosity?

got the bill yesterday, 850 plus vat for labour, 66 for oil, they put in a clutch kit as well 300 odd plus vat (said I should replace clutch given years and miles on car). don't know if a good price or not for the whole lot. car running well in fairness to them.