e46 320i - 330i

[Powerhouse71]

Hi guys

I've been on the lookout for a 330i for a while now and I just have not been lucky enough to find one in M sport spec with all the bells and whistles, they are even harder to find in manual. So to cut the long story short, I came across a 320i M sport with all the bells and whistles, low mileage also (under 200k); it also comes with a manual gearbox which is a bonus!

What I wanted to find out is: Would it be a bad idea to just swop out the engine for the 3.0 variant ? If not , is there anything else I would have to change to get it running like any other well maintained 330i out there ?

Any CONSTRUCTIVE input would be appreciated

:ty::ty::ty:

 

[Nobz330i]

I’m no expert or anything nor have that knowledge about it but I don’t think it’s a bad idea...It could be worth the build.

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

You will likely struggle to find what you are looking for. The E46 in good never mind excellent condition is becoming very rare.. What you are suggesting is not a bad idea at all.... Search the forum there are a few swop threads if memory recalls mostly into E46 wagons, the 320i is a 2.2 6cyl if I recall, you will likely need the wiring harnasses and DME from the 330i as well.

 

[evnmopwr]

Hi

Your Swop suggestion is definitely in the right direction.

depending on the year model of the 320i, it could be a straight swop with the 330i Map Flashed to your Existing ECU

OR

Swop in the engine and a 330i ECu ...

There is a difference between Face lift and preface lift Engine Looms. but definitely do-able

 

[gavsadler]

My 2c, yes definitely possible, but over and above the engine and gearbox, there are potentially other factors to also consider for a “complete” swap (and compatibility):

Prop shaft
Diff
Driveshafts
Brakes (bigger)
Cooling (not sure if there are bigger radiators in the 330i)

Those in the know will have more details on this.

Then other admin things like police clearance for the new engine etc.

 

[Tinuva]

Gearbox is also different. It can handle more torque than the gearbox in the 320i.

Then also small things like the cluster with rings ect.

In the end, if you want to do the swop, don't go buy an engine, rather buy a 330i car where the drivetrain is 100% but the rest of the car is a writeoff.

Or, buy the 320i and keep it as a 320i.

 

[individj]

don't do the diff ..your current prop can be slightly adjusted too...front brakes easy swap..back more of a mission. like EVM i have also done a swap with a donor car

 

[Riaad]

@Jeremy.d Can possibly assist you with this conversion :thumbs:

 

[Tjoppies]

i'm considering letting go of mine , have a look at my 330i thread if you're interested.

 

[Powerhouse71]

Its an Auto :blueCry::blueCry::blueCry:

---

Makes a lot of sense , Thanks man !

 

[danieltau]

I might be doing the same in future

 

[Powerhouse71]

Guys how do I go about looking up vehicle's history ? I have the VIN number

 

[Dr Evil]

Guys how do I go about looking up vehicle's history ? I have the VIN number

If you ask @Coisman nicely I'm sure he'll be able to assist


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Powerhouse71]

@Coisman I have sent you an email.

 

[Powerhouse71]

So I finally bought my Opal Black e46 320i M sport and I absolutely love it! Many people have mentioned it being under powered but for daily driving for me its great

The bad: Just hours after I received the vehicle , I had an issue with the rear left window that just wouldnt go up. The most unfortunate thing is that I couldn't return the vehicle to the dealer as I only received the car on Saturday. Is there any fanatic I could possibly speak to or meet in Port Elizabeth that can possibly take a look at the motor just in case I have more issues than what meets the eye ? I would really appreciate the help. That way I can go back to the dealer with more info

 

[Tinuva]

The cable probably snapped for the rear left window. You need to buy a new one and replace it. If you do not use them enough, they eventually break when you DO use them. So its a good exercise to open/close all windows in the e46s every so often.

Do try to buy original part, the aftermarket ones do not last long at all.

 

[evnmopwr]

Wow. She looks very nice.

Congrats bud

As all E46 owners know, And as Tinuva mentioned, that Mechanism is TOAST.

Let me know if you need one, i have a few ... :fencelook:

 

[Tjoppies]

contact Gizmo on the forum.

not sure if anybody know's E46 better than him , so he'll give you all the in's and out's .
dont think it will be a cheap build though (if you do it RIGHT ) so dont expect to recoup your money , with it being built to a 330i you wont get 330i money when you sell it coz it's at the end of the day still a rebuild

 

[Powerhouse71]

Thanks man ! @Gizmo any advice?

 

[KPM3_30]

Thanks man ! @Gizmo any advice?

@Powerhouse71, Gizmo is not on the forum at the moment.. Best bet would be to contact him via his cell.

contact Gizmo on the forum.

not sure if anybody know's E46 better than him , so he'll give you all the in's and out's .
dont think it will be a cheap build though (if you do it RIGHT ) so dont expect to recoup your money , with it being built to a 330i you wont get 330i money when you sell it coz it's at the end of the day still a rebuild

Please don't waste your money with this pointless exercise, if you really want to do something to up power, look at a Turbo build or something else worth while.

The 330i is by no means a street racer anyway, so not worth the money to 'upgrade' to that engine.