byron77
Member
Back again, minus stripes plus Alpina wheels
e9 w e46 m3 drivetrain at autokennel
- Thread starter byron77
- Start date
Great looking car; nicely detailed. I guess that if I have to ask how much, then I can't afford it. Maybe I missed it. I learned that lesson the hard way when I was maybe six, at a Rolls dealer in Indianapolis...that's what the sales "gentleman" told me. Mom had to hold me to keep me from giving him a shin-kick that he would have remembered.
Its another thing to be like my brother in law, who says "I'm not being an asshole, I just don't know"...
Its another thing to be like my brother in law, who says "I'm not being an asshole, I just don't know"...
Paul is a good guy but it's obvious he doesn't understand using the term CSL everywhere might confuse neophytes and put off knowledgeable types. Seems like a super fun car...
It told Paul to check some of Josh’s claims like CSL door panels but a few snuck through.
tmh
Well-Known Member
I wonder how much chassis strengthening was done. I also wonder what the fabrication and labor cost would be for a quality installation. Could it be done in 200 hours? As a CPA I am always looking at what I am buying as material and labor costs. I would think such a project would be at least $15,000-$20,000, not including the engine and transmission.
The S54 is an amazing engine. I would think an N52 engine would be an ideal power plant for the CS Coupe at 255HP. My Z4 3 liter 6 speed coupe is the fastest car I had owned until I bought the Z4M coupe. The throttle response on the S54 is so sharp you have to make an effort to shift smoothly. All of you CS owners would love the driving characteristics of the Z4 coupes. They are as rare as CS coupes.
The S54 is an amazing engine. I would think an N52 engine would be an ideal power plant for the CS Coupe at 255HP. My Z4 3 liter 6 speed coupe is the fastest car I had owned until I bought the Z4M coupe. The throttle response on the S54 is so sharp you have to make an effort to shift smoothly. All of you CS owners would love the driving characteristics of the Z4 coupes. They are as rare as CS coupes.
I have always really liked this car. I think it looks amazing, and the motor install is as clean as it gets.
I think there is much more to this story.....
My DD is an e46 M3, which I am borderline fanatical about. I've had the same experience as others with the S54, it's an amazing engine.
When searching for my entry point to e9 ownership, I daydreamed about this car a lot. It has the style and presence of an e9, but the drivetrain and power of a modern M3. Both things I love. I even tracked down and spoke to some of the people involved in the build - all extremely knowledgeable and top tier at what they do. I'm sure it is a one of a kind experience and it sounds like they didn't spare an expense on the build.
@tmh another guy down in Australia did the same engine swap and restoration, it was discussed a couple years ago here. That guy quoted approx 700 hours for the whole project: https://silodrome.com/custom-bmw-e9/
Hard to know if you had a fully sorted e9 and just wanted to swap the engine and transmission how long it would take, sounds like a lot of modification to the tunnel was needed too.
When searching for my entry point to e9 ownership, I daydreamed about this car a lot. It has the style and presence of an e9, but the drivetrain and power of a modern M3. Both things I love. I even tracked down and spoke to some of the people involved in the build - all extremely knowledgeable and top tier at what they do. I'm sure it is a one of a kind experience and it sounds like they didn't spare an expense on the build.
@tmh another guy down in Australia did the same engine swap and restoration, it was discussed a couple years ago here. That guy quoted approx 700 hours for the whole project: https://silodrome.com/custom-bmw-e9/
Hard to know if you had a fully sorted e9 and just wanted to swap the engine and transmission how long it would take, sounds like a lot of modification to the tunnel was needed too.
Before you even consider using the mechanic in that build we should talk.
Strike what I said. I’m a total noob. @HB Chris knows infinitely more than I ever will.
I think this is the first auction/sale I've ever seen the "VIN withheld to protect against fraud". Maybe I don't pay attention to this enough, but frankly it makes me suspect fraud. 
I have the VIN, it’s legit, Paul does that with all of the Porsches he brokers. We are all noobs to some degree and it’s all good.
Chris is right about Paul/Autokennel and the VIN. This is a real car, I haloed out with the car to a small degree and know the build and owner.
Roger that. I didn't intend to cast doubt. I guess I am conditioned by all of the BaT auctions (even Porsches), CCA listings, and eBay listings (at least the listing for my car). They all include the VINs, to the extent I thought that was just part of listing a classic car. I see now that is not always the case.
Is the S54 reliable? Google the following terms before answering:
S54 Vanos seals
S54 Vanos exhaust hub tabs
S54 flattened cam followers
S54 rod bearings
SMG failure
I still love my e46 m3 on the occasions that it's running.
S54 Vanos seals
S54 Vanos exhaust hub tabs
S54 flattened cam followers
S54 rod bearings
SMG failure
I still love my e46 m3 on the occasions that it's running.
tmh
Well-Known Member
The later S54's, at least the 2006-2008, have improved Vanos and rod bearings. They are not unreliable engines by any means. Addressing rod bearings and Vanos as an eventual maintenance issue is not a major cost (and not a minor cost either) for a high level of performance and otherwise very reliable engine.
There is a reason such a transplant in a CS is extremely rare, and it isn't because of potential maintenance issues.
There is a reason such a transplant in a CS is extremely rare, and it isn't because of potential maintenance issues.
As my kids would say, "this build is sick"
I remember seeing the car at Legends. I assume 200k plus ask.
I love that engine, but to me, a built M30 3.5 is a better, simpler, and cheaper option, even if it is not as quick.
I remember seeing the car at Legends. I assume 200k plus ask.
I love that engine, but to me, a built M30 3.5 is a better, simpler, and cheaper option, even if it is not as quick.