Engine swap

[Kev Browne]

Hi guys, after seeing a Z3 2.8 for sale for a reasonable price, it got me thinking about my 2.0 - would I want to get rid of my car, to buy the other? My car is solid, tidy, hardtop, 17"s, electric leather, rolltops etc & really wants for nothing - except more power. It is a 2000 model 2.0, so I think an N52? I have no garage to work on the car though, so how easy is an engine swop, plus, what engine - 2.8 or 3.0? - or even a 2.5 from a Z4? Is this something that the "Zedshed" guys do?? If so, who do I call? Thanks, Kev

 

[TheBoatDude]

I wonder if this would just be an engine swap, or if you’d have to upgrade other components (trans, suspension) to address any changes in weight and HP.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

Your engine will be the M52TUB20 (double vanos). The only straight swap will be the 2.8 version of the double vanos as they share the same ancillaries. This can be found in facelifted 2.8's and some later model pre-facelift's. I believe you will also need the engine management system from the 2.8.

Personally I would just bite the bullet and sell your car and get a 3.0 litre.