Series 3 109 engine conversion BMW M57 6cyl diesel

series3_M57 · Nov 10, 2023

Hello there to all,

Long time owner of a 110 Defender CSW 200tdi factory standard.

New to Series landies.

Have a 2006 single turbo E53 BMW X5 in her last year of service due to corrosion. Engine sound.

Question- is there anyone on here that has fitted an 6cyl M57 engine to a series 3?

plan at this point is manual BMW gearbox mated to BMW engine, keep BMW intercooler and radiator. BMW propahafts with landy flange fittings welded on their ends running off of LT230 with disco / defender axles converted to leaf mounts.

Familiar with mechanics, repairs, welding. Hate electrics. Hate plastic trim.

kermit_rr · Nov 10, 2023

What's the power output?

series3_M57 · Nov 10, 2023

kermit_rr said:
What's the power output?

Circa 200hp 400nm

1988smithy · Nov 10, 2023

kermit_rr said:
What's the power output?

Diffs and halfshafts?

Anaconda · Nov 10, 2023

I would imagine it would be a lot of work and will lose its classic status and possibly need an IVA.
Interesting project though I should think.

kermit_rr · Nov 10, 2023

I can't imagine it would take that much power though

series3_M57 · Nov 10, 2023

1988smithy said:
Diffs and halfshafts?

Proven solutions HD flanges half shafts pinion etc

More interested in seeing an existing conversion to work out the position of engine and box relative to bulkhead, gear lever situation, rad / intercooler versus front series grill placement.

series3_M57 · Nov 10, 2023

kermit_rr said:
I can't imagine it would take that much power though

Don't worry, it'll take it. Also drive on light throttle most of the time.

series3_M57 · Nov 10, 2023

Anaconda said:
I would imagine it would be a lot of work and will lose its classic status and possibly need an IVA.
Interesting project though I should think.

Yes exceeds on a points basis unless keep the original axles and steering. Actually that may be an option come to think of it with heavy duty components. Will look into that further thanks.

Anaconda · Nov 10, 2023

series3_M57 said:
Yes exceeds on a points basis unless keep the original axles and steering. Actually that may be an option come to think of it with heavy duty components. Will look into that further thanks.

Also fails if you modify the chassis in any way.

1988smithy · Nov 10, 2023

series3_M57 said:
Proven solutions HD flanges half shafts pinion etc

More interested in seeing an existing conversion to work out the position of engine and box relative to bulkhead, gear lever situation, rad / intercooler versus front series grill placement.

You're well ahead of me on this, I was just querying for my own learning.

Sounds a great project!

series3_M57 · Nov 10, 2023

Excell

Anaconda said:
Also fails if you modify the chassis in any way.

Excellent, so proper mounts for box and engine in order

Henry_b · Nov 10, 2023

MW machines have done a conversion on a Defender.

no idea on the series though, why the M57?

Anaconda · Nov 10, 2023

series3_M57 said:
Excell

Excellent, so proper mounts for box and engine in order

Seems like it's OK to move engine mounts and gearbox mounts but not cross members or out riggers.

Wildefalcon · Nov 10, 2023

Start with a six cylinder registered vehicle, ideally a scrapper, buy a new 6 cyl chassis. That should get you a long way there. Much more space.

Bobsticle · Nov 10, 2023

Just buy a Jeep.

series3_M57 · Nov 10, 2023

1988smithy said:
You're well ahead of me on this, I was just querying for my own learning.

Sounds a great project!

Wouldn't say ahead , we are both building a picture in mind

Ten years ago if I'd brought this up on here I'd have been banned already lol

series3_M57 · Nov 10, 2023

Wildefalcon said:
Start with a six cylinder registered vehicle, ideally a scrapper, buy a new 6 cyl chassis. That should get you a long way there. Much more space.

Interesting, wasn't aware of 6 cylinder series, will look into that thanks

series3_M57 · Nov 10, 2023

Bobsticle said:
Just buy a Jeep.

What a ghastly idea

series3_M57 · Nov 10, 2023

Anaconda said:
Seems like it's OK to move engine mounts and gearbox mounts but not cross members or out riggers.

Noted though not in memory from in depth reading many years ago. Things may have changed. Dependent on position for gear/ transfer levers, and space behind the front grill, it may be possible to modify mounts to suit the existing chassis setup.

This is where it would be really handy to find someone who's got even a rolling chassis already setup

Series 3 109 engine conversion BMW M57 6cyl diesel

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