Engine swap 2001 to 2006 More Horsepower ?

I need some help because I can't find an answer to my question.

I have a 2001 330Ci that has suffered from bad main bearings and has major rod noise. Apparently nobody rebuilds them. Some say its too expensive, but a BMW Engine rebuilder sells other models but says the 3.0 (M54B30) engine is too hard to get parts for.

Since I cannot rebuild, the only thing to do is buy a used motor.

I understand the block from 2001-2006 M54 is the same on all years and will drop in as a replacement. So that gives me more options on used engines but here is the main question.

The 2006 330 engine has 255 horsepower as opposed to previous generations with 225 HP (ZHP excluded). The 2006 engine is lighter and has better fuel economy. That said, if I pickup a 2006 engine and drop it in my 2001 chasis, will I gain the 30 HP that the new engine offers?

Maybe the DME, Exhaust or intake is different but no one seems to talk about it.

The 2006 engine is more expensive than say a 2004 or 2003 but will I really gain anything by going 2006? Will the horsepower be realized with the replacement engine?

isnt 2006 E90? then probably no. you cant.
the N52B30 engine is different from the M54B30. you will need new ECU and good luck getting it to work with your old transmission (automatic).

2006 is E46 and E90.

Originally Posted by jasonbimmer

isnt 2006 E90? then probably no. you cant.

There were 330i(e46) in 2006. OP, you wont gain any more horses. Same engines, more or less. The 2006 E90 330i motor was the N52, and wont work AT ALL.

Originally Posted by B_Cyrus

There were 330i(e46) in 2006. OP, you wont gain any more horses. Same engines, more or less.

well if he said 255hp then he meant the E90. I dont recall non ZHP E46's M54B30 makes that kind of power.

Originally Posted by jasonbimmer

well if he said 255hp then he meant the E90. I dont recall non ZHP E46's M54B30 makes that kind of power.

OP thinks the M54 was used in the E90, it was not. This is what I was trying to outline, sorry if I was not thorough in my explanation. The 2006 E46 M54 makes the same power as all years, while the 2006 E90 330i has the N52 which makes more power and will not fit.

Originally Posted by B_Cyrus

OP thinks the M54 was used in the E90, it was not. This is what I was trying to outline, sorry if I was not thorough in my explanation. The 2006 E46 M54 makes the same power as all years, while the 2006 E90 330i has the N52 which makes more power and will not fit.

yea, thats what I was asking cuz he said 255hp and I dont recall any M54B30 without ZHP kit makes that kind of power.

Originally Posted by B_Cyrus

There were 330i(e46) in 2006. OP, you wont gain any more horses. Same engines, more or less. The 2006 E90 330i motor was the N52, and wont work AT ALL.

I wasn't familiar with the E90, only E46. So it's a different motor? That's not good. I was hoping they did something cool internally with the M54, lighter pistons, longer stroke, etc.

So it sounds like that's not an option for my car What about picking up a ZHP engine (m54 of course), is it worth the extra money? I understand in a ZHP car, it's about 10 more horses but that's with exhaust and computer too, I assume. I know the ZHP has different CAMS but will I see anything without ZHP exhaust or computer? It's typically about $400 more for a ZHP engine so is it worth it on a used motor to go ZHP? Does anyone have experience adding a ZHP motor into a non ZHP system (exhaust, intake, chip, etc)?

Thanks

Originally Posted by jfandl

I wasn't familiar with the E90, only E46. So it's a different motor? That's not good. I was hoping they did something cool internally with the M54, lighter pistons, longer stroke, etc.

So it sounds like that's not an option for my car What about picking up a ZHP engine (m54 of course), is it worth the extra money? I understand in a ZHP car, it's about 10 more horses but that's with exhaust and computer too, I assume. I know the ZHP has different CAMS but will I see anything without ZHP exhaust or computer? It's typically about $400 more for a ZHP engine so is it worth it on a used motor to go ZHP? Does anyone have experience adding a ZHP motor into a non ZHP system (exhaust, intake, chip, etc)?

Thanks

I wouldn't say that it is worth it. Stick with a stock M54 3.0L. If you want more horses, stick on a set of headers and a tune and you'll outpace a ZHP.