TDi onto BMW 5-series E39 or Merc E-class W210 5 speed autos
Well guys,
I have options of cheap vehicles of the above. I really would like a luxury TDi wagon/estate, the nearest thing is Passat and that in auto with full cream leather and tdi and under £2,000 is pretty much non-esistant. Plus it doesn't drive like a BMW 5-series, nothing does. Not even the Merc, though the latter has the best ride (maybe other than Daimer/Jaguar XJ6, debatable).
Anyhow, it would HAVE to be auto and make things a lot easier if I can use the box from the car I'm putting the tdi into. I can use one for a diesel and swap axle ratios if needed etc, so gearing shouldn't be a problem. I can also use an aftermarket gearbox ECU which is laptop programable and both boxes cope with around 350bhp no problem on tuned diesels, so I figure unlike the VW boxes, ANYTHING I can do to a 1.9 won't both the box (the BMW is 186bhp stock on this box on the lowest power early version, the Merc 177hp and some tuned versions make over 400bhp).
Does anyone have a way of working out the centre lines so bellhousings can be cut in the middle and welded up? This would seem to me to be the easiest method. TDi auto ring gear, flywheel and front half of the bellhousing, transplant car torque converter & rest of box.
Alternatively, anyone think of a Toyota 5-speed trans that will do the job and work with an Acme adaptor (or other) plate often used in the 5-speed manual swaps? Or any other adaptor plates which would just enable me to bolt up?
Out of the two, I'd probably pick a BMW 528i Touring with the ZF 5-speed. It's a pretty small block/flywheel, should be pretty compatible (it's a 6-cylinder which is where it gets it's bigger cc).
The light, powerful (a 200bhp vnt20 with FMIC build) more rearward mounted tdi with acres of room to get to the front/cambelt/radiator of a lighter overall weight would be a great motor in what is generally regarded as the best car, all things considered, ever made. That ride and handling compramise, seating position and wallnut/cream leather is a combination which has me drooling.
As for the 'why not just get a bmw diesel' well, of the year I can pick up a petrol for £1,500 a diesel would cost me £3,500+ and I LOVE the tdi. Also the tdi would be 10-20mpg more economical. And if I bide my time I can pick up a good later 110tdi as a base for around £200 on uk ebay (I'm in no hurry) similarly with intercoolers and turbos for £50-£100 if you wait.
As it would be 'for keeps' it could afford to be a slowly improving project, the main hurdle mating the engine and box. I can either fit wiring loom and ECU, or get a m-tdi pump from a LT 2.8tdi that's almost a bolt on and apparantly gives better advance timing than the electronic version and VERY suitable for 200bhp+ with it's 11mm head and agressive advance and LDC - meaning I don't have to worry about ANY electronics. Hook up the crank sensor to feed the BMW rev counter, that's about it. Wire the cruise control to an aftermarket one, the only thing I wouldn't have is the fuel computer but I could sort that later - hardly a deciding factor.
Comments please,
Greg.
What is the RPM the BMW usually runs? I'm willing to bet the auto shift points will be way off for a Diesel.
Non issue, I can use a box out the bmw diesel with the bmw torque converter for the diesel (lower stall). I can modify shift points electronically and by adjusting throttle position sensor etc - not worried about that ;-)
Can use rear diff from diesel too as that and the torque converter are probably the main gearing issues.
What is the RPM the BMW usually runs? I'm willing to bet the auto shift points will be way off for a Diesel.
You mention getting a tdi engine from uk ebay, you'd probably get the 2.5tds engine for the same money. If you have a look at Range Rover 2.5DSE's or similar (P38 shape), or Vauxhall Omegas they use the same engine.
Not sure if you got that engine over there, if not its 143bhp stock. My dad had one, it was a good bit quicker than my ahu tdi with tuning box that i had at the time.
Fair point thanks. I'd run it in a cheap beemer, but I really don't want that heavier and significantly less economic indirect injection lump in a project car. Bought as a whole machine, fine. Yes we have those engines, around 115bhp in the Omega/P38/E34 and 143hp in the later E39 I'm after. They go up to about 200bhp before you hit spending major cash. I can build up a TDi around 200bhp for similar money and in the E39 that should give a 0-60mph of around 7 seconds which should be okay.
The main difference being the 3.0 direct injection was more economic than the 2.5, and got 35-43mpg. I'd get 45-50 in a tdi conversion. The similarly sized Audi A6 with a 110tdi can make over 55mpg on a run.
Greg.
You mention getting a tdi engine from uk ebay, you'd probably get the 2.5tds engine for the same money. If you have a look at Range Rover 2.5DSE's or similar (P38 shape), or Vauxhall Omegas they use the same engine.
Not sure if you got that engine over there, if not its 143bhp stock. My dad had one, it was a good bit quicker than my ahu tdi with tuning box that i had at the time.