Honda Spree and Elite 50 Forums

So I picked up this car... a 94 BMW 530i...

For 75 bucks. Been sitting four years, when put in gear, it won't move and dash displays "TRANS PROGRAM", meaning the trans has issues. It's a dealer only fix and it costs around $95/hour, no guarantee as to how long it will take to fix.

Screw that. It's got a 3L quad cam V8 with an auto trans, BE GONE WITH YOU!! We're starting tonight pulling the motor and trans, and the 350 and 700 trans from my chevy 2500 van are going in.

Hardest part of this isn't even fabrication... It's wiring. Everything on this car is computer controlled. s***!

However, I will update this real soon with pictures, and alot of them. since I know there are alot of non-believers on this web site...

Wish us luck! Best friend is a machinist and is good with wiring, so we'll need it.

Sounds like fun hope you have an electric fan.

You are going to remove a 5 series BMW engine and replace it with a chevy 350?

I feel bad for that BMW

Trafficjamz wrote:You are going to remove a 5 series BMW engine and replace it with a chevy 350?

I feel bad for that BMW

I agree, why not just hunt up a used tranny?

Bear45-70 wrote:

Trafficjamz wrote:You are going to remove a 5 series BMW engine and replace it with a chevy 350?

I feel bad for that BMW

I agree, why not just hunt up a used tranny?

HA, a used trans for that car would be major $$$

This swap will never happen.

I work on german vehicles all the time. (audi, vw and porche)
Doing an engine/trans swap from even different years of the SAME car car be very difficult.

Sorry for the hate, but I too am a huge bmw enthusiast and I think this is a mistake.
Find annother tranny for it and experience what bmw wanted you too. That's not a bad motor at all.

[quote="wikked_spree57"]So I picked up this car... a 94 BMW 530i...

For 75 bucks. Been sitting four years


I say throw the van chassis under it! Who cares $75

martynkim wrote:
I say throw the van chassis under it! Who cares $75

This is not Monster Garage, this is real life.

That van's engine and trans will not fit in the BMW.

If you got it for $75, then take it to a scrapyard and sell it, or list it on CL.

Trafficjamz wrote:

martynkim wrote:
I say throw the van chassis under it! Who cares $75

This is not Monster Garage, this is real life.

That van's engine and trans will not fit in the BMW.

If you got it for $75, then take it to a scrapyard and sell it, or list it on CL.

Cmon TJ It would be fun! I guess you have a soft heart for krautmobiles. Personally, Its a car they come they go. Get it for cheap mod it! Just like my 99 Kia Sephia I got for $100. It is my commuter for work it is gonna have a shaker hood, With a subaru engine! Got the engine for free and the kit too!

A used tranny goes for $500. Then, I still have to have the computer reprogrammed. The motor runs, but has low oil pressure. I did figure out if I gas it real hard (around 6000RPM) it will start off in third gear and bark the tires.

And I'm doing this because I simply want to. I can't afford to maintain the BMW drivetrain, and this makes it simple.

Marty, I shouldnt need it. Going by my measurements the BMW engine is pysically much bigger. There is a TON of room under the hood! I've always wanted a BMW and now I got one. It's in d*** good shape but... just expensive to fix.

Guys, at least support me on this. I've seen it done on a 325i which is SMALLER than my 530. I was told it's easier than I think.

I know this requires fabrication - motor mounts, transmission crossbar, drive shaft, exhaust etc. I need something to build on besides a scooter once in a while. You guys sitting here saying it can't be done makes me want to do it even more just to prove otherwise.


All those who vote for keeping it stock and fixing, I'm accepting donations.

Well good luck.
I support you

I just think it will be more difficult than you think.


I have an audi that I would like to put a small block chevy engine in.
But I was planning to use the audi transmission.


Keep us all updated on this huge project.

I will. I took some pictures of the car today, I bought it from a friend of mine. You will be able to tell it's been sitting, it has weeds growing around it pretty bad. We're moving it up front and checking the brake lines tomorrow night, we've been lazy about getting started on it. I haven't even looked under the car at the frame to see how much modding this will need.

Gou guys win... for now. I got bored and pulled the trans pan(s) off and low and behold, chunks missing from valve body gasket and in the bottom of the pan.

That right thurr would be the problemo!

This is the car, after a bath:

A silverado undercarriage and a lift with some 44's??? hmmmmmm...............

sweet deal and hopefully a cheap fix.