Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sports/GTs, Supercars, BMW
Been there, kinda done that: G-Power's 550 HP BMW E46 M3 CSL V10
You figure after two different tuners had squeezed the M5's 500 HP V10 into an E92 BMW 3-series, you'd seen enough of that particular swap. Not quite. The German tuners at G-Power thought that a more suitable candidate for the big boy in the M lineup would be the previous generation E46 M3. A CSL no less.
Performing the swap is a feat unto itself, but G-Power managed to coax another 43 HP from the V10, dropping the power to weight ratio to 5.95 lbs./hp, and allowing the M3 to scoot to 60 in 4.2 seconds and onto a theoretical top speed of 208 MPH.
Getting that power to the ground is a set of 21-inch G-Power Silverstone Diamond wheels, along with a KW-Automotive custom-tuned suspension setup.
Although G-Power offers this swap for both the E46 and the E92 3-series coupes, they will also cram the V10 into the Z4 and X5, and the madness doesn't end there. The tuning company is in the process of developing a twin-supercharger kit for the V10 that's expected to boost power up to between 640 and 750 HP.
[Source: G-Power via World Car Fans]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Danny Boy 6:22PM (8/30/2007)
wheels are too big for me...19s max with some thicker rubber
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Geoff 7:09PM (8/30/2007)
i was going to say the same thing.. all that power and then wasting it with the rotating mass of 21" wheels.. boo.
Scott 9:03AM (8/31/2007)
"G-Power has mounted their concave 10-double spoke Silverstone Diamond wheels pictured here in 21-inch. Despite the added weight from the faux screw fittings which give a two-piece appearance, the Silverstone wheels are in fact lighter than the stock M wheels."
paul 6:33PM (8/30/2007)
what the crap. 550HP in a car that light? that is pure madness
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h8rain 8:50AM (8/31/2007)
Did you see near the end of the article (or is that what you were referring to)...."they will also cram the V10 into the Z4 and X5" 550 in a Z4! Good lord that would be of a beast than the M Z3 (M Roadster?) Wonder what that would do to the weight distribution?
Zach 8:10PM (8/30/2007)
Out of curiosity, where do they get the engines from? I didn't think BMW sold them directly, and surely there aren't that many in junkyards or the like.
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Gooch 7:25AM (8/31/2007)
Okay, 543 horsepower in an E46 M3 -- and some of you are bitching?
Damn, I've seen it all...
I'd much rather stay atmos than go forced induction. No matter what kind of development you do with the turbo, something bad will come to light under the stress of real-world driving. And I prefer the instant response of an atmos engine. Not to mention the added heat of a forced induction unit, the fuel mileage, and the probable lag (unless its a supercharger).
As far as the suspension goes, actually, I lean toward Logik's opinion as well. I wouldn't really go more than 19" on the E46 M3 and go with a high-quality coil-over setup that I can tune. I'd keep the atmos V10 and spend more money on the suspension.
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Orion ZyGarian 1:15PM (8/31/2007)
You could put BMW's 108,000 HP engine in too (http://people.bath.ac.uk/ccsshb/12cyl/), but weight is also a big factor.
Anyone who thinks forced induction is less reliable than an N/A engine with the same HP hasnt had a proper tune. Same with boost responce: I guarentee you two engines (one N/A one boosted) making the same big power, the one with forced induction will be faster. Torque comes in to play big time. Usually N/A engines making decent power have to make it high in the RPMs. The "lag" is actually worse on these engines, as you still have to wait for the power.
There are ways to dissipate the heat made; besides, you think a 500 HP V10 doesnt make lots of heat?
With fuel mileage as a concern: no. When you are not in boost, you'll get just as much mileage as an N/A engine. When you are in boost, it'll use just a bit more than an equally powerful N/A engine (1-2 mpg if done right)
DCragTop 9:00AM (8/31/2007)
eemm...all that effort, $$$, and horsepower for a mid-4sec car? Wow, coulda just bought a real car at this point. But I sorta understand...I guess it's better than your average $50k Nissan Z or $32k Volks Rabbit. Tuners: man they have us by the b@lls.
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Nick 11:22AM (8/31/2007)
Or you could just get a Z06 and eat this M3 alive!
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DCragTop 11:26AM (8/31/2007)
I was going to say the same thing....plus you get a factory warranty.
Orion ZyGarian 1:21PM (8/31/2007)
Probably from BMW themselves. The conversion kits usually cost as much as the car...which makes sense, since the S85 is something like $25-28k by itself; I cant remember if that is dealership cost or not, but I'm fairly certain if Joe Public wants to buy one its over a few grand more.. And without manifolds, accesories, etc.
Overall I'm not impressed. I dont like this engine at all; the extra 50 lbs they gained from switching to the V10 alone couldve gone towards a turbo or supercharger setup that wouldve boosted torque far more, which in the real world is just as important as HP.
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Logik 7:06AM (8/31/2007)
Or, they could've left the engine alone and improved the suspension. In the real world, cornering speed is just as important as HP and torque.
Orion ZyGarian 1:02PM (8/31/2007)
Depends on what your goals are. I'm sure the stock CSl suspension is already pretty bitchin, but 333 HP isnt quite enough for some people
Orion ZyGarian 1:23PM (8/31/2007)
Sorry that was a wrong link...BMW doesnt make that engine. BMW/Rolls-Royce does produce large diesel engines for giant yachts that make stupid amounts of power as well
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Matt 12:19PM (9/01/2007)
yeah, i read in eurotuner about the e92 3-series swap. Hartge will not only put the engine, in but do a complete overhaul of the car for around $100,000. It's a cool concept and to own one of Hartge v10's, but IMO, that money could be spent elsewhere on something more pratical, performance-wise to say the least
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