Series 3 109 engine conversion BMW M57 6cyl diesel

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Standard 109 servo series brakes will lock up if in good fettle, what more do you want?
Standard components, easily sourced and maintained. Disks are better for hard driving, but I've never struggled with any emergency stop, even with a few tonne on the trailer, with the 11" TLS standard.

If permanent 4x4 with open centre diff, then you might not need to switch the front axle to CV's, but that can be done. No idea what the BMW 4x4 system is like, so, if locked centre diff, you'll need CV joints on the front.

Basically new inner half shafts, standard defender CV joints, turn down new ralko bushes and a bit of metal relieving on the swivel balls.

I agree with the approach, as simple as possible, but modern engine.
 
A high capacity series rad, a separate oil cooler and inter cooler will all fit in the standard front panel.
 
series3_M57 said:
Though upgrades to braking on series vehicles may be a thing? If so what's the method? Thanks
series3_M57 said:
Noted re the 6cyl chassis and bulkhead. Sounds logical this would be the least time consuming method
Just to be clear though the actual time requirements to drop in a BMW engine and BMW manual gear box with conversion adapter to an LT230 are literally as fast as mounts can be fabricated and custom props auto-welded on a lathe welder. And hopefully mounting the rad / intercooler from the BMW also. Where time would be sunk in would be placement to ensure fit of everything , gear sticks etc.
The running of engine from ECU is plug and play from reading around. And dials/ guages can be worked on as time goes by, using wires taken off of loom connectors.

Obviously no cruise control without wheel speed sensors but thinking logically it may be possible to have an engine speed limiter to act as cruise. Just brainstorming , not informing.

Can't see a reason brakes and suspension wouldn't be fine if driven in the same manner as would be with any other engine, as not planning on going 150mph.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Theory is all very well. But I think you need to spend some time driving and maintaining a Series vehicle to have an idea of what they are actually like.
series3_M57 said:
Though upgrades to braking on series vehicles may be a thing? If so what's the method? Thanks
Click to expand...
Depends on what you have already.
Our 2a has 11 inch drums on the front instead of the original 10 inch. That is fine, but it has the original 2286cc petrol engine, and 4 speed box, which produce about 60 odd horse, and gives a top speed of about 60 mph.
As above^^^^^^, Six cylinder models and One Ton had 3 inch wide twin leading shoe drums at the front, and they give great stopping power if properly set up. The setting up and bleeding is an art in itself.
Also as stated^^^^^^^, disc brake conversions are also available.
All depends onhow much you want to spend, and how much hassle you want.

Or, you could keep a nice old motor the way it is, run it for not a lot, and use it for rallies and a bit of laneing.
And get a car for when you want to go fast and comfortable.
 
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