KPower Race K Swap Package for 1990-2006 BMW 3 Series (E36 E46)
KPower Race K Swap Package for 1990-2006 BMW 3 Series (E36 E46)
BLACK FRIDAY SALE: save $500 on this package now through 12/1!
After years of development, testing, and refinement, we’re proud to officially release our K-Swap package for the beloved BMW E36 and E46 platforms! Take your 1990–2006 BMW 3 series to the next level with the performance, reliability, and innovation of a Honda K-series swap, backed by everything we’ve learned from years of experience in motorsports and custom fabrication.
Over four years of on-street development and intensive track testing, we explored several swap configurations to find the optimal layout. Some of the approaches we considered included:
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Utilizing spacers to lower the front subframe to retain the factory transmission location and stock K series oil pan, at the cost of significantly degrading suspension geometry (bump steer, roll center, Ackermann, dynamic toe, etc.). It would also require a longer steering rack shaft.
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Mounting the engine behind the steering rack, requiring subframe modifications, firewall cutting, and a shortened driveshaft.
- Relocating the steering rack forward - degrading suspension geometry.
None of those solutions aligned with our OEM+ mentality. Instead, we capitalized on the 154-pound weight savings of a fully dressed KPower equipped K24A2 by moving the transmission forward just 3.5 inches, placing it in line with cylinders 2 through 5 of the original M52 engine, then lowering the entire drivetrain by 0.5 inch.
This configuration is designed around a K20 PRB style oil pump conversion and our custom 7-quart aluminum oil pan with baffles, two trap doors, two drain plugs, overflow plug, and a remote-mounted pickup tube, which together cradle the steering rack and subframe (Please note, the tabs on the steering racks for power steering need to be machined away.)
We utilize 0.50 inch brackets to shift the transmission mounts forward, a driveshaft spacer to extend the length of the middle driveshaft, and lower the guibo carrier support bearing with by 0.50 inch. A custom length DSSR shift linkage is utilized to connect the dots of the transmission relocation.
With the engine and transmission shifted forward, we designed aluminum sway bar relocation brackets to move the sway bar forward as well. This update requires customers to use M3-style, shock-mounted sway bar endlinks, a modification that is typically already done on cars intended for competitive use.
All of these changes preserve all factory suspension geometry, positions the engine and transmission low in the chassis without sacrificing ground clearance, and requires no firewall or subframe modifications. There's even room to retain the factory M3/Cabrio X-brace. The result is ideal weight balance and an uncompromised driving experience.
We offer a few options on this listing to help you build a more complete kit. Choose between our two recommended transmissions, the ZF5 or ZF6, and be sure to check out the gearing differences using our Gearing Calculator page for a side-by-side comparison.
If you're planning to run all-motor initially, we offer the option to purchase this package without an exhaust manifold or to add our E36/E46 RWD K-swap header. This header has been confirmed to fit Euse of a slim passenger side control arm bushing conversion, such as Condor Speed shop kit for E36 and E46
That said, we anticipate many customers will be going turbo, either from the start or down the road. For that path, the cast stainless steel ARTEC turbo manifold is available as well. Stay tuned for updates on our KPower RWD Production Turbo System, currently in development. This system will feature the proven ARTEC manifold and is being designed to fit both the E36 and E46 platforms seamlessly.
Although E36 cars are drive by cable and E46 cars are drive-by-wire, E36 cars can be upgraded to drive-by-wire easily. For both E36 and E46 platforms, we recommend using our KPower DBW Universal Electronics Package. This isolated standalone system greatly simplifies installation and offers seamless integration with the rest of your swap components. Plus, you can save 8% when bundling the package with a Haltech CAN gauge, Haltech iC-7, or Haltech uC-10 display.
If you’re on the fence about switching to drive-by-wire, give us a call, we’re happy to walk you through it. From crisp throttle response and no-lift shifting to automatic throttle blips and the end of sticky throttle bodies and unreliable idle air control valves, DBW brings modern performance to your build.
If you want to stay with drive by cable, check out our Universal RWD drive by cable engine harness, Miata conversion harness, and either a Hondata Kpro4 or Link G4X plug in ECU offerings.
Please note: at this time, we do not offer a CANBUS-integrated electronics solution for the E46 chassis or a plug-and-play E36 electronics package.
This swap package includes the following products:
- KPower 7 quart baffled and trap door equipped aluminum oil pan kit that clears stock subframe
- KPower Steel engine mount brackets with adjustable height shims, powder coated, with hardware
- KPower Steel transmission relocation brackets, zinc coated, with hardware
- KPower Sway bar relocation kit (for use with shock mounted M3 style sway bar end links)
- KPower K24 to Getrag 5/ZF5/ZF6 manual transmission adapter plate with 15 degree offset
- KPower K24 to Getrag 5/ZF5/ZF6 aluminum flywheel, 13.0 lb.
- KPower Driveshaft spacer kit with hardware (Getrag 5 and ZF5 only)
- KPower DSSR shift linkage (Getrag 5/ZF5/ZF6)
- KPower Hardware kit to lower the Guibo driveshaft center support bearing
- KPower shifter plate with hardware
- KPower Shifter selector joint
- KPower Flywheel dust shield
- KPower E30/E36/E46 Upper coolant neck
- KPower Cast aluminum KPower intake manifold with hardware
- Choice of throttle body:
- Drive by wire
- Bosch 74mm DBW throttle body
- Carbon/nylon 3D printed throttle body adapter with hardware
- Idle air control blockoff plate
- Drive by cable
- KPower 74mm throttle body
- Acuity TPS sensor
- KPower 74mm throttle body
- Drive by wire
- Choice of no header, KPower E36/E46 RWD 4-2-1 header, or ARTEC Turbo manifold
- Choice of Getrag 5, ZF5, or ZF6 transmission
Important Notes:
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All products are designed for off-road motorsports use only. Users are responsible for complying with all local laws in their county, state, and country.
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Our engine wiring harness is designed for 2004-2008 K24A sensors, including the crank sensor, knock sensor, and injectors. It is also wired for a 2006-2008 Acura TSX A/C compressor. Not all K24 compressors are the same.
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If you plan on using injectors other than OEM K24A injectors, please specify at checkout and we’ll swap in the appropriate injector sub-harness free of charge.
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These engine mounts bolt to the following engines: JDM K24A RBB, K24A2, K24A3, K24A4, K20Z3, K20Z4, and the less desirable K24A8. They do NOT fit K20A2, K20Z1, or K24A1 blocks due to incompatible bolt-hole locations on the left side of the block. These mounts can be used as a starting point however, read more about this topic in our blog.
KPower Recommended Supporting Parts:
- Drive by Wire Electronics Package:
- Drive by cable electronics options:
- Power steering options:
- NC PS kit (custom hoses need to be made, great solution to run AC and PS)
- E30 PS kit (custom hose will be needed)
- E36 electric power steering system
- KPower Universal K Series Intake Kit
- KPower Fuel Rail
- Heater core options:
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KPower Modified Baffle Plate Valve Cover
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K24A2 E36/E46 OEM Parts Package
- Includes the required K20 Oil Pump Conversion and J35 Flywheel bolts
- K24A2 Engine Sensor Package
- USDM Water Pump Housing
- Fluidampr Harmonic Balancer/Crankshaft Pulley
- Winning Formula DBW Throttle Body adapter (substitution for KPower adapter)
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Clutch options:
- Spec Stage 1 or ACT HDSS Clutches (all motor builds)
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Spec Stage 3+ Clutch (for forced induction)
