S54 Swap (got some questions)

[Bladez 0f Fury]

Hey guys, first, sorry for making this thread, I feel like I am posting too fast and not lurking enough... but I've spent the last two days reading for 8+ hours each day on swaps and what not but still have a few questions.

First off, how easy would this swap be? Don't worry about the engine itself, my dad owns an E46 and we've had to basically rip that thing apart and put it back together. I'm more curious about getting it to actually fit into the 318ti its self. How hard/easy would it be?

2nd, will the SMG engine work? Can I get the paddle shifters to work as well? I absolutely LOVE the paddle shifting and just how overall it feels compared to the 6 speed Manuals.

3rd, Will there be custom parts that I will need? Or can I use everything from the E46? I've seen people talk about converting the s54 over but still have yet to actually see someone do it.

4th, will things like the traction control, Sport/non sport push button, shift intensity button (???) be an option to keep?

Now the reason why I am picking the s54 over the S50b32 is because A) they are similar in price. I can buy an E46 for $10k and then rip the motor and everything I need, then sell the car as a parts car for some cash back. (Now some may say "Then just drive the M3" And to that I say nay... The 318ti is 1/2 a ton lighter and has room for my bass equipment, plus I don't want to be like everyone else, i would rather do something no one has done, or very few people) B) I would rather buy the newer motor and a motor my dad has worked on before over a older motor that we (I) have never touched. (from what my research has told me the s54's are better...)

If this motor can be swapped I will hopefully have the funds to start it up next summer (I like to do my research before I actually commit to a project) Thanks for any and all help with this and hopefully I will have enough funds and be able to document the entire conversion and put it up on here for those who want to do it as well.

Edit: Oh yes and the most important question. Is it legal? I'm not to sure what the whole OBDI thing is but will putting a s54 be street legal in my 318ti?

[318_mzk2]

The motor itself fits in fine with little modification you need m50 drivers side motor mount arm..or one from s54z3 .
I'm not 100% sure on the smg trans.you would need to modify s54 driveshaft shortened and welded into your ti or m3 driveshaft

Contact Castro motorsports in cali.. I've sent my DMe to them to get hacked and tuned to run my s54 in my ti.. They will provide you with wiring instructions also on how to wire your s54.. I beileve they do have a smog leger s54 e36 they built for a customer...

I will start my swap thread soon just wating on my clutch kit to arrive and some other parts