BMW E30 Coupe w/ E46 M3 Engine Swap - One Take

As the simplicity, boxy shape, and light weight of the BMW E30 steadily gains popularity with enthusiasts on a budget, we keep finding interesting ways to modify them. And we'll just come out and say it: this is the best way. By swapping the S54 Inline Six from an E46 M3, the 5-speed gearbox and steering rack from an E36 M3, and proper suspension and tires, this is simply one of the best project cars I've ever driven.

[@AKhellbindeR]

Just from the title alone, you basically have every old school BMW fans wet dream. The ultimate chassis with the ultimate engine.

[@FWDoraDora13]

+Anders Kristensen Pretty much. I've owned 6 e30s, always wanted this setup + 6spd manual and 5 lug swap

[@AKhellbindeR]

FWDoraDora13 An E30 with a swap like this will never happen to me as stuff like this is illegal here, and yearly inspections. Not worth it. My buddy had one with the classic 2.7 ETA head with 325i bottom end, big cam etc Real mean sounding. Put down 220hp which isnt bad for something that old and NA. Gas milage was some of the worst I have ever seen tho. Barely double digit mpg

[@flavourboss]

+Anders Kristensen Isn't it the 325i head on the 2.7 eta block for the stroker? '

[@AKhellbindeR]

+flavourboss Might be, not super knowledgeable with bimmers

[@flavourboss]

Anders Kristensen Yeah cool, I think it is. I started questioning my sht for a second. Good motor.

[@fiatlux4265]

I applaud you for choosing the S54 as your power plant for the E30 chassis, a fantastic engine, gotta love 3.2L I6 NA w/ ITBs and 11.5:1 compression, with Schrick cams 288/280, the right tune, 8500RPM redline.. near 400bhp no FI, ultimate throttle response, pure engine bliss! I'm performing a cut/cooper ring head gasket replacement on my 2004 M3 as we speak!

[@RoadsUntraveled]

11:32 - He missed the GTA stunt jump on the right

[@truelegendinblack]

You have a great channel also

[@mrcamelfrags]

+Roads Untraveled you honestly deserve more subscribers, just keep it up and they will come to you.

[@WelcomeToTheMadness]

If you're a fan of the e30. Check out my build in progress. E30-2J

[@silviaracer9]

Its so funny you noticed that LOL

[@bronzegrippz8424]

I've rewatched this one too many times and it is still hands down my favorite One Take to date. The car setup is the tits. I didn't think the owner was smug, as some of these commenters stated. Seemed pretty honest and straightforward IMO. He might not have had the knowledge to build it himself, but he had the vision and bankroll to get it done right.

[@robertueberfeldt789]

Sounds like he is happy to sell it and he's just had the best promo ad in the world, shouldn't take long for the offers to come in.

[@OddisProductions]

The best BMW chassi with the best inline six in the world - CHECK !

[@hondacrx0]

i prefer a 2JZ GTE inline 6

[@BradaBear61]

+oddisPProductions dont agree the s50b30 euro spec is more reliable!!

[@FikshunMoshun]

+tornaciokan talking shit hey.

[@BradaBear61]

Emri Pires exprience talking here bub

[@stevel8430]

+tornaciokan only ever met one person who killed a bmw engine and he over filled the oil because his oil light wouldn't go off and he didn't check the dip like a spaz . Other than that hammer hammer hammer still keep going . more likely to kill the box even if you do you can buy a hole new car for less than a Toyota gear box . well in Europe anyway lol

[@DEVANC4VETTE]

Yet another video confirming to the world that the E30 is in fact the greatest car ever made and making me hate myself that I sold my super clean rust free 1986 325es coupe for only $1,500 and can't find another one like it in as good of shape for under $4,000 now to save my life.

[@randy438]

Just picked up an S54 and 6 speed for my E30. This is the video that convinced me to do it

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

kush , coffee , and BMW One Take. Today will be a good day.

[@celerymeat]

+Michael Charity no

[@TheBrownGarage]

+Michael Charity ya caffeine's terrible for you, quit cold turkey and prepare for terrible headaches

[@RoadsUntraveled]

+yes sir A perfect recipe ;)

[@jeffk464]

+ChronicConnoisseur I came up with the perfect solution I quit coffee and started drinking tea. 40% of the caffeine and never experienced any headaches. One thing I didn't expect is that my everyday mood is better, huh who would have guessed.

[@Matt-qp1vg]

Pot smokers, much like engineers often feel it necessary to inappropriately identify themselves as such

[@preludin1]

I am glad Matt understands e30s. Nothing like it. Ever.

[@Thorhack]

Amen brother!

[@williameldon8768]

That thing is wonderful. I have a 91' 318i acting as my daily until I finish grad school. A swap and suspension build is the dream.

[@MJH211]

S54 Inline Six fantastic engine, really cool build

[@mxracingunlimitedltd7784]

Best car ive seen on a one take so far!!!

[@Davidcorner111]

+Anthony G true

[@Toyota4Life]

+Anthony G hell no

[@Davidcorner111]

Toyota4Life what is? THAT ISNT A supercar

[@rd91sib18zex]

Happy Monday car junkies.

[@VisualAnalog]

You too man

[@lolololololololol513]

happy monday bud

[@snoopy5736]

Mondaze suk

[@Prodriver33]

+Snoopy thats what cars like this are for, that's why your a car guy, get behind the wheel and tell monday to suck it!

[@elcasho]

Old school noise, lightness, purity. Modern M cars are too quiet, too heavy, too many gadgets, virtual sound through the speakers! Shame! Love this e30!

[@formo11]

+El Casho agreed

[@Audfile]

I say new cars have more refinement. I could not imagine driving this thing often without earplugs and a lot of breaks to rub my back and stretch.

[@Audfile]

but it is a beautiful car.

[@davidpalmer8419]

+Audfile thank you. I would have to agree it's definitely not a long distance car lol. Bucket seats are not fun for the street.

[@WelcomeToTheMadness]

If you're a fan of the e30. Check out my build in progress. E30-2J

[@meteormedia7021]

Wow this thing is so glorious! Old school DTM vibes.

[@truelegendinblack]

DtM as fuck

[@Razerhasgame]

My Monday was shitty until I saw the words E30 and S54 swap

[@tjprovo24]

Thank you Matt for finally doing this car! And with the S54 even better!

[@simpsonjayhawk]

This and the Ferrari 355 is one of the most excited ive ever seen Matt get

[@toddrobinson9170]

too the owner of the e30 excellent choice getting a straight six from an e46 best combination and i absolutely love the sound and performance of a straight six cheers from canada two both of you

[@WillFisher64]

This owner knows what's up.. Down playing it like a boss!

[@butt5810]

Well, I guess I just started a bucket list. This build is the only thing on it

[@scanspeak00]

A great example of how less is more, much like the MX5.

[@Chiltonzr2]

Lmao

[@VictorPitstop]

+scanspeak00 Love my stock-ass Mx5.

[@Chiltonzr2]

+Victor Pitts I hate them, but more power to you for supporting what you love.

[@VictorPitstop]

Chiltonzr2 You must be tall to hate a Miata. No feelings hurt here! Im going to sell the Miata as well once I get my e82 :)

[@jwardTLS]

+Victor Pitts keep it and drive both. Miata handles so much better than an e82. Both badass cars in their own right. I own both and speak from experience at the track in this regard.

[@kchesterw]

This is one of my favorite One Takes that I have seen. Great job to Matt, the owner, and the builder.

[@NoBrakes23]

The engine note sounds like a blend between a beautiful inline six and a hideous fart canned inline four. I'm so conflicted.

[@Shorty15c4007]

+NoBrakes23 Sounds great inside, but shit from the outside

[@seanwikaisabeast]

For some reason all e46s sound like that lol

[@djjmann]

+John Smith (SuperCar Weekly) Add an equal length header (Super Sprint or alike) and that rasp almost completely disappears.

[@NoBrakes23]

Weird, UEL headers make a O4 Subaru sound beautiful and a I6 BMW sound horrible?

[@Chattsteezy]

+NoBrakes23 pretty sure a lot is from those active autowerks headers. Aside from the s54 already being raspy, but i've seen their exhaust systems and they just add to it. Sound fucking great from afar, but up close they blow out your ear drums lol

[@650jdb]

I love how your editor gradually moved the in-car footage to the top after that whatever-it-was hit the camera.

[@SubaruWRXspdManual]

I'm a huge fan of one takes. I've watched a few of them. Quite a few in fact. This ride is way up there. Way up there. Jesus it's great.

[@1BMWdrvr1]

Really hope you put in an alcantara headliner and A & C pillar covers. The car deserves it, you do too!

[@Kris-cp3tz]

You should of had the guy who actually built the car sit in there with you during the shoot instead of Smugface Mcgee.

[@Chrisstaychill]

Best one take I've ever watched... And I've seen them all.

[@niewb]

Been waiting for a proper motor swapped e30 to be reviewed, glad matt enjoyed.

[@wolfwitdabeanz3211]

When the bug hit the camera and they slowly started floating up to cover it killed me. That was hilarious and they weren't even trying. xD

[@Mx2J]

those downshifts were so bad.. lol that overrevving was killing me

[@WorkHorse.Fabrication]

same

[@bluewker]

How can you tell he's overrevving? Like, he over-rev'd for the downshift or he brought it past redline?

[@Whomecouldntb3]

He said he couldn't heel toe proper because the brake and gas pedals weren't lined up proper so he had to old school blip it which is why his downshifts weren't crisp.

[@bk-fo8id]

ohhh werent they horrible haha

[@nsumpy]

regardless of whether he can heel/toe correctly there is no need to keep revving it like that, painful to watch.

[@Che1seabluesdrogba11]

car is so light and with that engine has to be a beast to drive

[@wooderson76]

this just sealed the deal for me and my E30... ENGINE SWAP!!! Thumbs Up!

[@tonypate9174]

+wooderson76 A roll cage is a must then as E30 not the best car to be " shiny " side down in !!

[@wooderson76]

No Kidding! I had a Tree jump out in front of my last E30, KO'd my front end, Rim and suspension... even bent my Steering wheel, I felt like hell after that... stupid trees will jump out in front of you like a damn deer! lol

[@fullfunk]

+wooderson76 you shoulnd have high beams on on the road dont blind trees man

[@untouchableali]

Wow 10/10 from Matt. You really can't get better than that! Well done to the owner!

[@chrissorreda4982]

That pip transition tho 👍🏼👍🏼 Appreciate it

[@RadioMuse1]

10/10 would buy again. 10/10 would recommend to a friend. DO. WANT.

[@dreygoss6515]

Watching This In a Office Environment and I must say Its Very Pleasing , Way to make my Monday a WHOLE lot smoother, Great build btw you took a car that handles immaculately and added more power WHAT A FUCKING COMBO!!

[@Iucien]

I also love that he hasnt bothered to clean up the look. Just means the car can be hooned without worrying about messing up an expensive paintjob or scraping some fancy aero piece

[@trollhunter2032]

Looks crazy fun.

[@bmwe3opassion519]

What i can say about this video . . . Awsome bmw e30 , i am really pround of my Bmw e30. Thank you for the video.

[@aghostwiener]

I just watched the whole thing no problem never seen matt this excited over an old car props to that guy

[@freud2695]

Matt you clearly love this car. You don't usually get this excited about anything. Even much more expensive cars and exotics. :-)

[@Underpantsniper]

Such a fantastic build, its no aesthetics and all mechanical just how i like it..

[@Valdismith]

Haha Matt you seemed to enjoy this more than not only late 1980s cars you driven, you enjoyed it so much than most of the cars, like I could tell just by looking from the side. I could also tell even without driving it, even on video that if you know a little more about cars, this car had a great set up. It stayed so light on its feet, it was going good in the corners, and still had plenty of room:) It is fast, it can be tail happy if you wanted it to, but is is not scary fast, nothing more I need in means of sped and power, according ot the car weight. I loved this car too, I would want one so bad.

[@davidpalmer8419]

#nailedit

[@soulstance]

Wow, E46 M3 engine in a light body E30. Crazy combo!!

[@siraff4461]

On 3.73 top end is mid 150's on the rev limiter - which it will happily pull to. Been there, needed new rod bearings and so on.

[@fordrac1ng81]

This is why the E30 is so iconic. refresh the car and give it some extra power and they're fucking perfect. Everything you need, nothing you don't. Not even cup holders.

[@pvendeloo7512]

+fordrac1ng81 was about to say the same thing, legendary car. also he's just updated it mostly with bmw parts which i like a lot too.

[@mordfustang1933]

Your gonna need cup holders for bud light eventually and you'll regret buying an e30 m8.

[@fordrac1ng81]

Says the guy named Mord Fustang

[@jo23bulls]

Dude looks like an older Evan Shanks.

[@sp1tf1r321]

+jo23bulls lol he does

[@aidin67]

+jo23bulls lol wtf no he does not. At all.

[@thatsInzeyne]

As soon as i saw the title, i went and made a cup of tea and got a fresh pack of biscuits ready before i even cliked play. Excellent video once again!

[@why3011]

_responds in british_

[@Bryan-ir1ex]

It seems to me that it's got that raspy sound from the M3 CSL! I love it!

[@wccrispy]

I'm not sure if you enjoyed driving this one, Matt. You seem a bit torn.

[@kurtrusellpatrickswayze]

+Wayland C Lol what does that mean

[@wccrispy]

Just a little sarcasm :)

[@kurtrusellpatrickswayze]

Wayland C Hahaha, I genuinely did not get that. I feel dumb now. lol.

[@sigmaoctantis_nz]

Same gearbox I swapped into my E36 :) I'd love to have the S54 in my car too.

[@sigmaoctantis_nz]

I've been thinking about it. Probably just going to supercharge it though.

[@dillydean]

not often i watch a whole one take video. but i love E30s and wow what a noise! loved it! what a beast

[@RaabsIn513]

I've wanted an e30 so badly before this video! now i want one even more!

[@jeffk464]

"Its a good loud" Total silence from Mat

[@KombiLife]

Definitely more than "one take" these days :) Great fun driving with you as always

[@Kooldood.]

What we e30 owners have been waiting for !

[@the-boring-car-guy]

Arguably the best bmw chassis matched with their best i6 and wow

[@k1ttycatpoop]

e30s with this engine are rockets!!

[@ItsMikeArre]

Epic build by u sir

[@BradaBear61]

nice built ive got a e30 saloon with a s50b30 euro spec engine with H&H motormangment 330hp on the engine then the car weighs 1100Kg 0 to 180 in 13 seconds but the best thing is the engine sound when you rev to 8100 rpm love that straith inline sound!!

[@mattcaudell9972]

I love the way the s50 sounds. Much better sounding than the s54 in my opinion

[@seventheleven]

I like the sound, personally. Raspy and raw.

[@youtubasoarus]

A bit tinny but damn it sounds great! What a little champ.

[@WelcomeToTheMadness]

If you're a fan of the e30. Check out my build in progress. E30-2J

[@ryanboytim896]

This guy and his attitude just rubs me the wrong way but his car is sick

[@BboyMobster]

You don't know him though!

[@CUZC0M]

+Ryan Boytim probably your jealousy is what you are feeling

[@017Mustang]

+Ryan Boytim +1

[@pedrogregorio]

+Ryan Boytim i know i got the same vibes lol

[@towlie911]

Really oozes douche for some reason

[@niktus1]

have one myself, engine is fantastic

[@Darren.G]

ITB's ftmfw!!! Man, that thing makes some beautiful sounds. That quick downshifting and rev quickness makes me really want to pull the trigger on a fidanza! Great OT, keep em coming!

[@tyupton1719]

I wanna see you do an FB RX7 with rotary in it, slow but fun.

[@ethownzbh]

Maybe he'll get his hands on a turbo II swapped one.

[@invinciblejets4690]

Yes!

[@tyupton1719]

+Ethanmeister maybe, i have plenty of fun in my 12A rex

[@VictorPitstop]

+Ty U. I had an 83 with all GSL upgrades and a streetport among other things. It was loud as shit, brappy, shitty on gas mileage, constantly needed to be maintained, but I had a shit load of fun blowing around corners on the setup at around 7000 plus RPM.

[@tyupton1719]

+Victor Pitts awesome, my stock 83 GSL has 151,700 miles and is completely reliable

[@Javvvs]

damn is it me or are those downshifts happening at too high of a RPM?

[@f1dog]

I used to own an e46 m3 and I remember the engine was loud as hell downshifting. This was in a well insulated newer body, so I imagine it would be ridiculous in that thing. The engine was very high revving though, but you're probably right. He's pushing the hell out of it.

[@erickrayos]

s54 does rev to 8k RPM, and you want to keep it above 4k RPM so when you downshift it does sound loud anything over 4k.

[@kickenkaz1]

Javi Roque bad tune and poor build but seems so much fun!

[@_kunkle]

the flywheel is super light and matt is trying to rev match but hes over revving it

[@theeuros5066]

he's very clearly over revving cause a few times when we let the pedal go it would push him back in the seat a bit meaning he over revved

[@TheMoessteezy]

Seen this car rip at streets of willow! Quick car and a quick driver!

[@davidpalmer8419]

+Moetouge2.0 whats up mang, when we hitting up the track again? ha

[@TheMoessteezy]

crashed the car last month in the canyons man, so not for a while lol. Hit me on instagram next time you go though. bought a focus st.

[@gkixe4y]

Very cool car, swapped like a true Hot Rod. It would be neat to see this car compared to Matt's Project Fox Mustang. Thanks for all the One Takes!

[@fellowship_of_the_goat]

Next you need to drive a 318is to complete your E30 experiences. Come to Australia and punt mine around

[@pdublt3d]

I hope you get your M3 dude. Matt just 'sold the shit' out of your car.

[@chucko83]

the bug pip relocate thing is funny. keep doing it haha

[@ItsNotBushWeek]

This i easily one of the best cars on here in ages!!!

[@bingoberra18]

Great car indeed. Please drive an S13, love it or hate it I´d like to hear your thoughts about a sorted one.

[@xDeadlyfuryG3x]

The pro camera reposition!

[@mansalans]

+Deadly smooth as fuck.

[@zwensie]

The E30 chassis with the S54 that's just the best of BMW combined

[@slowvag8v]

Best sounding car you´ve ever driven

[@csafadit]

Yay! Another E30!

[@Patrick94GSR]

F yeah man, looks like that would be an auto-x monster!

[@jeffk464]

+Patrick94GSR Yes, F type man. Thats what I'm talking about.

[@lutalutamedia]

+Patrick94GSR Who wants to drive around cones in 2nd gear? Nobody who owns a BMW.

[@Patrick94GSR]

lutalutamedia guess you haven't been to too many autocrosses huh?

[@lutalutamedia]

You haven't driven your car outside of a parking lot have you?

[@Patrick94GSR]

+lutalutamedia I've probably driven it a whole lot more miles than you have yours, including a few auto crosses and top speed runs when I was young and stupid.

[@Alberte36]

Three Generations of 3 Series car parts in one. I love it. 1982-2005. BMWs are like Legos, or at least they used to be. Awesome car, great job to everyone involved.

[@alpe6228]

Those throttle blips tho lol.Overevving that badboy and it was awesome,Matt is a great driver.

[@Sinisterg60]

this makes me miss the e30 I had 15 years ago...

[@iliovecaRS]

buy another 1

[@jeffk464]

+Matthew Keller If you are driving what I think your driving, anything drives better than that.

[@darknez09240]

dat sound thou damnnnn!!!

[@phatfool33]

Dude my first car was an 85' 325e. Wish I still had it!

[@robertrishel3685]

Love your enthusiasm Farrah! A good friend of mine built essentially the same car which he tracks at NOLA. Brilliant combination of chassis/engine.

[@Adrian_The_Great]

s54 in a e34, that would be awesome aswell. Maybe not as quick or fun, but sure it would be nicer.

[@Raf_man]

how would it be nicer lol

[@Adrian_The_Great]

+Rafi M well, sorry, for me an e34 is the best looking bmw out there. ;)

[@tonypate9174]

+xingomuxo Be a lot stronger just google eurocap test on e30 ,e34 for inverted drop results

[@brianmjmario]

Hhmm I'm not big fan of the sound but everyone have their own taste, nice build by the way!!

[@IceFish.]

but vtec brahhhh

[@brianmjmario]

+culinarymatt87 I actually like the vtec sound better lol he just needs a better exhaust man! Don't you think?

[@TheBlkzenki]

+Brian Vtec im 100% sure it sounds better in person. S54's always have that nice mechanical sound.

[@brianmjmario]

+TheBlkzenki your right, I actually like the way it looks tho

[@VampyrMygg]

+Brian Vtec I have to somewhat agree, BMW I6 engines have really nice sound normally, but this one sounded like it had angry wasps in it, it's an intake sound maybe? but some like that little angry raspy snarl in the intake.

[@nukedathlonman]

Oh man, the sound track of that engine!!!

[@Dapeepn1gg4]

This is literally my dream car

[@Humboldt710]

This looked like fun!

[@dinvergod007]

That casual picture swipe made me laugh so hard. Maybe it's because I'm sleep deprived

[@Peter_2jz]

+dinvergod007 Naah , a bug hit the upper left corner :D you missed it

[@Patrick94GSR]

+dinvergod007 haha yeah, I went back and checked it again. I wish they would put the inset pic in the center over the car hood like they did on the, I think, Morgan 3-wheeler video. Seemed like a good place for it, since the car hood takes up that place in the outside camera view anyway. But I also like symmetry so there's that.

[@uberitup84]

I want to thank you for moving the inside video to the upper right corner to cover up that bug, would have drove me nuts the rest of the video. Great video.

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

One of my fav of the 3s. Just a classic.

[@postmortemspasm]

Those downshifts are hurtin me... wayyyyyyy too much throttle blip

[@trevorfoley8710]

I was cringing

[@willott4429]

+Dadul Ludad It can be kinda tricky with the individual throttle bodies and drive by wire throttle.

[@tjprovo24]

+Will Ott exactly right. It's more of a skill to blip the throttle right on the S54, than it would be on say a Focus ST or something

[@Dolby109]

Yeah these engines both rev up and de-rev very fast. I drove my firends on the street recently and had to nearly race shift just to get the clutch back out out before the revs dropped too far. I tried a heel-toe and over revved it.

[@GodOfGamingBG]

wish i had enough money to do a crazy build out of my bone stock 2-door E30 318i

[@Thorhack]

Just flip E30's man, I've made plenty of money off them. #drifttax

[@MonkeyBarsEveryday]

GodOfGamingBG no shame in a stock 318, that little M42 is rock solid and the platform is fantastic. Spend some bucks on tightening up the suspension and you can tear up a track

[@GodOfGamingBG]

I wish I did have M42, but only 318is comes with M42 in Europe, 318i has M40 which is a single cam 8-valve engine making 115hp new... But yeah, I do intend to swap it with M42 when I have the money for that.

[@Financmajster]

GodOfGamingBG dont swap am is in it, is is fucking butter that cant handle any abuse or anything, spend the money on a turbo setup or an M50 or M52 swap

[@CarReviewsEU]

Very unusual car. It seems really like something special.

[@haroldsgarageo4822]

This almost exactly what I’m doing to my e30 I just don’t know where to start😜😜 awesome car