E90 to E92 Conversion (Thoughts?)

Lashko · 05-02-2017, 10:49 PM

So I currently own a 2010 BMW E90 335i. I love the damn car except for the front. I made a mistake and rushed into buying the E90 over the E92. Lesson learned but I'm still stuck with an ugly car. Something about the front end of the E90 I don't like. I really don't want to sell this car. I was thinking of just buying an E92 328xi or 335xi with Rear Damage from the auction such as Copart or IAAI and swap the front ends. I also have the non iDrive system so maybe swap in the iDrive system as well into my car. It seems like a lot of work and it is, but I'm willing to go for it. I would have a project plus I'm left with a parts car for myself such as the engine and transmission and maybe some suspension components if the E92 suspension is the same as my E90. I'm planning to keep the car for a while so in the long run I think it will be worth it.

Thoughts anyone?

Welcome to NBA Jam · 05-02-2017, 10:53 PM

Well. Good luck.

justpete · 05-02-2017, 10:58 PM

Seriouslyi?! This has to be the most daft thing I've ever read here. And that's saying something...

YouAreMyWorld · 05-02-2017, 10:59 PM

I'm going to be both real and upfront with you. This sounds nothing less than retarded and far too much effort, mainly financially, to make this anywhere near feasible. Even a salvaged E92 would probably cost anywhere from 3-7k and you're not even talking about transporting fees (of which said vehicle will probably be inoperable), storage fees (where are you going to literally park this thing and not have to worry about it?), and prep/paint work for the bumper.

You're far better off selling the E90 and recouping your losses from that, as I can almost guarantee that you'll be spending (at the least) the same if not more from the depreciation--which shouldn't be too offsetting since you bought it "recently".

This will/would be nothing more than a financial burden... an unnecessary one at that.

AWSB328iM · 05-02-2017, 11:01 PM

It's been done by a few people on the forum. Pretty sure it's fenders, hood, headlights, and various panels behind them. Not too difficult of a conversion if you are capable of taking everything off the donar car .

justpete · 05-02-2017, 11:02 PM

Um, adding iDrive is nutz. Changing to an e92 suspension makes no sense. It's just flat asinine with the age of e9x cars fercryinoutloud.

VTECaddict · 05-02-2017, 11:06 PM

You need custom fenders and custom hood to make it work, because the E92 parts don't like up properly on the E90.

Or use OEM E90 M3 parts.

justpete · 05-02-2017, 11:09 PM

That's really the only rational option, with e92 headlights, but the wide-ass fender flares will look really singularly stupid on a stock non-M sedan.

Lashko · 05-02-2017, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YouAreMyWorld

I'm going to be both real and upfront with you. This sounds nothing less than retarded and far too much effort, mainly financially, to make this anywhere near feasible. Even a salvaged E92 would probably cost anywhere from 3-7k and you're not even talking about transporting fees (of which said vehicle will probably be inoperable), storage fees (where are you going to literally park this thing and not have to worry about it?), and prep/paint work for the bumper.

You're far better off selling the E90 and recouping your losses from that, as I can almost guarantee that you'll be spending (at the least) the same if not more from the depreciation--which shouldn't be too offsetting since you bought it "recently".

This will/would be nothing more than a financial burden... an unnecessary one at that.

It was just an idea I had in mind. Its not like I already purchased a salvaged e92. And getting a salvaged e92 off of the auction for cheap isn't an issue. My family have much experience with the auction. My father has driven salvaged BMW's from copart his whole life. Also transportation and storage I do not have to worry about that because I have that covered. Won't cost me a dime, but thank you for your feedback.

Lashko · 05-02-2017, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justpete

That's really the only rational option, with e92 headlights, but the wide-ass fender flares will look really singularly stupid on a stock non-M sedan.

This is why I came here to the forum. It was an idea I had. Thank you for your feedback though.

justpete · 05-02-2017, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LashkoMark

This is why I came here to the forum. It was an idea I had. Thank you for your feedback though.

Well everybody needs a hobby, I guess. Best of luck with that. Pics when you get finished will certainly be of interest.

VTECaddict · 05-02-2017, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justpete

That's really the only rational option, with e92 headlights, but the wide-ass fender flares will look really singularly stupid on a stock non-M sedan.

You can also cut and weld in the OEM E90 M3 rear fenders

justpete · 05-02-2017, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTECaddict

You can also cut and weld in the OEM E90 M3 rear fenders

Sure but on a sedan the flares continue on the rear doors. And now you'd have an M3 lookalike, tough to find anything more embarrassing to be seen driving tho.

VTECaddict · 05-03-2017, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justpete

Sure but on a sedan the flares continue on the rear doors. And now you'd have an M3 lookalike, tough to find anything more embarrassing to be seen driving tho.

The doors are the same M and non-M.

tlow98 · 05-03-2017, 12:57 AM

As mentioned the E90 M3 makes this the easiest for you, but they still go for $12k+ totaled. eek

TomD335xicoupe · 05-03-2017, 08:04 AM

I would bet you could find somebody to trade you to get into a 90 from a 92. Not me now, but I have often thought I should have bought the 90, simply for the convenience of a 4 door.
At this point I have serviced, replaced, repaired or upgraded almost every issue the N54 could through at me and do not want to do it again.
Best of luck with this but I too recommend either selling or trading you 90 , you will have an extremely hard time being able to sell a Frankenstein car to anyone outside of the hard core. you would destroy any equity you may have had. All the best, Tom

Underground6t9 · 05-03-2017, 09:01 AM

You can do custom headlights, 1M front bumper with m sport sides and rear. That would look good.

Jarrod · 05-03-2017, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PizDun2017

I really don't want to sell this car.

You admit to making a mistake buying it, but selling it is out of the question? Say more about this sentence.

Quote:

I was thinking of just buying an E92 328xi or 335xi with Rear Damage from the auction such as Copart or IAAI and swap the front ends.

The word "just" in this sentence is a bit confusing. This sounds like a terrific headache to me, and a smashing success means that you now own and drive a frankencar.

I would sell the car and get the one you should have bought instead.

jt335i · 05-03-2017, 09:21 AM

Good luck with that. If you have the money, anything is possible. Do what makes you happy.

BeastMode335i · 05-03-2017, 11:03 AM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=816875

Eddien123 · 05-03-2017, 11:03 AM

Sounds like a fun project. A LOT would have to go into it and it would be costly. If you're just interested in owning an e92 then just buy one. It'll save you so much time, money and stress.

justpete · 05-03-2017, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTECaddict

The doors are the same M and non-M.

Woulda sworn they weren't but I guess I was wrong about that, thanks for clearing that up!

05-02-2017, 10:49 PM	#1
Lashko Unknown Enthusiast 34 Rep 145 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Spartanburg, SC iTrader: (0)	E90 to E92 Conversion (Thoughts?) So I currently own a 2010 BMW E90 335i. I love the damn car except for the front. I made a mistake and rushed into buying the E90 over the E92. Lesson learned but I'm still stuck with an ugly car. Something about the front end of the E90 I don't like. I really don't want to sell this car. I was thinking of just buying an E92 328xi or 335xi with Rear Damage from the auction such as Copart or IAAI and swap the front ends. I also have the non iDrive system so maybe swap in the iDrive system as well into my car. It seems like a lot of work and it is, but I'm willing to go for it. I would have a project plus I'm left with a parts car for myself such as the engine and transmission and maybe some suspension components if the E92 suspension is the same as my E90. I'm planning to keep the car for a while so in the long run I think it will be worth it. Thoughts anyone?
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05-02-2017, 10:53 PM	#2
Welcome to NBA Jam Is it the shoes!? 3884 Rep 5,112 Posts Drives: (Sold) 2011 E92 335i ZMP 6MT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	Well. Good luck.
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05-02-2017, 10:58 PM	#3
justpete Brigadier General 1233 Rep 3,778 Posts Drives: '11 328i '19 M6 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: DFW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M6 [10.00] 2011 BMW 328i [9.00]	Seriouslyi?! This has to be the most daft thing I've ever read here. And that's saying something... __________________ 2011 E90 328i 6MT, BMW Aero, CF hood/boot, PI+CAI+RM+3IM+BPC, SS+CI528+ThermoTec+SS#1+2XBurns, AKG 75D eng/trans, Al/Delrin diff/RS, CM 850, UCP, CAE, AKG DSSR, DiffsOnline 3.91 30/90 LSD+BW cooler, C&R, Setrab, Accusump, AST 3-way+Swift, Aurora PR+BW spherical, Vorshlag CPs, M3 brace+UR bar, ARC-8 18x8.5, 255 R1R, RB/CSL rotors+cooling, 135i calipers, RS29, RT700, Safecraft, OMP HTE-R+804F+QD Superquadro, 6pt cage+FIA, Braille, RT DL1Mk3
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05-02-2017, 10:59 PM	#4
YouAreMyWorld ///Project Aura 390 Rep 889 Posts Drives: Mineral White ///M-Sport 335i Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I'm going to be both real and upfront with you. This sounds nothing less than retarded and far too much effort, mainly financially, to make this anywhere near feasible. Even a salvaged E92 would probably cost anywhere from 3-7k and you're not even talking about transporting fees (of which said vehicle will probably be inoperable), storage fees (where are you going to literally park this thing and not have to worry about it?), and prep/paint work for the bumper. You're far better off selling the E90 and recouping your losses from that, as I can almost guarantee that you'll be spending (at the least) the same if not more from the depreciation--which shouldn't be too offsetting since you bought it "recently". This will/would be nothing more than a financial burden... an unnecessary one at that.
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05-02-2017, 11:01 PM	#5
AWSB328iM Captain 397 Rep 647 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 328i M-Sport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Memphis, TN iTrader: (0)	It's been done by a few people on the forum. Pretty sure it's fenders, hood, headlights, and various panels behind them. Not too difficult of a conversion if you are capable of taking everything off the donar car .
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05-02-2017, 11:02 PM	#6
justpete Brigadier General 1233 Rep 3,778 Posts Drives: '11 328i '19 M6 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: DFW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M6 [10.00] 2011 BMW 328i [9.00]	Um, adding iDrive is nutz. Changing to an e92 suspension makes no sense. It's just flat asinine with the age of e9x cars fercryinoutloud. __________________ 2011 E90 328i 6MT, BMW Aero, CF hood/boot, PI+CAI+RM+3IM+BPC, SS+CI528+ThermoTec+SS#1+2XBurns, AKG 75D eng/trans, Al/Delrin diff/RS, CM 850, UCP, CAE, AKG DSSR, DiffsOnline 3.91 30/90 LSD+BW cooler, C&R, Setrab, Accusump, AST 3-way+Swift, Aurora PR+BW spherical, Vorshlag CPs, M3 brace+UR bar, ARC-8 18x8.5, 255 R1R, RB/CSL rotors+cooling, 135i calipers, RS29, RT700, Safecraft, OMP HTE-R+804F+QD Superquadro, 6pt cage+FIA, Braille, RT DL1Mk3
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05-02-2017, 11:06 PM	#7
VTECaddict Where'd my VTEC go? 481 Rep 6,067 Posts Drives: 06 330i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (4)	You need custom fenders and custom hood to make it work, because the E92 parts don't like up properly on the E90. Or use OEM E90 M3 parts. __________________ AW/Terra \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| iDrive \| CA Mods: BC BR coilovers \| Blacklines \| M-tech rear \| dual exhaust \| M3 steering wheel \| BMW SSK \| ZHP shift knob \| High-kick CF spoiler \| NBT Retrofit M3 front control arms \| M3 rear guide rods \| Manzo rear toe and camber links \| Monroe rear shock mounts \| Varrstoen ES1 19x9.5+20 Front, 19x11+25 rear
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05-02-2017, 11:09 PM	#8
justpete Brigadier General 1233 Rep 3,778 Posts Drives: '11 328i '19 M6 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: DFW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M6 [10.00] 2011 BMW 328i [9.00]	That's really the only rational option, with e92 headlights, but the wide-ass fender flares will look really singularly stupid on a stock non-M sedan. __________________ 2011 E90 328i 6MT, BMW Aero, CF hood/boot, PI+CAI+RM+3IM+BPC, SS+CI528+ThermoTec+SS#1+2XBurns, AKG 75D eng/trans, Al/Delrin diff/RS, CM 850, UCP, CAE, AKG DSSR, DiffsOnline 3.91 30/90 LSD+BW cooler, C&R, Setrab, Accusump, AST 3-way+Swift, Aurora PR+BW spherical, Vorshlag CPs, M3 brace+UR bar, ARC-8 18x8.5, 255 R1R, RB/CSL rotors+cooling, 135i calipers, RS29, RT700, Safecraft, OMP HTE-R+804F+QD Superquadro, 6pt cage+FIA, Braille, RT DL1Mk3
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05-03-2017, 12:57 AM	#15
tlow98 Major General 2188 Rep 5,002 Posts Drives: 2009 E91, 2014 F15 x35i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (2)	As mentioned the E90 M3 makes this the easiest for you, but they still go for $12k+ totaled. eek
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05-03-2017, 08:04 AM	#16
TomD335xicoupe First Lieutenant 319 Rep 378 Posts Drives: 08 335XI me ,19 x3 M40 wife Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (1)	I would bet you could find somebody to trade you to get into a 90 from a 92. Not me now, but I have often thought I should have bought the 90, simply for the convenience of a 4 door. At this point I have serviced, replaced, repaired or upgraded almost every issue the N54 could through at me and do not want to do it again. Best of luck with this but I too recommend either selling or trading you 90 , you will have an extremely hard time being able to sell a Frankenstein car to anyone outside of the hard core. you would destroy any equity you may have had. All the best, Tom __________________
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05-03-2017, 09:01 AM	#17
Underground6t9 Lieutenant Colonel 317 Rep 1,735 Posts Drives: BMW 335xi, Lexus is250 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Eugene, OR iTrader: (2)	You can do custom headlights, 1M front bumper with m sport sides and rear. That would look good.
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05-03-2017, 09:21 AM	#19
jt335i Major 263 Rep 1,225 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 335i Monaco blue Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tampa, Fl iTrader: (0)	Good luck with that. If you have the money, anything is possible. Do what makes you happy. __________________ 2010 BMW 335i: Monaco blue metallic/Premium+Sport Auto-Steptronic, BMW PE, Cobb Stage 2 2005 Mustang GT: Redfire metallic/5-spd/Ford Racing (Axle backs, silver Bullitt wheels)/K&N CAI/ Diablo Sport Predator Tuner 1997 Toyota Corolla 1983 Mercedes Benz 380SL Roadster
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05-03-2017, 11:03 AM	#20
BeastMode335i Maximus Decimus Meridius 1130 Rep 4,584 Posts Drives: F30 335i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Down South iTrader: (2)	http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=816875 __________________ F30 335i Melbourne Red Metallic M-Sport Package
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05-03-2017, 11:03 AM	#21
Eddien123 Colonel 1857 Rep 2,554 Posts Drives: F30 335 6MT Join Date: May 2013 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Sounds like a fun project. A LOT would have to go into it and it would be costly. If you're just interested in owning an e92 then just buy one. It'll save you so much time, money and stress.
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