[E91 Hoarder]

I just bought an wrecked E91 xi wagon and want to start a new project.

One of the things I want to do is to fully convert it into RWD. I know there methods like pulling fuses, removing a drive shaft etc. However I want to make the proper conversion. Is this possible?

The front subframe is different on awd and rwd cars.

Question: Could the front subframe from rwd car be installed instead of the awd subframe?

Second Q: any other major components are substantially different? Like frame mounting points, transmission mounts etc. I also want to make it to a manual.

[k90]

And there is xDelete too. Pure software solution.

Rear diff is different between AWD/RWD and also between 6MT/6AT. Gearbox is different for AWD/RWD. DSC is different and ABS sensors. Oil pan is different.

Are you sure you want to go this route? Is the front subframe damaged?

[E91 Hoarder]

Originally Posted by k90

And there is xDelete too. Pure software solution.

Rear diff is different between AWD/RWD and also between 6MT/6AT. Gearbox is different for AWD/RWD. DSC is different and ABS sensors. Oil pan is different.

Are you sure you want to go this route? Is the front subframe damaged?

I really do. Are you aware of any well described projects like this?

[k90]

https://www.realoem.com this website in 2 browser windows to do comparisons between i and xi.

[Fiasco]

What benefit are you seeking exactly by moving from AWD to RWD?

[rothwem]

I looked into this a while ago, and ended up just buying a RWD wagon. But if you got the one you have cheap enough, its probably worth buying a wrecked RWD car and combining the two cars to make a DIY RWD wagon.

The transmission mounting points are different, there's a spot where the tunnel is clearanced to make room for the transfer case. That's not insurmountable, you basically will have to fabricate a transmission mount that uses the holes that the xDrive transmission mount does.

The ABS system is also different, which is trickier than it appears on the surface. You'll have to harvest the lines and the abs pump out of the donor.

And then there's the coding, which shouldn't be too tricky. Check the coding forum, there's lots of free resources you can find to program your BMW.

Good luck, sounds like a fun project! Maybe put an N54 in while you're swapping?

[whyzee125]

I'm pretty sure you can do the xdelete and pull the front driveshaft. Then you can switch to the rwd front subframe if you'd like from there.

You'd have less weight, less rotational mass, less complication/more room to work, and more suspension travel.

It would still not be 100% like a factory rwd car due to the oil pan and some sensors, trans, etc. but that would get you close enough IMO and how I would do it if I were in your shoes.

[2one3E90]

Very expensive man. It will cost the price of a fairly used rwd pre lci wagon. The parts alone used and labor to dismantle them will be astronomical and you couldve bought a used wagon

[Serf27]

Originally Posted by whyzee125

I'm pretty sure you can do the xdelete and pull the front driveshaft. Then you can switch to the rwd front subframe if you'd like from there.

You'd have less weight, less rotational mass, less complication/more room to work, and more suspension travel.

It would still not be 100% like a factory rwd car due to the oil pan and some sensors, trans, etc. but that would get you close enough IMO and how I would do it if I were in your shoes.

+1.

You can swap the oil pan for rwd pan, if not you’ll need some plugs to seal the holes on the awd pan.


Rwd to awd abs sensor signal is different. You’ll have abs and dsc lights on the cluster.
So I think you’ll have to swap the dsc module and code it to rwd.
It was discussed in another thread last week.

You’ll piece together a lot of parts that will add up, it would be best to have a donor car to pull parts from.

[E91 Hoarder]

It is complicated, but I am up to it. Doing myself for fun as a hobby. I swapped the engine this summer and want to believe I am up to a task.

What about an M3 wagon? Thinking about sourcing a wrecked M3 sedan and transplanting as much as possible into the wagon.

[rothwem]

Originally Posted by 2one3E90

Very expensive man. It will cost the price of a fairly used rwd pre lci wagon. The parts alone used and labor to dismantle them will be astronomical and you couldve bought a used wagon

Enh, sounds like labor is free and he's getting junkyard parts, so the cost won't be too bad. If he's on his game, he'll probably be able to sell the xDrive parts too to recoup some cost.

It won't be free, but it will be a project.

Originally Posted by BMWTF?

It is complicated, but I am up to it. Doing myself for fun as a hobby. I swapped the engine this summer and want to believe I am up to a task.

What about an M3 wagon? Thinking about sourcing a wrecked M3 sedan and transplanting as much as possible into the wagon.

M3 wagon has been done before, but the S65 drivetrains are getting EXPENSIVE. I'd go N55 before S65 just because of that.

[Leucosticte]

You'd essentially want to have a whole parts car to get all the parts you need.

I'd really try looking for a RWD wagon. Lots of time and effort needed for this conversion.

[fiveightandten]

Originally Posted by BMWTF?

It is complicated, but I am up to it. Doing myself for fun as a hobby. I swapped the engine this summer and want to believe I am up to a task.

What about an M3 wagon? Thinking about sourcing a wrecked M3 sedan and transplanting as much as possible into the wagon.

That would be very cool. But the drivetrain swap comes with obvious high level of complexity and time invested. What’s the goal? xDrive adds about 200lbs IIRC, along with the power and fuel zaps. RWD conversion would have its benefits.

If the goal is to make the car fast in a straight line, a swap will yield big improvements, especially with xDrive out of the way. If the goal is to drop weight for handling dynamics; the S65 is 100lbs heavier than an N52. Even an N54/55 adds some notable weight out front (75lbs?).

Just some food for thought. It sounds like a cool project. I have my 328i xDrive sedan disabled with xDelete most of the time (but like it for those trips to VT this time of year). You have more ambition than me to get into converting that drivetrain! Keep us updated.

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by Leucosticte

You'd essentially want to have a whole parts car to get all the parts you need.

I'd really try looking for a RWD wagon. Lots of time and effort needed for this conversion.

its not that bad, but xdelete will do the trick. Of course the weight and the handling is not the same, but early xdrive was a quick response to quattro, so they mainly use a rwd and slap a transfer case.

My wagon is xi, and xdelete, the feeling is very similar to rwd. Oh I dont have all the power and more weight as the rwd? No problem , boost that N54 !

M3 swap is more 'prestigious' , but personally I dont like the 'sad' front end of e92/m3, and the swap is very expensive. HP/$ the N54 will be wayyy more beneficial. Also tons of resources and parts online.
I went this route, and get a complete 335xi, lci, m pack, low mileage, fully loaded for cheap. I take my time, do the swap when I feel like, the good way.

Also , see this guy he did it, but auto... should be similar steps tho
(see all the play list)