1999 BMW 540i E39 LSX LS1 Conversion

trbokmro · 10-22-2009, 11:46 AM

I am starting this in hopes of finding someone that has actually completed this conversion, I am doing all the info gathering i possibly can but have failed to overcome one big question/hurdle..... All the e39's cluster readings and most of the interior electronics are rad through the CAN system. I think the 540 and a ls1 would be the best of both worlds, great handling, extremely luxurious along with the ease of lsx parts supply and reliability. (not to mention 400rwhp with a cam sway! lol) But i would not like to have the bmw itself ruined, no heated seats, a/c - heater control, speedo etc.

If anyone has any info or has actually found a way to keep stock functions please share some info, and a black e39 with a magnacharged ls1 conversion will be on the road next spring!

Thanks for looking!

Derek 357i · 10-22-2009, 02:05 PM

Someone has done a tt swap into an e39 528i. I believe I saw it on here, if not here it was bimmerforums.

rao · 10-22-2009, 02:42 PM

IIRC, they never posted that it was actually running.

trbokmro · 10-22-2009, 03:06 PM

thats what makes me worried i see alot of people start the project but havnt heard the end result.... getting the ls to run is not a problem, the bmw f**cked-up electronics are my worry, but it think it would look tacky to have autometer guages replace the factory cluster.....

monger · 10-23-2009, 09:14 AM

are you sure a 1999 is CANBUS? I always thought they started in 2000 with that crap...

trbokmro · 10-23-2009, 10:45 AM

mmmm good thinking i will look into what year they swaped, i thought that all the e39 97up were buy i am no bmw expert, maybe one of the bmw forums has the info. I'll post what i find. Thanks!

trbokmro · 10-23-2009, 10:50 AM

yeah it's 97-03 for the 5 series