When people talk about swapping a BMW 3 Series, most of the time they are referring to the E9X chassis. The E90, E91, E92, and E93 models made up the 2006 to 2013 BMW 3 Series lineup and are some of the most popular platforms for LS swaps today. They are affordable, well balanced, and because of their shared subframe design every body style can be swapped with the same hardware.
Alongside the 3 Series, BMW also offered the E8X 1 Series which includes the E81, E82, E87, and E88. The 1 Series is smaller but uses the same front subframe, so our swap kits bolt in just like they do on the larger 3 Series. Some of the hatchback versions were only sold in Europe, but the coupe and convertible models are available in the US and are strong swap candidates.
This guide breaks down the E9X 3 Series and E8X 1 Series body styles with technical data and swap potential.
Why are the E9X and E8X good for LS swaps?
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Modern Chassis Dynamics: Both the 3 Series and 1 Series use a double-pivot MacPherson strut front suspension and a five-link rear axle. This advanced setup provides a strong foundation for a high-performance build.
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Shared Engineering: The most critical factor is the shared front subframe design across all E9X and E8X models. This means that engine mounting hardware can be used on any body style, from a sedan to a coupe or convertible.
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Aftermarket Support: A large aftermarket exists for suspension, brake, and driveline components, visual mod, allowing for tons of customization.
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When combined with a GM LS or LT V8 these cars deliver the best of both worlds. You get BMW handling with American horsepower.
BMW 3 Series E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 (2006 to 2013)
The E9X 3 Series replaced the E46 in 2006 and ran through 2013 in the US. Four body styles were available, all with the same subframe and drivetrain layout which makes swapping straightforward.
E90 Sedan
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Doors: 4
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Wheelbase: 108.7 in (2760 mm)
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Curb Weight: about 3,285 to 3,740 lbs depending on trim
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Notes: The most common E9X body in the US. Excellent choice for a first swap project because of availability and aftermarket support.
E91 Wagon (Touring)
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Doors: 4
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Wheelbase: 108.7 in (2760 mm)
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Curb Weight: about 3,400 to 3,800 lbs
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Notes: Rare in the US but popular in Europe. With its sleeper looks and extra practicality it makes an amazing LS wagon build.
E92 Coupe
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Doors: 2
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Wheelbase: 108.7 in (2760 mm)
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Curb Weight: about 3,300 to 3,750 lbs
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Notes: Sleeker and sportier with frameless doors. Favored by performance builders and home to the legendary E92 M3.
E93 Convertible
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Doors: 2
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Wheelbase: 108.7 in (2760 mm)
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Curb Weight: about 3,900 to 4,050 lbs because of the folding hardtop
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Notes: The heaviest E9X but still fully swappable. Unique top down V8 experience.
Browse our BMW E9X LS Swap Kits for bolt in solutions.
BMW E9X M3 Chassis Differences
The E90 and E92 M3 look very similar to their non-M counterparts, but under the skin they are significantly different. The M3 uses its own unique front subframe, engine mounting points, and suspension geometry to accommodate the S65 V8. Because of this, the standard LS swap mounts designed for non-M E90, E91, E92, and E93 cars will not fit correctly.
If you are swapping an LS or LT into an E90 M3 sedan or E92 M3 coupe, you will need specific M3 swap mounts. At LSE9X, we design and offer dedicated M3 mounts that work with the factory M3 subframe while still providing proper engine positioning and driveline alignment. This ensures a clean installation that takes advantage of the stronger factory M3 chassis while avoiding clearance issues.
Browse our E9x M3 LS swap mounts to make sure your E90 or E92 M3 swap starts with the right foundation.
BMW 1 Series E81 / E82 / E87 / E88 (2008 to 2013)
The E8X chassis is essentially the smaller sibling to the 3 Series. It shares the same suspension and subframe design, which means our swap kits work here too. Not all body styles were sold in the US, but the ones that were make great lightweight swap platforms.
E81 (5 door hatchback)
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Doors: 5
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Wheelbase: 104.7 in (2660 mm)
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Notes: Europe only, never sold in the US. Fully compatible with E9X swap hardware.
E82 Coupe
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Doors: 2
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Wheelbase: 104.7 in (2660 mm)
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Curb Weight: about 3,080 to 3,450 lbs
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Notes: Available in the US. A great “mini E92” option with the same swap potential.
E87 (3 door and 5 door hatchbacks)
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Doors: 3 or 5
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Wheelbase: 104.7 in (2660 mm)
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Notes: Europe only. Rare, but still compatible with our kits.
E88 Convertible
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Doors: 2
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Wheelbase: 104.7 in (2660 mm)
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Curb Weight: about 3,400 to 3,600 lbs
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Notes: Available in the US with a soft top. Fun cruiser with LS swap capability.
Check out our BMW 1 Series LS Swap Parts to see what fits your build.
Shared Subframe = Shared Swap Potential
The reason both the 3 Series and 1 Series make such great swap platforms is simple. They share the same front subframe design. That means:
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Engine mounts and swap kits bolt in across all E9X and E8X chassis
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Drivetrain integration and wiring follow the same process
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You can pick your favorite body style without worrying about compatibility
For wiring details, see our BMW LS Swap FAQ
Choosing the Right Body Style for Your Swap
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Best All Around: E90 Sedan, affordable and easy to source
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Ultimate Sleeper: E91 Wagon, rare in the US
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Performance Favorite: E92 Coupe, lighter and sportier
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Top Down Cruiser: E93 Convertible, V8 with the roof down
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Budget Lightweight: E82 Coupe, small but strong
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Rare Oddballs: E81 and E87 Hatchbacks, Europe only
Get started with our BMW LS Swap Kit.
Final Thoughts
No matter if you start with an E90 sedan, an E92 coupe, or even an E82 1 Series, the BMW E9X and E8X lineup is one of the most versatile platforms for LS swaps. With a shared subframe design and wide aftermarket support, the differences come down to doors, rooflines, and personal preference.
At LSE9X, our swap kits and technical guides are designed to make the process simple, reliable, and repeatable. Whether you want a track weapon, drag car, or street cruiser, the BMW E9X and E8X platforms can handle it.
Start your build today with LSE9X Swap Kits
