Heads up! This page is a work in progress as we add more details and refine each section. Check back often for the latest updates, and thanks for your patience as we build out this LS swap guide to make it as helpful as possible!

 

Thinking about swapping an LS into your E9X BMW? You’re in the right place. This guide breaks down everything you’ll need to get the job done, from the big components down to the small details that make all the difference.

Each section covers a major system—engine, cooling, fuel, and more—with a simple checklist to keep things straightforward. Let’s dive in and make sure you’ve got everything lined up to bring serious V8 power to your BMW.

 

Engine

Engine Selection: Any LS Engine Can Fit Your E9X

One of the biggest advantages of the LS family is that all LS engines share the same external dimensions and mounting locations. This means you can use virtually any LS engine—from an LS1 to an LS7 or even a truck-based LQ4—and it will bolt up to the same mounting points in your E9X chassis. Regardless of the LS variant you choose, this section covers the key components and sensors needed to make it work in your BMW. So, you have the flexibility to pick the LS that best fits your performance goals and budget, knowing it will fit right in.

 

Component Checklist:

• Long Block: Block, rotating assembly, cylinder heads
• Front cover
• Rear cover
• valve covers

 

Oil Pan

Our swap mounts were developed around the 302-2 and 302-1 type oil pans. These low-profile, rear sump pans clear the 2WD subframe without hanging below it.

• E9x/8x RWD Options:302-1 and 302-2 style pans fit best. The 302-1 provides clearance for a turbo hot side between the oil pan and K-member.
• E9x/8x xDrive Options: xDrive cars offer more room, allowing for options like the factory LS3 pan, F-body pan, and other compatible RWD options.

 

Component Checklist:

• Oil pan assembly
• Hardware
• Oil cooler or block off
• Oil filter
• RTV sealant

 

Starter

Standard LS starter will clear our engine mounts but the later model LS starters are slightly shorter and recommended. A 2008 silverado starter is a good choice because it has a simple bolt on style solenoid wire connection.  A later model LS starter with plug type connector may also be used with a pigtail connector

 

 Component Checklist:

• Starter
• LS starter pigtail for solenoid
• Starter bolts x2
• Wire required for main power wire (2ga+)

Accessory Drive

Spacing Overview

• Step 1: Understand and choose your accessory drive spacing, which refers to the distance between the engine's crankshaft pulley and block. Choose if you will be using the LSE9x accessory drive, the LSE9x Sanden AC drive or other drive combination.

Recommendations:

• Corvette and F-body spacing provide better accessibility and space for boosted applications.

Note the following part numbers have many variations and any matching combinations cab be used this is simply a reference.

Corvette Spacing

• Water Pump: ACDELCO 252-846 (C5 style)
• Tensioner: ACDELCO 38194
• Crank Pulley: ACDELCO 12674582

Camaro/F-Body Spacing

• Water Pump: ACDELCO 252-846
• Tensioner: ACDELCO 38195
• Crank Pulley: ACDELCO 12553118

Truck/SUV Spacing

• Water Pump: ACDELCO 251-734
• Tensioner: ACDELCO 12628025
• Crank Pulley: ACDELCO 12675620

Our billet tensioner l99 relocation kit can be used with the l99 tensioner to add addition intake clearance around the tensioner. 

 

Alternator

The stock BMW E9x chassis uses a 180-amp alternator, while a standard factory LS alternator typically outputs only 105-165 amps, which is insufficient for the BMW’s power needs. The BMW chassis is highly power-demanding due to its numerous modules, electric fans, and fuel pumps, which makes a higher-output alternator essential.

• Recommended: A 220-amp LS-style alternator is recommended to ensure stable charging and system reliability. This upgraded alternator helps avoid low-voltage issues, which can cause erratic behavior in various BMW modules, especially under high electrical load conditions.

Air Conditioning

For LS swaps in the E9x chassis, you have two main options for the air conditioning system:

• GM AC Compressor and Mounts: You can use a factory GM AC compressor with compatible mounts. This setup requires additional modifications and custom fittings to integrate with the BMW AC system, making it a viable but more involved option.
• LSe9x Sanden AC Drive: This system is designed for a streamlined, plug-and-play installation using a Sanden AC compressor. It offers full passenger-side clearance, ideal for turbo setups, and is compatible with our custom  LSE9X plug and play AC lines and LSE9X AC adapter fittings. These components integrate seamlessly with the BMW AC system, making it a straightforward swap without the need for custom modifications, ensuring optimal fit and function.

 

Component Checklist:

• Accessory brackets kit
• Crank pulley
• Water pump and tensioner
• Alternator 220 amp ad244 style
  • Alternator Trigger wire
  • Main power and ground wire
• Power steering pump: with associated lines and reservoir
• Ac compressor - Sanden 508 compressor 
  • Associated lines and fittings

 

Accessory Drive Hardware

• Crank Bolt - GM LS Crank bolt - ARP LS crank bolt 
• Water Pump Bolts: 6 x M8-1.25 x 80mm
• Thermostat Housing Bolts: 2 x M6-1.00 x 20mm
• Thermostat 
• Belt Tensioner Bolts

 

Intake System

Component Checklist:

• Intake Manifold: Options include LS1, LS6, LS2, BTR Equalizer, and Holley Low Ram (may not clear stock fan).
• Throttle Body: Drive-by-wire; choose based on intake compatibility.

Intake Manifold Plumbing

• Brake Booster: Large hose connects intake to BMW brake booster.
• Vacuum Lines: Large cam setups may require a vacuum pump for consistent brake assist.
• PCV System: Varies based on build; stock plumbing for naturally aspirated builds, catch can recommended for boosted setups.

Sensors

• MAP Sensor: Match the sensor to your intake and wiring harness.
• Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor

Gaskets

• Intake Manifold Gaskets
• Throttle Body Gasket

Intake Tube and Filter

• Common setup:

• 90° silicone coupler
• 4” 45° aluminum tube bend
• 4” cone filter

 

Ignition system

Component Checklist:

• Coils
• Coil mounting brackets and hardware
• Spark plug wires
• Spark plugs
• Heat management

 

Fuel System

Please refer to our fuel system page for a more detailed description of fuel system options. Modify checklist based on your system

Component Checklist:

• Fuel pump
• Fuel lines
• Fuel filter
• Fuel regulator
• Fuel injectors: match connector to harness
  • injector connector choice should fit harness

• ev1, ev6, multi tech….
• Check intake O-ring size for low injector o ring
• Ls3 intake uses larger lower o ring than ls1
• Length must correspond to fuel rail choice
• Fuel Rails
• Fuel rail to fit intake an injector application
• Fuel rail inlet plumbing/adapter
• Gm fuel rails use 3/8 male quick connect fitting

 

Exhaust System

Component Checklist:

RWD Options

• LSe9x Long Tubes
• CX Racing LS Swap E90 Headers
• Gen 5 Camaro Exhaust Manifolds
• Summit Racing/Generic V Band and 2-Bolt Cast Exhaust Manifolds

xDrive Options

• Gen 5 Camaro Exhaust Manifolds
• Summit Racing/Generic V Band and 2-Bolt Cast Exhaust Manifolds
• Exhaust system from header/manifold to back of car
• Exhaust hardware and gaskets

 

Cooling System

The stock BMW radiator is generally sufficient for most LS swaps, with two primary versions:

• Turbo Models: Smaller, shorter radiator, leaving space for the factory intercooler. This version may have lower cooling capacity compared to the full-height version.
• Non-Turbo Models and M3: Full-height radiator with increased capacity. If not using the stock intercooler location, you can upgrade to this version along with a full-height fan, which is a straightforward bolt-in swap.
• Aftermarket Options: Full aluminum versions of both radiators are available on our website. The triple-pass aluminum M3 radiator offers the highest cooling capacity in a factory-style fitment.

Component Checklist:

• Radiator
• Fan - stock is ideal!
• Should - stock is ideal!
• Upper radiator hose
• Lower radiator hose
• Heater hose and connections

 

Transmission

Please refer to our transmission page for a more detailed description of various transmission options. Modify checklist based on your transmission

Component Checklist:

• Auto Transmission

• Prothane Style 2-Bolt Transmission Mount
• Transmission Cooler
• Lines
• Adapters

• Manual Transmission

• Prothane Style 2-Bolt Transmission Mount
• Shifter to suite tranmission

 

Electrical System

• Basic wiring supplies: wire, relays and sockets, connectors, heat shrink, sheathing tape, loom
• ECU: holley ecu, maxxecu, haltech ect.

Driveline & Suspension

• Driveshaft: Custom length required for LS swaps.
• Adapters for stock bmw differential and transmission used

 

Miscellaneous

• Heat Wrap or Shielding: Protects components near exhaust or turbo.
• PCM Mount: Provides a secure location for the Powertrain Control Module.
• Firewall Grommets: For routing custom wiring or hoses through the firewall.