Single Turbo N54 BMW Gets an 8hp Transmission
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มี.ค. 2023
- Today we're doing a transmission swap on Taylor's BMW e92 with the infamous N54 engine, upgrading from the tired 6hp to the tried and true 8hp.
This easy swap will make shift times quicker and hold more power for upgraded turbos. With CanTCU's version two performance controller, we have OEM plug-and-play connectors and a pre-pinned harness. Hate wiring? CanTCU has simplified it with wiring diagrams that are fool proof. We're also installing a DCT shifter and an aftermarket cooler for the new 8hp45 transmission.
Follow along as we take you through the process of this massive upgrade.
Check out Canformance products:
www.canformance.net
Shout out to Luke and Ryan from Bangers and mash racing for helping us with this project: / billbo681
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#bmw #n54 #transmission - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Best video yet. Love them keep them coming bro.
My ZF8HP45 swap is all done! Car is running great with Kenneth’s and all your guy’s help.
This transmission is a game changer. Completely transforms the N54 platform. CanTCU stock map Drive is better then stage 3 xHP on the 6HP21 out of the gate.
xHP here I come.
heck yeah! if you need a hand with what settings to use, judt send us a message!
@@tony.nextlevelrides that would be helpfu! Thanks.
Great 👍🏽, I am in the process now fitting F82 DCT to my e92 335i pre-LCI, just a question on how did you install the base map? Was it easy?
for xHP? we did a video on how to flash that. It'll default to the factory software after the swap once Ken has worked his magic setting it all up.
Super easy! Kenneth from CANformance did all the initial factory “base” setup remotely for my locked 8HP45. After that I used xHP to upgrade the TCU.
3rd gear I was hitting the torque limiter on factory but once I upgraded to xHP no issues.
I’m FBO running 21psi on E30.
Hope that helped!
thanks guys... we'll be doning this on both our BT 135 and our BT 335
Well done outstanding definitely having an overhead lift makes changing out the transmission way easier
16:25 LoL, I feel your pain. I have to weld the damn pins on those swivels all the time to keep them from self-destructing.
I need to buy these in bulk and get them welded 😅
great video!
After the initial install. This is a very cost effective option over the 6 speed manual and the twin disc clutches available. I'd rather swap a trans and have another on the shelf all rebuilt for when the 8hp goes.
Drifting is tearing up even my twin disc clutch up and I ain't spending $1700+ again for another one.
Simulated clutch pedal is the new new.
This is my plan, just swapped an 8hp45 into mine, I am right at its limits for torque, these trannies are so cheap right now that ill have another ready to go in when this one bites the dust.
I remember when this video was first posted, my 6hp was on its way out. Because of your video I found an 8hp45 with 78k for 300 like the next day. My 6hp finally let go about a month ago at the track, ran 11.8 @ 128 with traction control on and launching easily, when I gave it my all the 6hp couldnt hang. Either way - I just finished my 8hp swap last week, did it on jackstand and can say its no brainer, I'm about $2400 into my swap and the work was super easy(as long as your inlets arent blocking the top bolts). The car drives so much better, the lower gears are insane, runs through 1st to 3rd in a blink of eye.
awesome! we love hearing a success story!!
Awesomeeeee
I absolutely love the 8HP in my 340i, if I had an E92 I would 100% do the same thing. I had no idea this was even possible - super sick.
it's epic and works very, very well. the owner couldn't be happier.
@@tony.nextlevelrides I'd really like to see more videos of this car in action with the 8HP
anything in particular you'd like to see? we can always make some shorts for various automotive activities. there are a couple shorts of the car on the channel currently. next Friday we have one of the car on a frozen lake drifting (with its old 6hp).
@@tony.nextlevelrides whatever comes naturally and is fun for you guys! it's just a super sick car overall and I look forward to seeing more of it.
Dang I would love to do this if it was possible to upgrade the transfer case as well
Awesomeee💪💪💪
just subscribed, very interested in doing this for my car.
it's completely transformed how the car drives. we'll worth the modest cost!
@@tony.nextlevelrides I’d be interested in putting the 8hp70. I have a 2010 e92 n54. What are the differnces between the 70 and 45? Both Preformance/cost/reliability?. Aside from the kit, trans and fluids is anything else needed ?
@@boostd6 the 8hp70 was out of 550i and similar vehicles. the bellhousing is completely different so you'd need an adapter plate. other than transmission cost and availability, the adapter plate seems to be the only difference.
depending on your goals, the 8hp45 would hold up well. we'll have to stress test it this summer with some fun down in Mexico. 🇲🇽
Transmission-$500
Shifter-$100
Cantcu,shifter mount, wiring harness $2000
Domiworks Oil cooler adapter$160
Fluid and service kit-$190
Total cost in CAD and parts needed
did you have to use an adapter plate on the 8hp45?
can you talk about the choice of which 8hp trans when swapping into the e92? thank you! great video!
the biggest difference is not needing an adapter plate on the 8hp45, it's been holding quite well on our e92 with a 6466 with *knock on wood* zero issues.
the 8hp70 is stronger but also needs an adapter plate and driveshaft to use.
Wonder how well that setup would work with an M3 rear end?
Hopefully I can do this in the future
I'd imagine pretty well! especially with an LSD!
Nice work guys ! I really want to fit on of this 8hp gearbox on my e93 n54. I’m wondering if you can use manual mode like an M3 gearbox
yup you can!
Love this, i’m starting my swap now just got all the necessary parts. Do you need to have Ken flash a base map on the tcu, or is it complete plug and play?
he will have to remote in, unlock your trans and do the flash. it's pretty simple!
Bad ass work guys wish I was there iam definitely a garage monkey 😂
thanks! it's even better with a lift at your disposal lol.
Ima do this eventually when I get a single turbo, thought my trans was dying tdy but turns out trans oil cooler lines are leaking 🤣💀.
haha, running a touch low on fluid can cause some random headaches for sure. I recommend following the fill procedure once you're lines are fixed and good to go.
I want to do this on my E60 550i
Great job!!! My 2013 335is DCT is clunking and sound like a bad bearing at the tail of the tranny and don't know what's going on, so just in case I'm looking for other options...Hey does Taylor have a channel? I was wondering where he got his Digital Cluster?
ahh that's rough and likely not easy to change, while the DCT is appealing, the 8hp seems to be king.
Nice! I wanna do this to my bmw someday! It's AWD 6sp manual. I just upgraded to 19t. How much HP can the 8hp45 hold? I'm running about 26psi.
Side note, I installed the 8hp70 in my hemi swapped jeep and I love the way they shift!
I believe the 8hp45 can hold around 640wtq, really depends how much you launch I guess.
this one was tested a few times (albeit accidentally) to 35psi on a precision 6466 - took it like a champ!
it's a much, much better transmission over the 6hp.
@@tony.nextlevelrides haha very awesome! Yeah I'll launch it more once I have an auto, launching the manual is fun, but can be annoying. I look forward to doing the swap someday, and I'll be using your video when I do 🤙🤙
awesome! can always shoot us a message with any questions when you're getting into it. should be easy going from a manual to 8hp too!
@@tony.nextlevelrides will do! When the time comes I'll get with you guys on Facebook! 🤙🤙 Hopefully this YEAR!
Did you guys do the clutch pedal with the 8HP? Any vids of using the spicy features like trans brake?
not yet! it's in the works!
Just finished my 8hp70 swap on my 335xi can you tell me your settings on the N54 when it comes to torque corrections? My Shifts feel like sloppy and it does not shift down like the 6hp if you give it a little gas push i think that comes from the torque the ecu sends out that its not enough right? Thanks ❤
hmm, what controller did you use? or are you flashed with xHP?
I’m looking to do this to my 335i since my 6hp is on the way out, will any zf8hp45 work and I just need CanTCU for programming and would you say the 8hp is better than the dct because I see CanTCU supports both which would be better option
I'd say 8hp is all-around better for drivability. if it was a track car, I'd consider DCT at that point.
Simple and detailed video. Question: I want to do it on my 135 n54 with auto. From what I researched driveshaft, diff, trans mount can stay the same for this swap and just need the Can kit and a shifter and aftermarket cooling lines. Or I am missing something? Thanks.
nope! that's basically it!
plan to do the same with my N54 135i - sourcing 8HP45 now ... @@tony.nextlevelrides
What did you use for the center console boot to cover the new shifter
just a DCT setup from an e92 M3.
Do you guys know if CANTCU has clutch pedal functionality for the 8HP, or has plans to integrate it in the future? I'm having a hard time choosing between CANTCU and TurboLamik as there are more features documented on the TurboLamik, but the price tag is higher.
I believe it's in development! I'll be adding a third pedal to my 135i soon enough.
Hey! I want to swap my E91 335ix as well can you be so kind and let me know what type of 8hp i need to buy for it to be bolt on like yours? So from what donor would be the best? And 8HP45 or 70 or which one? Would be awesome if you help me out here 👍🏻
you'd need one from an N55 if you are xDrive. This is best sources from an F10 535xi.
Depending on your power goals, 8hp45x is more than enough.
This is super great video, thank you for showing most details. I am in the same process now but going with DCT and CANTCU, the only part scares is the wiring part, so did you remove all the old transmission wiring harness entirely and replaced it with the new one??
yup! you basically disconnect it from the shifter and mechatronic then pull it up to the DME box.
when you follow it, there's a few zip ties and fabric tape holding it in place. you'll trace the harness to two clips (black and blue). you'll remove both and clip the majority of the wires off. the only ones that will remain are the grounds. they run to a butt connector and are crimped together than are bolted to the strut tower.
the new harness (on the 8hp) connects to one of the removed connectors, through the DME box and down into the transmission tunnel to replace the one removed. one portion goes j to the cabin for the cantcu computer, etc.
it was very easy.
@@tony.nextlevelrides thank you, I see in the stock harness there are five connectors (black, blue, red, white & green), all connected to the DME, in ur video you only cut the black & blue, so the rest are connected right? Also the ground cable will be swapped to the new 8HP ground mounted in the same spot, correct ?
@@mot8862 you only touch the black and blue, the rest I disconnected to five me room to cut the zip ties and fabric tape.
when you cut the shielding for the harness you'll see a few that are grounds from one of the connector. I can't exactly recall where they're connected but once you dig into the harness (when I did anyway) it was very, very obvious.
@@tony.nextlevelrides so they remain there, how about the wires that you cut off of the harness, do I re wire them or leave them? I know the new 8HP/DCT harness have a plug & play connector (blue one)just like in the video. I really appreciate your replies.
@@mot8862 those wires went to the one connector that was completely removed. if I recall, both connectors were taken out but one replaced with the plug and play harness. the grounds may have been in that harness but separate once you cut it open. the wires we cut were not replaced and only go to the two connectors removed. when you do the project, you'll see what I mean by ground wires. I'll try to take a photo.
could you please share the Part Number for the E Shifter Mount Plate? , i cant find it.
the grey piece? it's a custom 3D printed unit by Canformance.
Nice build man. I am also running a bottom mount 6466. Any performance advantages to the 8hp vs the DCT? Thinking swamping an 8hp might be a less expensive route than a DCT. Just curious about performance differences.
the 8hp was a much cheaper swap and holds (seemingly) more power in stock form without cracking it open, I don't doubt it'll hold around 650wtq with the xHP flash. I find it also drives nicer than the DCT and shifts very, very close. I'm a huge fan of the 8hp.
@@tony.nextlevelrides Agree with the 8hp driving nicer for daily (have one in my 540i) and bonus that it can hold a good amount of torque. My 335is came with the DCT and I am experiencing slippage at higher boost. I do enjoy the sportiness and will be upgrading the clutches soon if xHP settings do not alleviate it. Nonetheless, it is good to see people still supporting the N54 platform. Cheers.
I'd definitely flash xHP if you haven't already. the bump in line pressure is likely exactly what you need.
with the 6hp and 8hp, I increase torque reduction to ske some strain off the transmission during shifts. I don't think the DCT has this option but the bump in line pressure will definitely help. at least for now. 🩹
@@tony.nextlevelrides The DCT has an adjustable torque reduction setting in XHP as well. But if its slipping definitely just needs a new clutch.
I agree, the xHP will likely help momentarily as a Band-Aid with the increase in line pressure pressing the clutches but ultimately you'd need to upgrade the clutches.
How do I do a manual to 8hp swap? I have a st 135i and I want to ditch the gearing if the 6MT
it might be best to reach out to Ken @ Canformance to confirm. however, I don't see why the swap wouldn't be similar if not nearly identical to this video the harness would add onto your existing one since the manual transmission doesn't have a mechatronic. you'd just need the transmission, torque converter, flex plate and bolts (that likely come with the donor transmission) a driveshaft is a maybe if its different in length.
it -should-be pretty easy and straight forward!
Did you guys need a bellhousing adapter to fit the 8hp to the n54 and what model 8hp are you using
nope, since this 8hp45 was out of a 535xi with the N55, it bolted up without any issues.
So my question is if my 335i is not an xdrive will i need an adapter plate?
yes, otherwise you'll need to find a RWD 8hp45 out of a 228i or 330i.
Well Im late to the comments. I am looking at 8hp70 controllers. You said you flashed the tcu with a spicey tune. Does the can tcu have software to tune the tcm or do you have to ise a third party programmer to tune?
we used xHP on the transmission, cantcu will be supporting flash settings like xHP soon enough! you won't need to flash xHP.
Hey guys love your channel, I actually am In calgary ab too and I was seeing 8hp swaps, my car is a rwd 2008 bmw 335i e90, and I dont know any shops or anyone who can do this job for me as I cant do it myself, do you have any recommendations or do you guys have a shop where you can do such a job?
honestly, I don't know of a competent shop in town that could complete it properly.
that being said, it's not a huge job, a lift is definitely a requirement!
@@tony.nextlevelrides haha forsure, thanks man appreciate it, hopefully I can find someone reputable in Alberta and get it done
Could I do this to my 2011 335i n55 xdrive?
yup! you could, the F10 535xi has the 8hp already.
How did you flash it? Is there a separate obd? How did you install the software?
yup! separate OBD connector solely for the transmission. I filmed another walkthrough on how to flash this swap specifically. it'll be out soon.
What mesh did you buy to delete the m sport fog lights?
none, they were just removed. I have however I the past, used fine mesh wire for a screen door to do exactly that. most of the time it can be found at your local hardware store.
Could you do this with a 8hp70? Where did you get the adaptor ?
yup, you'd have to source one of many available adapters out now. lots of companies have them.
this is a dumb question but im assuming the transmission you guys pulled was also from an awd car?
yup, it was from a 2011 BMW 535i xDrive.
Hey guys! Great video i just need some help and i hope that you guys can help me, what do i need to programm? And could you please make a list of what is needed(Link) and where need to go all the cables inside the car? Is that in the manual written? And it should fit on a e90 n55?Thank you guys!
yup, should fit no issue. same bellhousing.
everything is on: www.canformance.net/
you need the shifter adapter depending on what one you're using, plug and play harness and the cantcu controller. that's about it from them.
instructions are provided!
Thank you!!❤
What trans thermostat did you use? What temperature?
haven't installed one yet, currently we're monitoring temps and going from there. definitely does run cooler.
on my subaru I ran a Mocal inline thermostat, worked great.
www.lojkits.com/products/mocal-inline-fluid-thermostat
can i swap 8hp50 in n55 e91 like you did 8hp45 in n54?
I'm not sure which N55 came with the 8hp50 but if you find one it should fit without a problem.
What torque converter did you guys use .
the N55 torque converter out of an F10 535xi. Same vehicle the transmission was sourced from.
Does this work on prelci cars just fine?
should be no difference.
does this increase top speed with the added gears?
because of the shorter final drive on the diff, I believe it would slightly lower possible top speed it anything since the gears are shorter. that being said, cruising down the highway in top gear is much nicer now and at a much lower rpm. hope that helps.
bro i got a dct im thinking to put in my e36.. but im wondering is the dct worth doing over a 8hp?
hard to say, it would be pretty wicked but the 8hp is cheaper and equally as fun to drive. I've been VERY impressed with the 8hp in my 540. it's good
@@tony.nextlevelrides I got lucky to have found a dct from the junk yard for $80. The 8hp here in Australia are hard to find man. People snag them up for conversions
Is e92 335d same as 335i in terms of gearbox and swapping? As I’ve got 335d and want to swap in the 8hp box in
nope, the bell housing is different.
@@tony.nextlevelrides I see sounds like it would be a little more hassle but nether less can be done :) thank you! And great video btw very informative!
Did u fit the new AN fittings before u lifted the transmission or did u have enough room to tighten them once transmission was place? This is for the two lines into the new DomiWorks adapter
good question. we tightened those before we lifted it just to make 100% sure they were tight if we didn't have the room.
@@tony.nextlevelrides Oops. I’m going to see if I can make it work…I’ve the trans in place lol.
Where would you recommend placing the inline trans oil thermostat? I have a side mount aftermarket trans cooler also.
I'd put it right at the cooler for simplicity. most yikes you don't need to redo lines.
that's what we're going to do with ours.
@@tony.nextlevelrides Ok. Yes all new lines from trans DomiWorks adapter to trans cooler. My current AN lines plugged into the factory line by the fan.
@@edwardwerley8831 awesome. we did they initially but the fittings always leaked and were impossible to remove. so we ran ew lines from trans. fitting to cooler. it was a pain.
Did you add physical buttons for shift modes?
it still has the D and S modes but not for Sport and Sport + (yet). a DCT shifter surround is in the works and can be integrated.
Currently to switch between sport and sport plus you would use your dtc buttons(one click= sport, hold the button=sport plus) the owner of cantcu can set this up to different options. Currently the car has it set for one click on the voice command button is sport and click and hold is sport plus
Did u need any adapter plates for the bell housing? Or did the 8hp45 just fit right on without problems?
Also what donor cars were you looking for to get the xdrive 8hp45?
the 8hp45 bolted up perfectly to the N54. The donor transmission was out of a 2011 BMW 535i xDrive.
@@tony.nextlevelrides thank you so much for the response. Do you have any numbers of what can the trans hold up to as in tq when custom tuned ?
@@tony.nextlevelrides also all that’s needed for the swap is the (canecu, shifter, 8hp45) correct?
basically, yeah! if your donor transmission comes with the lines, you can easily adapt them to your factory cooler setup. you'd likely want to get new fluid and a pan/filter as well.
Ken @ cantcu makes the swap super easy.
@@tony.nextlevelrides would the paddle shifters still be usable when switching the m shifter for an electric one?
I currently have a 325i with 6hp, the gearbox is slow af and the pedal response time is mushy, what does it come from ? Don't think that much work worth for a 250hp heavy car...
I always wanted to do the xhp stage 2/3. My brother bought a 335i with dct plus did the xhp mod on it, it's crazy, especially on downshift, my best friend has a 435i with 8hp and i prefer the moded dct. I don''t know what to expect if I do the mod
it all depends what your goal is. some would say do the swap and go from there, others will say sell the vehicle and start with something "better". I'm not certain but I thought xHP released a flash for your 325i (if it's e90/e92). if so, it would be a noticeable improvement over your current setup.
@@tony.nextlevelrides going for a 335i n54 then they are many around 10k. For a e92 instead of my current e93 for the weight. Does the mushy pedal feel is improved with xhp?
@@freinagetardif6882 yes, it's greatly improved. you can try the "throttle adaptation reset" as well, it may help. you'd need to google it but the process is the same.
from what car donor is the 8hp ??
this transmission was from a 2011 BMW 535i xDrive.
Great video guys. I have a 2007 E90 with 19T running a Wedge E30 tune at 21psi. The stock 6hp21 is now slipping in 4th and 5th gear around 3200rpms. I was thinking about a 8hp70 swap with adapter plate, spacer washers, TurboLamik, TCU rework, and diesel 8hp70 donor from Europe but that is looking at $5000-6000. Ouch. I don’t plan on pushing the boost anymore. I think I’m about 540ftlbs at the wheel. Do you feel the 8hp45 can handle this?
Thank you for making this video!
Ed
absolutely, I'm fairly confident this 8hp45 will handle around 600-650wtq. with a transmission tune (xHP) I increase the torque reduction to take the stress off the clutches during each shift. a byproduct is also quicker shifts.
the 8hp70 would be better only if you planned to drag race the vehicle weekly. the 8hp45 will handle your goals and current setup without issue!
Thank you for the quick response!
Do you have a link to the CANTCU module?
Can you confirm if the ZF 8HP50/55 does NOT have the N54 because it has a different bell housing?
@@edwardwerley8831 this one should work;
www.canformance.net/product-category/cantcu/
the 8hp50, etc. is found on the B series engines like my g30 540. my understanding is that only the 8hp45 will bolt onto the N54 since its originally off the N55 with the same bellhousing.
Transmission-$500
Shifter-$100
Cantcu,shifter mount, wiring harness $2000
Domiworks Oil cooler adapter$160
Fluid and service kit-$190
Prices in CAD these are all the parts needed and cost associated
Thx for the info guys. Taylor what year is your car, what made u choose dct shifter vs 8spd shifter, and did u have issues with new shifter working with you center console trim?
Maybe a stupid question, but why couldn't you go through all the gears while on the lift?
you could but it doesn't hold the gears for long enough to bleed the gear. you can run through them quickly (half/full second) a couple times. this will work.
@@tony.nextlevelrides Thanks for answering. Manual mode doesn't work to hold gears?
@Robert.K not above 2nd gear. you have to go through gears 3-8 quicker as it won't hold them. I go to 8th gear, wait a second and it'll drop to 2nd.
@@tony.nextlevelrides Then I understand. Thanks for explaining. 👌🏼
where did you guys find the trans?
just from a local guy parting out an F10 535xi.
@@tony.nextlevelrides nice, thanks for the fast reply
What car did the 8hp45 transmission come out of?
the transmission came out of a 2011 BMW 535i xDrive.
@@tony.nextlevelrides Thank you, is it possible if you could get the whole parts list needed for this swap?
other than the transmission and the cantcu kit, you basically only need tools and fluids.
for the transmission we used 10qt of Liquimoly top tech 8100, changed transmission pan (with integrated filter) and the trans. cooler adapter that's mentioned by name in the video.
I honestly can't think of anything else, the kit came with the adapter from cantcu as well. only thing optional is your choice of shifters.
it was surprisingly straight forward and simple.
This swap will be the same with the rwd correct?
yes but you would need a RWD variant transmission.
@@tony.nextlevelrides thank for your reply. Also when you connect the computer kit, does it come with a base tune to drive it or it’s a self learning one.
@alexgonzalez7395 CanTcu comes with everything needed, I believe Ken logs in to code and unlock it, otherwise it's simple.
@@tony.nextlevelrides do these transmissions need the chip board installed like other vendors require?
@alexgonzalez7395 nope! not with cantcu!
What torque converter did you use? Abd did the driveshaft bolt up?
we used the 8hp torque converter, driveshaft bolted up perfectly.
Why not just convert to a manual?! Might as well get a Tesla. Smh
heaven forbid we do something to our car that we wanted to. 🫡
@@tony.nextlevelrides your answer isn’t an answer I asked why WOULD you WANT to go thru the trouble of loving from one auto to… another auto?!?!
because the 8hp is good, the swap was cheaper and we didn't WANT to manual swap it. 🥴
what a birds nest of wires, yikes
Love this, i’m starting my swap now just got all the necessary parts. Do you need to have Ken flash a base map on the tcu, or is it complete plug and play?
yeah, Ken will need to remote in to unlock and code it. He will put a base map on at that point!