Thread: DHSE - Very cheap but how to import?

Originally Posted by Dougal

Don't BMW have 3.0 direct injection engines in the same family? I'm not sure how BMW interchange is, but their current 3.0 tdi's top out around 750Nm.

There was a series of posts on RR.net 2-3 yrs ago from a bloke in the UK who supposedly operated a motor wrecking business and had come by a 3 L BMW diesel, which IIRC was a successor to the 2.5L M51 engine used in the P38. The saga of the engine swap went on for quite some time and then all was quiet. Apparently the integration issues... mechanical and electronic, were beyond him and nothing more was heard... doesn't mean it can't be done!

EDIT: presume you've seen http://www.bodylogicuk.com/90265/inf...=11&cat=327170

That I have - was the one to post it up when it first came out!

Too $$$ to be worthwhile though!

I'd be better off buying a Perentie and using the motor! There are 3 wrecked ones on the grays website going for about a grand!

Cheap!

TR Spares in Padstow have the 3ltr BMW engine that used to be in the Rover school. it was band new, but would need to be checked over just in case some one had messed with it.

Keithy - I read about little other than problems with the P38 DSE and DHSE on the Sookbook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/RRP38/

If you are really dead-set on a diesel and don't want to spend a fortune, maybe it is time to consider a late model, fully spec's Disco 2 HSE TD5

As tempting as it sounds, I don't think I could drive anything as enjoyable as my P38 right now. I really want to diesel it! There are no issues with my current motor, it's not bad on fuel at all. It really isn't a simple enough motor for the kind of touring I am planning on doing.

I'd rather see a nice mechanically injected or early efi diesel in there. Bring the revs down in top gear and let it cruise!

Originally Posted by Dougal

I think he meant use the imported parts to convert an existing, registered, vehicle.
Which is how I'd do it. In fact I've already done it, imported an engine and gearbox complete from the UK for my work car last year.

I assumed he was thinking of trying to import it cut in half and then getting a couple of reels of electric glue and putting it back together. Doesn't work. The relevant authorities are wide awake to this lurk and to using the numbers of a repairable write-off to legitimise a parts import. Correctly so, as not doing these checks would be a gift to thieves and re-birthers. To import a late model, one has to live, own, and use overseas for the set period of time, or import one through a RAWS shop who will do the necessary to make the car comply with the ADR's.

As to fitting a late model with an old engine, bounce this off your state registration authority first. You may well find they are not at all happy about this. I know kit cars are to use a complying engine up to to five years old.

Originally Posted by Keithy P38

What kind of costs would be involved bringing in a motor and ECU? I'm assuming the HP24 in my P38 would bolt straight up to it.

Do you have people over there to scout for the right bits?

I'd have to do some research to see how it all fits too, would hate to get it here and realise I've forgotten something.

It's all very new to me! If I could get a diesel and ecu landed for only a few grand I would do it in a heartbeat.

We have a team we work with in the UK, they can get most things we require, better to PM if you are Interested.