The Werks’ Honda K20C1-Powered BMW E34

The Werks specializes in custom fabrication and European vehicle restoration. One of their projects is the “520R“. The world’s first Honda K20C1-powered BMW vehicle.

The classic German sedan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 L Honda K20C1 WTCR-spec crate motor. They chose the K20C1 inline-four because it’s lightweight, affordable, and has many hours of racing data from TRC and Formula 3 teams. The WTCR-spec K20C1 was designed by Honda for racing with several changes from the standard engine, and for this project was packaged with a Continental ECU

The Werks 3D-scan of the engine bay proved the motor needed to tilt 30-degrees so the oil filter ports would clear the E34 subframe and steering box. After establishing motor location, The Werks could fabricate a set of custom engine mounts. The passenger-side mount was straight forward but the driver-side mount required more work to incorporate the belt tensioner. The motor swap also needed a custom oil pan. They designed a new oil pickup and then the oil pan around it. The factory dipstick was too long so they shortened it and installed a sight glass on the oil pan.

The K20C1’s exhaust exits on the opposite side for a BMW. So The Werks designed and fabricated a custom downpipe that snaked under the oil pan between the steering link and subframe. Then it went over the subframe to connect to the midpipe.

The K20 motor is paired to a BMW ZF GS6-53BZ six-speed manual transmission. This was accomplished using a custom adapter and crossmember designed by The Werks. They installed a K20C4 10AT Accord flex plate, PMC Motorsports K20A-to-N54 front flywheel, J35 V6 6MT Accord flywheel bolts, and a K20C4 Accord starter motor. These parts allowed the use of a Sachs Performance N54 clutch. The Werks are planning to offer a kit.

Behind the transmission is a two-piece driveshaft made from a 540i front, Ford U-joint middle, and 525i rear. From there power is sent to a 40% limited-slip differential with Porsche clutches and 3.64 ratio. You can view more photos of the project including the build process at @520R.