Fitting a turbo - big job?

[beetos]

The only thing that fits without massive modification is the 745i turbo setup, but you still need oil bits and all. A kit for the car starts probably around $6k not installed. Installation on something like that is like $1000 - $1500. I wouldn't say its a "big deal" but its not an oil change for someone who has never done it. You have to tap the oil pan for oil return, tap the sensor feed for oil feed, fit and intercooler, etc.

I've custom built a supercharger setup which is now replaced with a custom built turbocharger setup. It's not impossible, but you have to know what's going on.

I would agree that a 745i set up would be relatively easy if you are LHD. BMW never had a RHD version of a blown M30 (745i). They had a 745i in South Africa but it used the M88 twincam engine in it instead of a turbo M30 (M102 or whatever it is). Steering box and shaft gets in the way for RHD.

Custom manifold route is not much easier for RHD as its hard to get clearance with the steering box and locate the wastegate, especially if you are keeping A/C. I have a custom RHD top mount manifold on mine and I have to have the motor shimmed up to clear the steering box. The wastegate hangs a bit low for my liking also. My solution is probably not the most elegantI have seen some very nice M30 RHD manifold concepts from 666fabrication. I think they have an off the shelf solution now, looks like real quality stuff. Recommend you re-tap all exhaust header studs to M10 if you do a turbo project and have the opportunity to work on the head.