Where do you go to get good E30 engines? - United Bimmer Community

**iamcreepingdeath** · 02-29-2008, 11:06 PM

I am looking to buy a '89-'91 E30 5-speed, and i found one that seems to be in good shape (i have yet to go look at it) but the engine is shot, timing belt broke while the car was running, the guy is asking $400, and i figured if the car was in good shape, it would be cool to get a good low mileage or rebuilt engine just to drop in there.

Anyone know where to look?

Thanks!!!

**celsdogg** · 02-29-2008, 11:26 PM

i dunno if you want this, but you can get a bored and stroked M20 from metric mechanic. they claim that they can get up to 230hp out of em and 3.2 liters. they cost a pretty penny tho.

http://www.metricmechanic.com/

**iamcreepingdeath** · 02-29-2008, 11:32 PM

Thanks!! looks awesome! i would love to have 230 hp in an E30. But i am looking for something stock, probably used with low mileage, or a rebuilt stock engine. I just have a small budget, i am looking to spend about $1500 for an engine. I know Bavarian Auto Recycling rebuilds engines, but i couldn't find any prices, and i suspect that those will be expensive also.

**denyo77** · 03-01-2008, 10:30 AM

how about a normal scrapyard?

**PhotoGuy30523** · 03-01-2008, 10:15 PM

yards

**elsabor67** · 03-02-2008, 01:25 AM

I would say the yards too. That metric mechanic engine is hot but the money is steep too. I have heard that they do build pretty awesome engines.

**celsdogg** · 03-02-2008, 11:21 AM

The M20 is a pretty expensive engine to begin with. so your best bet would be a junk yard.

**Antiburn** · 03-02-2008, 02:54 PM

You should take the head off and see it only a valve got bent. Then you will only need to buy a 300$ head, or maybe a 15$ valve. Becides these engines are cake to work on so you learn a bit and you save $

**iamcreepingdeath** · 03-02-2008, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antiburn

You should take the head off and see it only a valve got bent. Then you will only need to buy a 300$ head, or maybe a 15$ valve. Becides these engines are cake to work on so you learn a bit and you save $

That sounds like a good idea. I do not know the extent of the damage to the engine, but if it isn't too bad, a top end rebuild would be in order. For those who have done this, how work intensive is a top-end rebuild? i am a college student, and i do not have a place to store this car where i live, i can only store it at my parent's house, and i can only do work to it on saturdays, so i am also taking that into consideration.

**denyo77** · 03-02-2008, 06:22 PM

´those metricmehanic engines... damn!!!!