Time to get started on motor swap... - United Bimmer Community

**TheUniballer** · 12-15-2007, 02:59 AM

Yup, finally getting around to doing the m3 motor swap. I've decided to look for the s50, not s52 because, come on there's no way I'm gonna hold back on mods, right?

Anyway, I figure the displacement is mostly from stroke not bore and OBD1 is a hell of a lot less BS to deal with. Does anyone know of any salvage sites that would have the 3.0L engine assembly, or I guess just the block to start out with? I've already put in some part requests, but IDK if there are any good BMW specialized salvage sites.

Any help on that would be greatly appreciated! I plan to do a complete rebuild if need be, both to get the engine swap and for the experience. I'll try to keep updates going w/plenty of pics!

craig · 12-15-2007, 03:05 AM

check ebay, theres always a crahsed M3 on there thats being parted out.

**TheUniballer** · 12-15-2007, 03:07 AM

ya, i did, but there are only a few right now, and im looking more to get a cheaper engine that doesn't run and fix it up

**nhevynopal** · 12-15-2007, 05:04 PM

try auctionsalvage u probably fid something there good luck

**MTurboPower3** · 12-15-2007, 05:45 PM

try search just for the engine on Ebay
I was searching for a nissan skyline engine which is an RB26DET and I found one for like 3k with everything you need I think it even came with a tranny.

**mullethunter3** · 12-16-2007, 10:41 PM

As far as engines, try Bavarian Auto Recycling.

You might be lucky and find one on bimmerforums too, but it'll be tricky.

**Numark318i** · 12-16-2007, 11:33 PM

shit. on Bimmer forums theres a s52 for sale all fixed up. cams and everything. for like 3k.

search for it
dont remeber where i saw the link

denyo77 · 12-17-2007, 07:18 AM

thanks for the link, Amanda
they also have quite cheap bimmers there, f.e. this one
http://www.data.bmrparts.com/ads.asp?ad=AD2168&type=63

**TheUniballer** · 12-24-2007, 01:07 AM

Thanks for the links guys. I'm getting spammed from salvage places right now, even though most of the ones calling me dont have any kind of BWM engines. Ugh.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTurboPower3

try search just for the engine on Ebay
I was searching for a nissan skyline engine which is an RB26DET and I found one for like 3k with everything you need I think it even came with a tranny.

Um thanks, but the skyline engine is very similar to the m50 i have right now, with a turbo. M50 probably much better built and will last a lot longer tho.

**94bmw325i** · 12-26-2007, 12:53 PM

I got an M3 motor a few months ago, that I am finally working on. I got it for VERY cheap though locally. Good luck with your swap, I think I might make a thread w/ pics about mine sometime.

**TheUniballer** · 12-27-2007, 01:02 AM

where locally? like a junkyard, or just someone you know? Also, how cheap? I'm trying to find one locally (too much online salvage bullshit), but Wisconsin away from cities doesn't exactly have the best selection.

**94bmw325i** · 12-27-2007, 11:02 AM

under a grand

with working accesories (alternator, ac, etc), fuel injectors, full wiring harness, clutch, flywheel, pressure plate. It has a few bent exhaust valves that's it. I got an amazing deal. I bought it from someone who got it from a BMW guy he knew who did that at the drag strip, went to 3rd instead of 5th when he was crossing the line.. He wasn't a BMW guy so I guess he didn't realize what he had.

Most go for at least 3k + and they might be in worse shape. he motor I got also had under 90k on it.

**MTurboPower3** · 12-27-2007, 11:59 AM

No, I wasn't saying that you should get an RB26DET, I was saying that you should search for an s50 on ebay.

**TheUniballer** · 12-29-2007, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTurboPower3

No, I wasn't saying that you should get an RB26DET, I was saying that you should search for an s50 on ebay.

Oh, kk. Ya ebay is good, but im trying to find something that isn't running so i can get it for real cheap and slowly rebuild it.

BTW why were you looking for a skyline engine if u don't have a car? Just wondering.