Looking to possibly source an engine...

[k318iS]

Hey all...been a while since I've posted, December is a busy month in consumer electronics...

Anyways, background info, my 93 318is died a few weeks back (M42 afaik), found out it snapped it's timing chain, and is going to require a significant amount of work to be repaired, if it even can be... I've got my mechanic pulling the head to check the valves and such, and I'm hoping that they are fine, so I can proceed with the timing chain replacement... BUT, he thinks it is highly unlikely that it will be fine, and that I'll need an engine...

So, what I need to know, is, with the collective expertise here, what engine could I get to replace it? Obviously a 93 M42 would work, but trying to source that would be a headache and a half... Would a larger displacement engine fit? Newer?? How about an M3? Do I have any other options?

Plus, if anyone knows anywhere that I could perhaps find an engine, please let me know. I do live in northern Alberta, Canada, so finding something here won't happen, but any help would be appreciated... Websites, zines, whatever...

Sorry for such a long post, but thanks in advance to anyone that can find the time to help me out.

[nick_318is]

Yes you can most likely swap any of the e36 engines into it if you want. If you want to keep handling charachteristics in line and have a bunch of cash to spend head over to Metric Mechanic and check out their M42/M44 engine options.

[k318iS]

I have some $$, but not as much as I'd like, that's for sure... So I doubt that anything from Metric would be applicable for me...

[nick_318is]

^I figured as much its one of those things one day when the engine dies or needs some work and if I have the cash I will go and buy a new one from them and then I will have a smile on my face that will be stuck there for months.

[k318iS]

Ok, an update... The engine is hooped, and to get this car running again I need a new engine, no doubt about it. My mechanic has sourced a used motor, with ~160000 km on it (70000 less than the existing engine), and has told me it will run me approximately $6000 canadian to get it shipped, installed, and get it running.

In your opinion, is this worth it? I still owe about $9000 on it (Line of credit), so another $6k is kinda steep, especially for a used engine. Should I do it, with hopes I can get some more use out of it and then perhaps trade or sell it, or should I cut my losses?

I just don't know what to do... I love this car, but I don't know if it's worth it... Anyone have any idea what black book would be on it, good condition, manual...

Let me know.

[nick_318is]

Without a working engine you might have trouble selling it, you might try parting it out for some cash. But you might be better off just cutting your losses and finding another one. You can also take off any go fast parts and transfer them to a new ride. Its your call if you really like the car you might want to shell out the cash. Tough position to be in good luck deciding what to do.

Is there anychance at getting it rebuilt and working, that might be a cheaper option but i don't know much about this.

[Numark318i]

fix it, drive it till it dies again.

My two cents.

Unless you got the extra cash to just sit on this car and buy another while getting this one fixed to sell. But thats prolly not gonna happen...so take the loss

[k318iS]

Nick, getting it rebuilt will end up costing more, I've looked into that...

I think I'm going to end up taking a loss, parting the car out, or selling it cheap without the engine, and lease something else...

Still trying to work it out in my head though...

[94bmw325i]

go on bimmerforums.com I bet you can find a 318 motor for cheap with not too many miles.

If you need some help with finding one, drop me a pm and I would be glad to help!

good luck