Who has a S52 DD?

[Kevs87-325is]

the car i want to buy is solid and done right, but i am unaware of maybe some typical issues these engines will give me. i do know that an s52 is one of BMW's more reliable engines but i am spending a lot of money and don't know what else i might have to spend in the future. Any tips or advice would be highly appreciated guys.

[nrubenstein]

In California, the number one issue is BAR legality.

After that, the S52 on the street is very reliable. Crank harmonics are an issue with extensive track use, but they don't apply to this situation. All you really have to worry about is the quality of the swap.

[2mAn]

are you buying that vert?

BAR legal swap is a great thing to have done in advance.

[PeteD]

Does it have AC?

[Kevs87-325is]

not the vert. :)

and it does have AC

[Kevs87-325is]

In California, the number one issue is BAR legality.

After that, the S52 on the street is very reliable. Crank harmonics are an issue with extensive track use, but they don't apply to this situation. All you really have to worry about is the quality of the swap.

it is bar legal, thanks for the info!

[4door30]

Maintenance wise, at around 170-190k you'll be looking at upper chain tensioners and possibly vanos rebuild, but doing all of that myself cost a total of $450 and that was buying a reman dr.vanos unit. I love my s52. :)

[Kevs87-325is]

Maintenance wise, at around 170-190k you'll be looking at upper chain tensioners and possibly vanos rebuild, but doing all of that myself cost a total of $450 and that was buying a reman dr.vanos unit. I love my s52. :)

After that it's good for how much longer? at least 5-10 years doing basic maintenance?

[4door30]

I would say so, there really aren't any weak points in the s52 besides the VANOS, and even that isn't a weak point per say... Obviously with a 250k+ mile motor you will be burning some oil, but that is normal in any of the m5x or s5x motors at higher mileage.

No one can guarantee no maintenance costs for a certain amount of time, it all depends on how well it has been taken care of in the past, how hard it has been run, and then there are flat out flukes. Just do what you can to keep what you have in good condition. The s52 is a fantastic motor and I would trust mine to go coast to coast any day of the week.

[Kevs87-325is]

I would say so, there really aren't any weak points in the s52 besides the VANOS, and even that isn't a weak point per say... Obviously with a 250k+ mile motor you will be burning some oil, but that is normal in any of the m5x or s5x motors at higher mileage.

No one can guarantee no maintenance costs for a certain amount of time, it all depends on how well it has been taken care of in the past, how hard it has been run, and then there are flat out flukes. Just do what you can to keep what you have in good condition. The s52 is a fantastic motor and I would trust mine to go coast to coast any day of the week.

super helpful man, appreciate it. I am going for the mtech2 s52 swap on here but i really don't see me spending 17k on it. what you think?

[4door30]

Is it that white one in cali? If so, It looks like the swap was done incredibly well and the car in general looks fantastic... But 17k is pretty steep (Friend just bought a 180k mile e30 m3 in diamondschwartz with very minor problems and mismatched interior for 18k)

I might wait a bit and try to make a reasonable offer? But I was very tempted to sell everything I own to buy that thing when I saw it... It is the best looking non-M e30 I have ever seen and I would be completely jealous of whoever purchases it.

And believe me, I am not tied to the seller in any way, it is just one of the better e30's I have seen.

Good luck!

[4door30]

I also love this one, but again, over-priced? Yes. Well done? Absolutely. Worth it? You decide :)

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=307427

[flyboyx]

Holy crap! It's nice but 18k?

[Kevs87-325is]

I would be completely jealous of whoever purchases it.

Good luck!

I agree lol i want it bad but i really need to stay at my budget even though i straight love that fuckin car and i will hate who buys it over me.

i seen the other 18k turbo. shit looks flawless but over my budget and i might sound like a bitch but i need it for a DD and gas on it i imagine will be at 10 to the gallon because who has turbo and doesn't use that shit and haul ass at all times for no apparent reason.

[4door30]

because who has turbo and doesn't use that shit and haul ass at all times for no apparent reason.

Exactly. Lol. That one though... I would imagine he would come down near your 15k number in about a month or so. I would sit back and bug him about it if I were you. Looks like an amazing car.