How much is it worth e30 m3 with m20 swap

[Connell1989]

Hi new to this site pls don’t be that dick and tell me to post it elsewhere
Just have a quick question trying to get into e30, I found 1990 m3 with 51000 miles on chassis , and it also. Has m20 swap done , how much is the car worth , car overall is in good shape, thanks

[packratbimmer]

Purists will devalue a collectible with a "foreign" engine, but BMWs were made to drive right. M3 shells are worth big bucks alone so it is a safe bet either way especially if you plan to enjoy it. Look into the M20 build specs (or is it a stock M20B25). Get it up on a lift and make sure it is not rusty. Also, ask the owner to have an alignment done when you pick it up so you know the body is true.

I'll let the experts throw a $$$ at you. Good luck

[Reichart12]

Got any pics?? We need pics! 51k miles with a m20 swap sounds fishy.

[nrubenstein]

It’s worth $15-20k less than an equivalent M3 with an S14. Maybe more. An all original, great condition 51k M3 would be worth a lot. ($80-100k) I’d guess that a nice 51k (if that’s real) M3 with a downgrade engine is worth around $30k. A lot depends on how nice the shell is. It’s nto that hard to get a good S14.

You really need to do thorough due diligence to confirm that it’s actually an M3 and not a converted 325. Do all the panel VIN stickers and cowl scuttle say WBS? Is the front windshield bonded or lockstripped? Granted, most conversions start with early model chassis as it’s easier if you don’t have to replace the tail panel.

[ButtJuice]

Are you sure it’s not a standard 325i that has an ///m badge?

We need pics!!!

[BDZM3]

It’s probably not that uncommon but this is the first time I’ve heard of someone stuffing an M20 in an M3.

It’s usually the S50,S52 or S54 swaps. Heck, I’ve even seen a handful of S85’s squeezed in there.

[nrubenstein]

It’s probably not that uncommon but this is the first time I’ve heard of someone stuffing an M20 in an M3.

It’s usually the S50,S52 or S54 swaps. Heck, I’ve even seen a handful of S85’s squeezed in there.

Back when they weren’t worth anything, people did whatever. I think I’ve seen one that someone stuffed an M10 in.

[Mouse]

They aren't worth anything...send me the sellers contact info so I can give him a piece of my mind.

Back when they weren’t worth anything, people did whatever. I think I’ve seen one that someone stuffed an M10 in.

This.^ I hate to admit it, but I knew someone in the late 90's that put an eta engine into one...he still managed to crash it.

[e30RS]

Plus a few pics. Certainly curious.

[reelizmpro]

Based on what you've said, maybe $20-25k. The M20 is virtually worthless in this car. It's all about the chassis at this point.

[e30austin]

Thread is worthless without pics and a few details.

[TFJR]

Thread is worthless without pics and a few details.

Exactly my thoughts

[fresh_TD]

It’s probably not that uncommon but this is the first time I’ve heard of someone stuffing an M20 in an M3.

It’s usually the S50,S52 or S54 swaps. Heck, I’ve even seen a handful of S85’s squeezed in there.

Seen one with a turbo M42 in it.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

[BDZM3]

I guess people were throwing in whatever they could find when these cars weren’t worth much.

[nrubenstein]

I guess people were throwing in whatever they could find when these cars weren’t worth much.

It still kills me when I think of the absolutely mint ‘88 M3 that a friend of mine was selling with a fresh motor rebuild and less than 90k on it. I could have had that for less than $15k in 2003 or 2004.