Is 350K+ on the chassis too much for a swap?

[markseven]

YES! This is precisely what has happened with my swap. Originally it was just going to be an M50 with a chip and call it a day.

5+ months later, I've rebuilt the camber plates, new springs front and rear, new control arms, new E30 M3 CABs, front subframe was reinforced/stripped/powdercoated, new UUC sway bar kit with bushings and adjustable end links, new stainless steel brake lines, rebuilt calipers, UUC slotted rotors and Porterfield R4-S pads, new hubs/bearings.........and now an OBD-I S52 with 540i MAF and TRM chip.

Next year I'm planning to refresh the rear suspension stuff and go 5-lug.

Wow, I love it. How did you reinforce the subframe?

Do it already Mark! I figured she'd be swapped by now after seeing the grin on your face driving mine. :p

That's all good Buddy, you're just spending the money now that you would've spent later anyway. But. now you'll be able to enjoy it from the get go! :D

Chris, yeah buddy, I have been living vicariously through your posts and memories of my stint behind the wheel of your ride :D That was a milestone in my BMW travels.

5-lug is a must with a s52 car. I feel alot better now I have bigger brakes but I still need to get a bbk.

Slotted rotors and track pads wont cut it? If not, the 5-lug conversion will have to wait a while. This is may be a really dumb question, but here goes: why is the brake upgrade so important? Is it because of the booster?

[e30s52]

YES! This is precisely what has happened with my swap. Originally it was just going to be an M50 with a chip and call it a day.

5+ months later, I've rebuilt the camber plates, new springs front and rear, new control arms, new E30 M3 CABs, front subframe was reinforced/stripped/powdercoated, new UUC sway bar kit with bushings and adjustable end links, new stainless steel brake lines, rebuilt calipers, UUC slotted rotors and Porterfield R4-S pads, new hubs/bearings.........and now an OBD-I S52 with 540i MAF and TRM chip.

Next year I'm planning to refresh the rear suspension stuff and go 5-lug.

5-lug is a must with a s52 car. I feel alot better now I have bigger brakes but I still need to get a bbk.

[e30polak]

Any reason that one should not swap an S50 into a car with 350K+ on the chassis? The car I am considering has been lowered and tracked for the last 10 years. Do you folks think the chassis may have weakened to the point that it would be unwise to swap a high HP/torque powerplant into her?

Do it already Mark! I figured she'd be swapped by now after seeing the grin on your face driving mine. :p

YES! This is precisely what has happened with my swap. Originally it was just going to be an M50 with a chip and call it a day.

5+ months later, I've rebuilt the camber plates, new springs front and rear, new control arms, new E30 M3 CABs, front subframe was reinforced/stripped/powdercoated, new UUC sway bar kit with bushings and adjustable end links, new stainless steel brake lines, rebuilt calipers, UUC slotted rotors and Porterfield R4-S pads, new hubs/bearings.........and now an OBD-I S52 with 540i MAF and TRM chip.

Next year I'm planning to refresh the rear suspension stuff and go 5-lug.

That's all good Buddy, you're just spending the money now that you would've spent later anyway. But. now you'll be able to enjoy it from the get go! :D

[z31maniac]

She's in excellent condition, but some of the suspension bushings may need to be replaced soon. Is this the kind of stuff you are referring to?

YES! This is precisely what has happened with my swap. Originally it was just going to be an M50 with a chip and call it a day.

5+ months later, I've rebuilt the camber plates, new springs front and rear, new control arms, new E30 M3 CABs, front subframe was reinforced/stripped/powdercoated, new UUC sway bar kit with bushings and adjustable end links, new stainless steel brake lines, rebuilt calipers, UUC slotted rotors and Porterfield R4-S pads, new hubs/bearings.........and now an OBD-I S52 with 540i MAF and TRM chip.

Next year I'm planning to refresh the rear suspension stuff and go 5-lug.

[markseven]

Nope

Do it.

Alright, I appreciate the confidence in your tone

as long as it's not a rust bucket it should be ok...

No rust, a California car all her life ;)

doing mine at 270 and not worried. You will upgrade things with the " while im in there" method.

She's in excellent condition, but some of the suspension bushings may need to be replaced soon. Is this the kind of stuff you are referring to?

I swapped a 220k mile m50 into my 250k mile 325e daily driver.

Mine has 360k and I am doing an S50 - 6 Speed - coilovers - and then a SC. :)

Studs!

[jrdeamicis]

Mine has 360k and I am doing an S50 - 6 Speed - coilovers - and then a SC. :)

[JGood]

I swapped a 220k mile m50 into my 250k mile 325e daily driver.

[sharky]

doing mine at 270 and not worried. You will upgrade things with the " while im in there" method.

[lifeiskaos]

as long as it's not a rust bucket it should be ok...

[Danny]

Nope

Do it.

[markseven]

Any reason that one should not swap an S50 into a car with 350K+ on the chassis? The car I am considering has been lowered and tracked for the last 10 years. Do you folks think the chassis may have weakened to the point that it would be unwise to swap a high HP/torque powerplant into her?