m50 engine swap

[thuibers]

Hi, I'm new to this site. Lots of great info here, you helped pursuade me to do the m50 swap into my 87 325is, and am currently looking for an engine, trans etc.

I have a couple of questions

I found an engine at a local bmw wrecker for $3000 can., it's a 95 with only 65 000km. It has low compression in 1 cycl, 170 [I think] The guy at the wrecker said it wasn't something to worry about on such a low mileage engine.
any one have any thoughts? They did have an engine with 120 000 km and it looked cleaner than the lower mileage one. although it is an automatic.

they had a trans out of a e36 318 [getrag 200?] but not one out of a e36 325 [getrag 250] Is there a difference between the two and what clutch parts would I use? I would like to use my e30 325 driveshaft

anyone have any suggestions on what exhaust to use, performance or stock components [my car is lowered] Is it better to remove the cat? [don't have air restrictions here]


thanks, Tony

[grapedrink]

Whats $3k in US dollars? Anything over $800 US for a used engine is to much. Maybe $1k if everything is included. You better Read all 30 pages before you start that thread and get everything together first. You can use the clutch and transmission that is already in your car. 170 is just fine.

[nefarious7907]

i am looking at doing this swap myself, i have found the 3251 m50's on the net for like 1k and shipping around 200 these include manifolds and starter and alternator and ECu and harness, usually no A/C though, m30's go for like 700 and trans for 600 on the sites ive looked at. These prices are accurate I do my reseach. there usually around 50k miles and include pics

[thuibers]

thanks, i'm looking in to some engine suppliers state side, I'm replacing the trans to because mine is worn out.

if any one knows a reliable source for an engine please let me know. I've contacted the euro depot, and Bavarian Auto Recycling and am waiting a reply.

thanks, Tony