Whole Car VS Engine + Performance Parts during Swap?

[mikejungle]

I want to swap in an m52b28 (alloy block), but I don't know where the best place to source the engine is, or if it's just better to get a whole car.

I found an engine from a 2000 528i (113k miles) that comes with the flywheel and intake manifold for 1200...is that a good price? Compared to what other forum members have paid for theirs, I thought it was a little on the expensive side.

If I bought a wrecked 328i or 528i, what else could i grab from it for the swap? Do you think I should just buy the engine alone and source everything else individually?

Second question is...what performance-oriented parts should I be buying so that they're easier to install while the engine's going in? I would imagine urethane motor mounts are a given...but I don't really know what else I could be doing.

Performance headgasket?

I just want to know what the possibilities are.

Thanks,
newb

[Wishno87]

From what I know the only way to get an alloy m52 non-tu in the states is to get one from a z3. E36 and E39 had iron blocks.

[slow95tsi]

Your best to stay away from that. The price is high I think and I haven't heard good things about the alloy block (not as strong)

Your best to just find a wrecked 91-95 e34 525
It's obd1 and will have the oil pan and throttle cable u need. Just bolt e36 engine mount arms on and get your motor mounts and other supporting
Parts u need.
I picked up a running 93 525 for 550 bucks
That's what u need to find
The only thing u can use from the 528 is the block. U
Will still need the oil pan from the e34 to make it work.

[Wishno87]

2000 528 is also M52tu iirc.

[mikejungle]

Huh, I wanted the alloy block, because it was lighter...i like the tossability of my eta.

I keep getting conflicting info about whether all m52's after 98 were alloy or not. I don't know where to look for the definitive answer.

[gobuffs]

Pretty sure only the early Z3 2.8s had the aluminum block.

[Adrian_Visser]

Lots of mixed info ITT. There were some (very few) alloy block m52b28's in early z3's AFAIK. E39 528's had m52tu's with alloy blocks. They are obdII so you would either need to get ews flashed out of the dme or get your hands on all the matching ews components.

[mikejungle]

I have heard the iron vs alloy debate, but can you guys refresh me?

According to convention, unless I'm planning on boosting, I think alloy is fine, right?

And aren't there plenty of newer cars that boost alloy blocked engines?

[scottinAZ]

biggest issue with the alloy blocks is the head bolt threads like to pull out. This can be remedied with inserts, but its something that does need to be addressed.