S52 vs S38

[curbsurfer253]

which swap would be easier and more cost effective. S52 swaps have become increasingly popular but i've heard that s38 swaps in sweden and germany have huge success. i'm lookin for a good na powerplant that wont completely break the bank.

[SchnellerVert]

S38 vs S52. S52 will have lower mileage due to age... S38 extremely expensive rebuilds. Availabilty limited due to low numbers of M's that utilitized that engine in N. America. Most shops have long since forgotten the knowledge on these.

S52 in my book for ease, cost and simplicity.

[Brew]

S52 all the way. Much, much, MUCH simpler swap, tons of aftermarket, cheaper parts/service, the list goes on.

[uflnuceng]

No contest... I have an S38 in my M6 and just buying a core will cost about $4000-5000. You can get an S52 for way less than half that amount, the swap is easier because the S38 is longer than an M30 and there isn't really a lot of room there.

Just go S52... you'll be very happy with it.

[E30Driv3R]

not being a smart ass but, Where can i get an s52 for less then $2000?

[SchnellerVert]

not being a smart ass but, Where can i get an s52 for less then $2000?

It's called doing a little research...

1999
Engine
BMW Z3 3.2L,5MT,02-99, NO START,311-X 31,671
--km--
51,000 A 5AU030 $1833.33
--Can--
$2200.00 365 Shaw Auto Recyclers (No U.S. Shipping) Can-ON(London) E-mail 1-888-826-8666

[curbsurfer253]

thanks for all the responses, but i'm honestly starting to wonder, where is everyone getting the engines for their swaps? I've searched around, and it seems like the S50 or S52 engines(even w/o tranny) are very pricey. Can anyone give me some good leads?

[uflnuceng]

where are you located?

[gstuning]

S38 will of course leave a S52 car behind

S38 315-340hp in stock form and plenty of documentation on the swap also.

[permit]

thanks for all the responses, but i'm honestly starting to wonder, where is everyone getting the engines for their swaps? I've searched around, and it seems like the S50 or S52 engines(even w/o tranny) are very pricey. Can anyone give me some good leads?

Engines can be found at junkyards, ebay, totalled cars, bf.c, etc.

And uh, SchnellerVert, don't be an asshole, he said "not being a smartass but...", it's his disclaimer that he has no idea how he'd go about finding an engine. Just post a link and help the guy out for fucks sake.

[SchnellerVert]

seriously thou how hard is google? On top of that there is a whole section here devoted to just engine swaps. If $1800 is expensive then you will need to wait because I honestly have not seen a cheaper example from a commercial stripping yard. M20's still fetch $650 from most yards so thats a steal.

[curbsurfer253]

where are you located?

Tacoma, WA

[Mystikal]

Local guy who did an S38 swap himself said he wouldn't do it again, the S50/S52 is more than enough power already, and that the S38 is overkill, especially on the street. Plus the swap is easier.