Picture included - Please tell me if this swap has any life and the value?

[clydesdale]

I would like a new motor in my 87 325is. What are the chances that this motor is OK for a swap. I do not know what year the car is. I took a pic of the vin. What should I look for to see if the motor is trashed? How much would this motor be worth? The car has an automatic transmission. Could I use the 5spd that is currently in my car or is it too weak?
The VIN number is WBSCD0325VEE12418
Thanks.

[mpowerful]

From this info it is hard to tell. It looks like it has setup a while. Your best bet is to check for signs of anything wrong. Check the oil and coolant for mixing. If possible take a jump box and do a compression test. I did just that in the junkyard when i chose my motor. The good thing is that its got an automatic transmission which means there is a much better chance it was never overrevved. As far as will it work with your transmission that is a yes. People have differing opinions on trans setups so youll need to do lots of research first.

[clydesdale]

The car was wrecked in 2012. What are the chances that the engine mounts have been hit so hard that the block is damaged. I never really thought about that over-reving issue with the manual trans. So, I can see where the auto could be a good thing. But, I really wanted to swap in a more modern 6spd.

[justin_l_]

I have sen the mounting arms break, never a block. Do a compression test and check fluids like said above. Try to start it if everything looks there. It will clean up just like any other 24v.

[clydesdale]

Can you tell if this is an s50 or s52? I inlcuded the vin, but did not look the car over for any other signs of the model year. I should have just looked at the door sticker for a build date.

[RainRider]

realoem.com says its a 1997 M3 s52 build date 6/97. Try to light up the cluster to check the mileage on it. Or carfax the last known mileage.

[clydesdale]

Thanks for that info. I am not sure if there are keys to this, so I will have to figure out how to bypass the ignition. If the compression is good and the mileage is in the 100k zone, what could I expect to pay for this engine?

[RainRider]

Its been sitting there a couple years so no hurry on it. Get it as cheap as you can. I'd offer $400 on it with all the electronics but not pay over $1000 though. But thats me. The good thing about wrecked cars is they were running at the time. Carfax it for the mileage. I dont know how to get past the EWS without having a key.

[mpowerful]

Jump the starter directly :) works great.

[clydesdale]

OK, before I take the next step. Approximately, how much should I expect to spend to get this cleanly installed into my 87 325is and mated up to my current 5spd?
Lastly, how much easier and cheaper will this be than going the S54, which seems to be the most desireable swap?

I am looking for something that will make a reliable daily driver and don't want something that will require constant attention and $$$$. My e30 has 305k miles on it and I have had it for 12 years and 106k. It has been very reliable. It is quirky, but reliable. The motor is now tired, but I love the body style and it's ease to work on and keep alive.

Please advise. I think I can get the pictured M3 with the S52 for a good price. Thanks.

[justin_l_]

Money varies a lot depending on what you pay for the car, and how much you are willing to do yourself. Generally the more you spend now doing it correctly the less you will be nickel and dimed later.

[mpowerful]

I said it once and ill say it again....do a lot more reading. This forum and several others are huge resources. If you rely on people here to give you quick answers to large and complicated questions then you will certainly fail at building the car you want.

[mitchlikesbikes]

I said it once and ill say it again....do a lot more reading. This forum and several others are huge resources. If you rely on people here to give you quick answers to large and complicated questions then you will certainly fail at building the car you want.

this x10

[clydesdale]

I have no problem reading. I was more informed on this a few years ago and was sold on the s52. As I recall, it has been done many many times and therefore the information on it is readily available and the road is well outlined. I do not have the interest in being a pioneer and would like to follow a reliable and tested plan. So, I believe the s52 may be more my speed. It sounds like an s54 would require more time, money and skill than an s52.
If I recall, the s52 swap can be made with many bmw parts and does not require a lot of custom fab work.
I will do more research. I was just curious if someone can point some pros and cons or quick bullet points on the s52 vs s54 route.

[Rev Run D]

s52 fits the e30 easier.

s54 you have to figure out what to do with the booster. Either no power brakes or you have to figure out how to get power brakes.

s52 can be modified or use a porsche booster to work.

s54 oil change is like 130 bucks. s52 like 30.

s54 has about 90 hp more.