Looked at an M50 today... won't start

[hoveringuy]

So I saw an M50 motor advertised yesterday.. $500. 1994. 140,000 miles.

I looked at it this morning and he had run into a tree. Pushed the radiator into the fan, shredding it and pushed the motor back into the firewall but no apparent damage beyond that. Broke a tranny mount but I don't care about that. None of the pulleys seem to be bent. I can post photos later.

After clearing the carnage off the accesories the motor wouldn't turn over, that is, starter wouldn't engage. The owner claims there is a "collision engine cutoff" on the e36 and it "just needs to be reset".

The motor turns over nicely by hand. What does the gallery think about this? I will go back tomorrow.. anything I should look for?

If it starts I'll offer $400 and help him remove it to make sure I get ALL the little parts and can label where stuff was connected.

Hoveringuy

[BDSax]

id offer less. thats alot of miles. especially if you are going to help pull it.

[matt]

Starter wouldn't engage the flywheel (run far away) or starter wouldn't turn at all?

[318isbmw]

I'm w/ bdsax on this one. I'd offer a lot less cuz that's a lot of miles and one heck of an impact.

[hoveringuy]

No power to the starter. I won't touch it unless I see it running.

[FredK]

There is a "crash control module" in the E36, located in the driver's side footwell. When it detects a collision, it unlocks the doors, throws on the blinkers, and I'm pretty certain it cuts the fuel.

I'm not sure of the reset procedure, but I think a used crash relay will work.

[hoveringuy]

But will it keep it from cranking?

Not really my probem, I told the guy get it started and i'll look at it again.

If it won't start I'll give him $250 and at least I'll have all the OBDI stuff for an M52.