I want to get the swap done.

[VAPORBLADE]

I want to drop (I know there is more to it than a simple drop) an S54 (first choice) or an S52 (second choice) into 325is 5 speed e30. The problem is I have no time whatsoever to do it myself.

Have anyone used EuroDepot in NH for service. Moreover, has anyone had them do a swap for them.

I am looking it to cost 10/15K with parts.

Motor
Trans
Rear end
(everything else)

Thoughts?

[FredK]

No experience with having a shop do a swap, but your budget is definitely well within reason for an S52 swap. You could probably do one with around $7500 in parts, doing all the maintenance, putting a nice custom exhaust in, and installing the 3.5" HFM mod.

I believe the shops that are able to do the conversion usually bill at around 15-20 hours of labor.

[atomic]

On the s54, I had read where a guy just selling his M3 had stated in the ad where the car had the main bearing recall done to it at 20K on the motor. If there is a recall for that on those motors I would research that a bit before ponying up for a s54. I do not however remember which year his was and know what years this " recall " pertains to. So just research it before jumping in head first.

I too have been thinking s54 swap in a year or so and when I ran across this information, it made me a bit more hesitant on going with the s54 without tons of research on the particular motor first.

[VAPORBLADE]

Cool. I am still tossing around if I want to do the body (paint) first. I am leaning towards not - in case someone does a crazy ass thing like leaning over the fender while wiring the motor. lol.

I need to be smart about the motor - I agree. I know the S52 is tried and true, and it will get the job done. However, if I am going to do it - I would not mind getting the best bang for the buck. :) I am looking for the motor, but I am not sure if I ought to try to find a completely wrecked car. Depends on where it got wrecked obviously...front end collision might not be smart.

[VAPORBLADE]

Well I got a quote from them at $8,500 for an S50 and $11,000 for an S52. Low mileage engine.

[FredK]

Well this guy didn't have a good experience with the owner of Euro Depot. But, take his story for what it's worth--an internet airing of dirty laundry.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=934431

[Jean]

Well I got a quote from them at $8,500 for an S50 and $11,000 for an S52. Low mileage engine.

Seems expensive for just an s50 or s52, no ? Or is this basically EVERYTHING long block/wiring/ecu/tranny or price to put one in ?

[FredK]

That had better be all inclusive. The fact that they're charging $2,500 for an OBD-I conversion is rather excessive.

[VAPORBLADE]

That is soup to nuts. I drop it off M20, and pick it up 24V. I have no idea what will happen with the leftovers - I am still talking with them.

[VAPORBLADE]

eh - just read that story. Makes me feel less than eager.

[kroberts]

A respected BMW shop in Austin TX (Sayther's) is installing an S54 in a E30 touring as we speak. I've heard the electronics is proving to be quite a challenge.

http://www.terrysaytherauto.com/M3tTurned.html

[VAPORBLADE]

I might just bag the S54 idea. As much as I would love it, it is really not worth the extra horse crap I will need to go through. Maybe on my next car. So I am back to S50 or S52.

[mbonder]

Avezedo Motorsports here in Jersey is the way to go, no question if you don't want to do the swap yourself.

Both of Vlad's cars have had engine swaps done by them (Talk to him about it through PM) and they have done everything from s50-s54 as well as the euro s50 engines with no problems.

You may pay a premium, but they will do it right the first time and you will only have to drive down, drop it off, and then come pick it up.

[JPStrniste]

http://www.machschnell.com/schneller.html

I talked to a kid at the bav auto show that said this guy does a real nice job. the guy is pretty decent to talk to on the phone too.