m50 vs s50 valve covers? the same?

[e30serg]

So I'm thinking about making my s52 look like an s50 or even an m50 for when I need to go to the referee. Do either valve covers work? (m50 or s50)
I know I'll need to use the correct coil packs, but is that all?

[Jean]

I compared my m52 cover with s50 cover, and the valve cover gaskets aren't the same also.

[Van Westervelt]

You have an s52, use just the m52 beauty cover.

If you want to use s50 or m50, you will also have to swap all 6 coils too.

[e30serg]

Well, if I want to make it look like an s50 with OBDI, I'll have to use either an m50 or s50 cover and coils. I was just wondering if I could just get an m50 valve cover, s50 coils and cover and call it good.
Finding an s50 valve cover is pretty tough, so if I can use an m50 cover, I would be happy.

Anyone?

[Van Westervelt]

When you say "valve cover," are you referring to the part that has 15 bolts in it covering the cams? Or are you talking about the plastic cover that is held by 2 bolts and covers the coils?

With the coils, valve cover, and beauty cover you are good. Get a new gasket while you are in there too, there is a difference on how they sit with the valve covers.

[surebimmer]

I did the same thing you are talking about. I have a S52 with a M50 Valve cover oil fill in the rear.

Also just so you know the referee program has been suspended untill CA passes a budget.

" Per the Governor's Executive Order issued on July 31, 2008 concerning the state budget, Referee and Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) Repair Assistance, and Vehicle Retirement services have been suspended until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience. Consumers may call the Department of Consumer Affairs, Consumer Information Center at (800) 952-5210. Also, please check our web site periodically to confirm when both Referee and CAP services will resume.

http://smogcheck.ca.gov/"

[golde30]

WTF is that crap^^. oh well, looks like i wont be getting my swap ref'd anytime soon.

[e30serg]

E30_Groupie-By "valve cover" I'm referring to the metal (s50's) or plastic (s52's) cover that goes over the cams and 15 bolts.

I wanted to know whether it's the same on s50's and m50's. s50 covers are a little harder to find, so I wanted to know if I could use an m50 valve (cam) cover with an s50 vanity coil cover.

Surebimmer-thanks for the info. How are you going to smog your car now? Don't you have to do it soon? I just passed smog with the m20, so I have a while until I have to do it.

[Van Westervelt]

Valve covers arent specific to the size on US e36 lumps, just obd. So all obd1 vanos valve covers are the same, vanos m50 and m3. Just like all m52 and s52 covers are the same. There are 3 valve covers. m50 non vanos, m50/s50 vanos, m52/s52.

So yes, an m50 cover will work so long as its from a vanos car. Its the same as an s50 cover.

I have a spare one if you want it. Email me.

[surebimmer]

I have untill Oct. We'll find out then.

So you have two years of no problems if you just got a smog.

[golde30]

they have been making me smog every year for the last 3 yrs...gay.

[e30serg]

Holy shit Cary! That sucks! Damn!

E30_Groupie-PM me price with shipping?