S50 vs m50

[e30this]

How can you tell the difference between a S50 and M50 while its still installed in the car?
I know a kid who bought an e36 and the seller said it was a S50 but he said it lacks a lot of power and thinks its a M50.
I told him to check the VIN on the back of the head but that was the only thing I could think of.
Anyone have any other ideas?

[gazellebeigem3]

what color is it? i did a used car inspection on that same deal. the guy looking to buy it was suspicious, so i checked the vin on the back of the head and he was right. i dont think you can go off the casting numbers on the block, but im not 100%

[e30this]

pm sent.

[jahnaboi]

You can go based on stamped numbers which are located on the drivers side of the block (Intake side). Let me get the info for you.

"Driver side on block just above where the oil dip stick tube enters the oil pan. There will be a group of stamped numbers (not casting numbers). if the lower number starts with 2.5 - it is a 2.5 liter block. If it has 3.0 it is a 95 3 liter block, and like wise if it has 3.2 it is a 3.2 lter block. Hope this helps!"

This is the stamped numbers that you will be looking for. This is the stamp from my s50b30 US spec motor I parted.



-Jasper

[e30this]

Thanks that helps.

[MIKe30]

so is it a fake?!

btw, how's the touring?

[rThor432]

I know it's a long shot.. but did is the M3 white and from NC? If so.. I have all of the maintenance records [and they arent pretty].

[e30this]

so is it a fake?!

btw, how's the touring?

LONG STORY!!!

I know it's a long shot.. but did is the M3 white and from NC? If so.. I have all of the maintenance records [and they arent pretty].

PM sent.

[Xuracing]

Hi guys, I am the guy that has the m3. It is from CT but if you can post the last 4 digits of the vin or shoot me a pm. Hopefully they don't match!!!
thanks
Jason

[rThor432]

I'll see if I can dig the VIN number up at work, but I can guarantee it isnt the right one if you got it in CT. This car has been in NC for all of it's life and we recieved a call just after Christmas from a dealer that was interested in purchasing it.

If you can post up a picture I can verify based on that or check to see if it has KMAC camber plates, a Motorsport lip, black luxury package interior, or scary passenger side rear suspension mounting points. There cant be that many '95 white M3's with M50's in them.

[Xuracing]

I'll see if I can dig the VIN number up at work, but I can guarantee it isnt the right one if you got it in CT. This car has been in NC for all of it's life and we recieved a call just after Christmas from a dealer that was interested in purchasing it.

If you can post up a picture I can verify based on that or check to see if it has KMAC camber plates, a Motorsport lip, black luxury package interior, or scary passenger side rear suspension mounting points. There cant be that many '95 white M3's with M50's in them.

not sure if it is a m50 yet but sure as hell lacking a lot of power..

it was in albany NY, not CT but the car was previously from CT..

it has a sport interior, it was on bfc a few weeks ago. all stock body no lip. is very dinged up..

[blazing]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=14441979#post14441979

[Xuracing]

MOTHER FUCK!

i have a feeling some one is going to get sued...

[blazing]

Sorry to bear the bad news I searched through some of the sellers post last night and found that.
That one was pretty local to me I was tempted to go look at it but I'm so broke I cant pay attention.

[e30this]

It turns out his car does have a 325 motor in it. He is collecting paper work now.
I dont think the seller is going to be happy after this one. I would have to say he fucked with the wrong person.