Pre-purchase checks for S54 swapped e30

[nathanbirrell]

Hi all,

First post, so hello from over in Melbourne.

Currently have a special opportunity to buy an S54 swapped (from e46) 318iS (1989)

Things I am going to get a BMW independent to check are:

- vanos bolts, vanos o ring degradation. apparently costly to check
- bottom end bearings. common issue withs54s, but if you put in the vac motor sport bearings and arp should be good
- connecting rod bearings
- timing chain, timing tensioner
- check sump baffle (?)

Anyone got any tips for me to ask mechanics to check?

I won't be able to check much myself, limited knowledge/skills to do so.

Thanks!

[superleggeram3]

Firstly, Im not a guru on s54 swaps although I do have a swapped e30.

The things youve listed are mainly normally things to be looking at in terms of engine health which would apply if you were buying a e46 m3 (apart from the sump solution).

In terms of swap specific points, I would personally be asking myself the following:
- radiator configuration
- electric fan or viscous / if electric how is it wired to come on
- engine / gearbox mounts used
- which brake booster config
- Standard DME or aftermarket. If standard what has been coded out / does it show up any fualt codes
- clutch / flywheel combo
- prop solution
- is it using std DBW or cable throttle
- has engine bed been strengthened (not necessarily but I was told to do it)
- who and what was used for the wiring - custom / off the shelf plug and plug ...?
- What exhaust manifold does it use / exhaust config
- What steering linkage

Most of this you should be able to find out from the sellers spec rather than the mechanic, although you could ask him to verify some of it if needed.

I would also be wanting to know about the following more generally to enusre the car as whole is working together or whether it will need more investment:
- 5 stud conversion / how was it done / which parts (not necessary but many opt to do this to give you better big brake options)
- brakes
- suspension
- which steering rack

[nrubenstein]

Are you planning to check these items before or after purchase? Your list of "checks" includes enough labor cost to buy another S54.

[nathanbirrell]

Are you planning to check these items before or after purchase? Your list of "checks" includes enough labor cost to buy another S54.

That's true, and yeah definitely not able to take the thing apart before purchase. I want to "check" as much as I can before purchase I guess.

Hoping a specialist will be able to, as I am told some of the computer checks may show these issues if they exist.

[nathanbirrell]

Firstly, Im not a guru on s54 swaps although I do have a swapped e30.

The things youve listed are mainly normally things to be looking at in terms of engine health which would apply if you were buying a e46 m3 (apart from the sump solution).

In terms of swap specific points, I would personally be asking myself the following:
- radiator configuration
- electric fan or viscous / if electric how is it wired to come on
- engine / gearbox mounts used
- which brake booster config
- Standard DME or aftermarket. If standard what has been coded out / does it show up any fualt codes
- clutch / flywheel combo
- prop solution
- is it using std DBW or cable throttle
- has engine bed been strengthened (not necessarily but I was told to do it)
- who and what was used for the wiring - custom / off the shelf plug and plug ...?
- What exhaust manifold does it use / exhaust config
- What steering linkage

Most of this you should be able to find out from the sellers spec rather than the mechanic, although you could ask him to verify some of it if needed.

I would also be wanting to know about the following more generally to enusre the car as whole is working together or whether it will need more investment:
- 5 stud conversion / how was it done / which parts (not necessary but many opt to do this to give you better big brake options)
- brakes
- suspension
- which steering rack

Legend, thanks a lot for that info.

In terms of those general qns:

- 5 stud conversion: (not sure, TBC)
- brakes: M3 custom cross-drilled rotors, single piston calipers, race pads
- suspension: DGR top-mount coil over shock, adjustable sway bar (F/R), semi trailing arm, Koni shocks, heavy duty springs
- steering rack from the E36

also: 6 speed M3 gearbox, M3 diff, Motec management

[digger]

You aren't going to check bearings as a pre inspection that's crazy. If I was a Seller I wouldn't allow it. If the mechanic screws something up and you don't end up buying it opens a can of worms

[bangn]

basically cant check any of that without dissembling the engine.

Would be better off sending off an oil sample to get looked over. If you're taking it to a specialist you shouldn't have to ask them to do anything special.

TBH not the car/engine to be buying if you know jack shit about cars, it will cost you a BOMB when something goes wrong

[nando]

The main bearings were never the issue on the S54. the rod bearings sometimes can be. Honestly I would just budget replacing them if you are worried about it - as digger says, no way the seller is going to let you drop out the bottom of the motor to "inspect" the bearings. You're talking a huge cost - may as well just replace them while you're at it.

[burkey001]

being in Vic, you also want to make sure it's engineered and the engine serial number is on the rego.

full rego or club?

if you're in bayside I can maybe help you check it out (also have s54 e30)

[nathanbirrell]

Thanks for the info above all. Will let you know how I go.

Wasn't planning to get the bearings, etc actually checked, more just to make sure everything was covered in the swap with the owner.

[nathanbirrell]

being in Vic, you also want to make sure it's engineered and the engine serial number is on the rego.

full rego or club?

if you're in bayside I can maybe help you check it out (also have s54 e30)

That would be awesome! I wouldn't mind actually talking to you about other stuff (ie value for one locally, etc).

I'll send you a PM mate.

[burkey001]

pms responded