Thinking about a S38 now... Prices?

[E30 Wagen]

An S38 from a '88 M5 popped up on CL about 1.5 hours from me. It's a complete drivetrain with every accessory that was pulled from a running and driving M5 over 7 years ago. Will have more details later. EDIT: Engine has 72,000 miles.

He's asking 3200. Fair for S38B35? Also, it comes with brand new Mahle pistons.

[e304me]

Sounds like it needs to be rebuilt

[E30 Wagen]

Sounds like it needs to be rebuilt

He says not necessarily. Although I would rebuild it anway, likely over the course of a year to keep funds levelled out... Getting this engine would mean lots of changes would happen to my current plans.

[Sharino]

The B35 is far less desirable than the B36 or B38. I would wait for one of those instead consideridering the working involved to install.

[E30 Wagen]

The B35 is far less desirable than the B36 or B38. I would wait for one of those instead consideridering the working involved to install.

You can swap in a 3.6 crankshaft, though right?

[Sharino]

No, its more than just swapping cranks.

I have a spare complete S38B36 engine with all accessories if interested, comes with ECU, harness, etc. Car had 99kms (62? miles) on it when removed. I will probably sell it for a little more than what the other one you are looking at is going for. It was running in a car less than 6 months ago before it got into an accident.

[E30 Wagen]

No, its more than just swapping cranks.

I have a spare complete S38B36 engine with all accessories if interested, comes with ECU, harness, etc. Car had 99kms (62? miles) on it when removed. I will probably sell it for a little more than what the other one you are looking at is going for. It was running in a car less than 6 months ago before it got into an accident.

Right, I forget about the rods and pistons, but is there more beyond that?

Very tempted about yours, but not until next spring if you'll hold onto it for me. :) Could be a fun roadtrip up north to pick it up. I've always wanted an S38.

[Mab1957]

I paid $1500 for a similar high mileage S38B35 and the G280. The motor re-build will cost me $8-10k and the transmission rebuild $3k (if I can find someone to do it + parts). I believe now that if I were looking to put a ///Motorsports 6 in an e30 I'd upgrade to a more recent ///M set that didn't need a build.

[Xat1cZ]

Why do I keep reading about S38's needing rebuilds.. only if the previous owner was a complete idiot would a S38 need a rebuild.

Also I guess people have different perceptions of what an engine rebuild mean.. do you guys consider an oil change and valve adjustment, maybe a new chain, a rebuild?

[Sharino]

I agree!

[digger]

why not a S50B32?

[E30 Wagen]

why not a S50B32?

Euro? It's sunk in that true motorsports engines are overall too damn expensive!

I don't know why I waste my time fantasizing about these things anyway. I have like 40 other projects that I need to finish, that is if I've even started them. And today I just added another project to the list in the form of a '91 318is. Killing myself with this shit.

[DesertBMW]

He's asking 3200. Fair for S38B35?

Do to the rarity it probably is fair price. But I would not spend that kind of money on old engine with distributor cap and wires, that is so 1980s

[Alpina]

Sorry for stealing the thread..

i have a NEW rebuilt S38B38,, with CP forged pistons oem cr 10,5 first overbore 95mm
All seals and gasket new,, Victor-Reinz,,
ARP head studs,,
main + rodbearing new,((OEM)) standard size
Cylinder head rebuilt with seals etc..
all parts.. except cylinder head and engine block were glas-blasted
almost every bolt/nut new ,,
new waterpump,,
new thermostat + seals
headers have airpump delete,, and inside port plumping taken away..
Chain tensioner twin chain are not new,, and clutch is not new

G-280 gearbox overhauled 2 years ago
E34 M5 brakebooster ((a must,, for S38 swap))
E30/S38-G280 driveshaft
E30/S38 engine mounts
E30/S38 servo lines ,,for power steering


basicly ,, all the parts you need for E30 S38 swap.. plug and play (except wiring)


price,............. a lot

just parts and lathejob is 4000$ in the engine

pm for info

[E30 Wagen]

^ Can. No. Afford.

LOL