Used engine retailer recommendations

[donahue1980]

Hi everyone,

I posted in the want to buy section looking for a good used m20b25. I’m not having much luck. Does anyone have recommendations for an online outlet that sells quality used engines that are, possibly compression and leakdown tested? I’m hoping to source and engine with 150k or less miles for my ‘90 325is.

Thank you,
Tom

[superj]

not that is tested unless you get from one of the known bmw parts suppliers. but for just getting used engines, junkyards don't do tests and buying from a private seller means you are going off their word

[e30davie]

With second hand 30yr old engines prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

[zaq123]

With second hand 30yr old engines prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

+1. You can get the whole engine plus transmission, alt/starter etc etc for $500-600. It's crazy deal as just new alternator can probably cost just that. Will anyone warranty it? most likely not. Can you take the valve cover off and see if rockers are not broken, spin it by hand etc when picking it up? I don't see why not....should give you a remote idea about what you are getting.
Are you able/willing to do a basic job like head gasket, piston rings, main/rod bearings? If no, expect spending $1000s for a rebuilt engine or paying someone else to rebuild yours. If yes, grab a beer and have some fun. It's actually not that hard.

I honestly can't see how any reputable shop or honest person can sell all original 150k 30 y.o. engine while telling you: "here, we compression tested this engine. Go ahead and spend all the time and money installing it in your car. you will be good for another xxxx miles, we guarantee it"

I would completely expect someone honest telling you: "here, we removed this filthy dirty leaking engine from the working car with 150k miles on the clock. AS IS. "

[e30davie]

I'm always amused when i see "start up warranty". What does that mean? Yeah mate she'll start. It might blow smoke and have bottom end knock but she'll definately start.

[dnguyen1963]

check this site out.

http://www.bmrparts.com/used_bmw_engines.html

[donahue1980]

Thank you, everyone

[ForcedFirebird]

Problem is the cars are old and for-profit wreckers don't make money on old cars. They want the latest cars that need a $$$ engine/trans etc. Even e36's are less and less common in the insurance auctions lately. So, even if they were to have one (check car-part.com periodically), I've seen them list as much as $2k.

I honestly can't see how any reputable shop or honest person can sell all original 150k 30 y.o. engine while telling you: "here, we compression tested this engine. Go ahead and spend all the time and money installing it in your car. you will be good for another xxxx miles, we guarantee it"

I would completely expect someone honest telling you: "here, we removed this filthy dirty leaking engine from the working car with 150k miles on the clock. AS IS. "

Actually, on the contrary. When we purchase used engine from a commercial wrecker/supplier, they come with a 90 day warranty on parts only. If you pay them another 20% on top of the price, they will also cover labor at $50/hr book time, with coverage L&M for 1yr (our specific store does this, YMMV). If I install the engine and the customer refuses labor warranty, they are liable for costs (unless it was our craftsmanship to cause the failure). If they purchase the warranty and it goes bad, I suffer the warranty labor rate, but am required to carry it through. This is in a commercial situation, it's not the same as a you-pull-it type, these guys deliver parts right to the shop. Most U-pull-it type yards are as-is-where-is, we do have one that you can pay for 90 day warranty.

I'm always amused when i see "start up warranty". What does that mean? Yeah mate she'll start. It might blow smoke and have bottom end knock but she'll definately start.

It really means "if you start it and it knocks, bring it back. If you drive it a week and it knocks, tough luck".

[jeffnhiscars]

check this site out.

http://www.bmrparts.com/used_bmw_engines.html

no dont.

[95BMWIC]

no dont.

What he said..

Stay Away from this company! (Do a quick Search on them)

[dnguyen1963]

What he said..

Stay Away from this company! (Do a quick Search on them)

Better listen to these guys. I haven't bought an engine from them. It's a collection of links that I have just in case...It seems like they are out of business already.

https://www.google.com/search?q=bavarian+auto+recycling+reviews&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS747US747&oq=bavarian+aito+recycling+&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l5.15078j1j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[jeffnhiscars]

thanks for the backup guys. if i were engine shopping i’d be 1000x more likely to find a fellow e30 addict who is doing a swap and is pulling an engine that likely ran or. can be seen running and he/his wife or gf want it out of the garage rather than from a dismantler who only wants your cash after you roll the dice on what they sell you and won’t return your. alls when it blows up...and yes i have personal experience with said company

[LateFan]

Wow...I have talked with them on the phone but didn't purchase...maybe lucky!

[jeffnhiscars]

Wow...I have talked with them on the phone but didn't purchase...maybe lucky!

like i said....roll of the dice :)

[jeffnhiscars]

I don't mean to trash all dismantlers, you just have to understand their business model. They don't typically put much time in to checking out engines especially old ones like ours that aren't worth a whole lot.

Some will let you check it out yourself and others (without mentioning names) will tell you something is good and that they stand behind it...and they don't.

Caveat emptor as usual