Should I buy an M30?

[StereoInstaller1]

OK, so I guy a buddy knows has an engine that is supposed to be from a '78 530. Seems to me there is no such ting, but that is secondhand info.

What I do know is that it has 117,000 mioles on it, has been sitting for YEARS, is a later-first gen M30, 3.0l (if that is accurate, who knows?) I also know the guy is trying to find someone who will actually use this engine, not just store it as he has.

He wants $100 for it. He has an assload of money, is a BMW fan, so he is selling it to see it done, not because he neeeds the money.

I wanna hear from your M30 guys...is this the shit? I love the look of the M/S 5* motor, very sexy and all, but if I do a swap, I want a brawler...on the cheap. I have seen a few M30 installs that look great, too.

What I don't wanna hear is the debate between this and the M50. I know the score there, and respect the hell out of that motor, but that is not the discussion here.

So, lets hear your input!

Thanks,
Luke

[Rob]

if he has an assload of money and wants to see it done, why not pay a shop to do it?

[ping65810]

I would get a late m30 if it was me, thats what I am swapping in mine. 3.5+ More technology+tweaks= more HP.

[rs4pro3]

those early m30's are the worse. The head on mine had 5 cracks in it. I'd go with the middle generation or late generation m30 if that's the route you want to take.

[Garageaholic]

I have a late generation E32 M30B35.. couldn't be happier.. it pulls in any gear at any rpm. I love it... alot of work though...