Fried S50 cabrio; how to sell

[funcrew]

The head gasket blew on my S50:

http://r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=118014

I've been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for posts to come in on the linked thread before I do anything. It's clear from the posts there that I personally lack the skill, time, tools, and desire to tackle this job in my garage. Changing the TB & water pump in an M20 was about my limit (and I would have it done next time), so the S50 head gasket is a no-go.

So the question now is what's the most cost-effective fix to have done by a shop. I'm planning to sell the car, because a cabrio is too dang hot in Las Vegas; I also need the extra seat & trunk space of a non-convertible.

That said, it might be easiest and cheapest to have a good running used M20 put back in and sell it like that. When I bought the car, there was little to no premium in the pricing for having an S50.

Car is a '92 cabrio with 116K on the chassis, 75K on the (busted) S50, new canvas, Mtech 2 kit (not a real Mtech car, though) E36 5-lug; M3 front, 318ti rear, good interior (zero cracks in the dash) and no rust.

[idanity]

if (and i stress the if) you fix it, would be much cheaper to sell a running m20 eng, in a stock (albeit mtech2 copy) cabrio.

but in thinking, even a minute, you could part that out for a close 2k at least.
depending on the condition of the body kit (very sought after) and other parts, if you can ebay them, and have a good shipping policy, you could rake in the cash (again, if you also have the patients and long term "pile-parking" spots).

sorry to hear about your dilemma, but why not just fix the head gasket ?

[cferb]

For the most money, probably put in a running m20, then sell the s50 plus whatever swap parts are left over with the blown head gasket. If it were me though, I'd try to sell it as is on forums and through the car club. Don't bother with craigslist they won't understand

[SpecM]

-get the used m50. That way you wouldn't have to un-do your 24v settup.

[N2MYE30]

Is it that white one you picked up on eBay? I remember thinking that was a nice car. An mtech kit with a S50 swap. Nice!!! I would sideline it and get it fixed when you can cough up the 2.4K. Good luck.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Get an m52 and drop in s52 cams with what you have to trade off. I'm sure you could find a deal ike Jean did, ($187.xx m52) and trade the s50 to someone willing to do the head job. It would also be cheaper to take a shop your car, and have a wrecker bring a lo mi m52 and have them pull the s50, and bolt the m52 in its place.


You may even come out + on the funds, being as you could get a grand for the blown s50, and 4-6k for the car w/ m52 obd1.

[cferb]

True, didn't think about swapping an m50 in, would be easier and make you more money.

[Julien]

get some fanboy off here to trade your blown racecar for some mint 325is or whatever.

Julien

[z31maniac]

$2400 for a HG, ouch.

[funcrew]

$2400 for a HG, ouch.

No kidding, I'm still staggering from that news. Immobilized by shock & dismay, to be honest with you.

[Lair]

Do you have a price in mind for the whole car?

[golde30]

yeah i just got a quote for head gasket job @ $2200... pretty pricey. thats why you gotta learn to do your own engine work...

[Lof8]

Try a few more shops. That seems outrageous for a head gasket.

[Farbin Kaiber]

That's accurate to labor guide hours and parts list. Many shops will over pad the bill. From a person that priced jobs like this for a living, I think he may be able to realistically get into the $1800.00 range if he gets a shop to perform the work, but has his machine work done by a shop he chooses and does not have to pay the sublet markup that most places will add. Unfortunately, he will probably not receive a warranty from the shop performing the labor, but if he plans to sell the car, that wouldn't be an issue if he chooses competent facilities.

[cferb]

That quote doesn't surprise me for an s50, I think my dad's e36 325is was like $2k.