318i refresh + s52 build

[Northern]

There are some aftermarket cranks from Alpina (and maybe others) that go beyond the S52, but they're obviously tragically expensive these days.
Eventually someone will come up with another version of that, but I don't think it's worth it. Just cam it and spin the thing faster (after doing all the valvetrain/damper/oil pump/chain prerequisites lol)

[grandeswag]

Found a little bonus today when removing a piston to inspect.



Eagle rods! Wasn't planning on upgrading from stock rods so this is certainly great news.

Also got a good look at the piston - MAHLE 930024709, which are 86.6mm. The guy that sold it to me works at a shop, said that someone brought in an e36 that was recently rebuilt by a different shop. He said "the bore was rough, so it was smoking" so the customer wanted it rebuilt again, but by his shop instead. He ended up just installing a used good motor for the guy because of a time crunch.

I guess this confirms it was bored to 86.6, but maybe they did a bad job? We'll see what my machine shop says and hopefully they'll be able to do 87 without issue.