88 M3 rez-erection

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  • patrick88m3
    Noobie
    • Nov 2025
    • 26

    #16
    Originally posted by JasonWilson48
    This is crazy. Nice find. Meanwhile I'm over here about to pay 3k for a rolling shell of a 325i. Good luck with the build. I am subscribed.
    Coupe I'm guessing? My friend has a sedan roller that comes with a k24 he can't sell for 2k here in IL

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    • McGyver
      R3V Elite
      • Jun 2009
      • 4469

      #17
      If it died because of a fuel pump, I bet the s14 is fine. Even if it's down on power. I would definitely start by trying to get the current engine running. Maybe put some marvel mystery oil in the cylinders to loosen up the rings, then turn it over by hand. I feel like it would be really fun and exciting to get the original engine working. Worst case scenario is that you need some machine work, which will be expensive, but maybe you can take your time with it.

      Also, you shouldn't think of it as a $10k engine. It's a $2k car, which could be sold tomorrow for $15k, or even more if you parted it out. Nothing on the car is worth cash until you sell it, and then it'll be really hard to buy it again in the future.
      sigpic
      1987 - 325i Convertible Delphin Auto [SOLD], 325i Convertible Delphin Manual [SOLD]
      1989 - 325i Convertible Bronzit m30b35 swapped [SCRAPPED], 325i Sedan Alpine Auto[DD]
      1991 - 325i Coupe Laguna Manual [Project], 535i Sedan Alpine [SCRAPPED]

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      • BlackbirdM3
        R3VLimited
        • Jan 2012
        • 2766

        #18
        Originally posted by patrick88m3

        Sir I'm just a poor 23 year old who can't afford to grenade a 10k engine that's past its usual rebuild point.
        So don't blow it up. Check things over, look for obvious signs of an issue, and go from there. I can tell you that the S14 is a solid engine. How do I know? I've been driving one since 2011, and with basic maintenance it just keeps on going. The odometer reads 191XXX miles, but I'm pretty sure the car has more.

        The cost to swap the engine will be close to what rebuilding an S14 will run. Motor swaps aren't' cheap to do correctly. If you have an M3, do it correctly or don't do it at all. Why risking devaluing the car with a poorly done swap? Sure it makes sense to spend the $ for some new rod bearings, they can be swapped in the car. Its a little bit of a pain, but its doable. How do I know? I've done it. Pick up an oil pan baffle and off you go.

        Will
        '59 Alfa Romeo 101.02 Giulietta Sprint
        '69 Alfa Romeo 105.51 1750 GTV (R.I.P)
        '69 Datsun 2000 roadster Vintage race car
        '88 BMW M3

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        • econti
          E30 Enthusiast
          • May 2014
          • 1095

          #19
          Get full blown fucked you bought a m3 for 2k. Are there issues with it not having a title? I'm not from the US so don't know how it works.
          sigpic

          (clicky on piccy to get to thread)

          Comment

          • patrick88m3
            Noobie
            • Nov 2025
            • 26

            #20
            Originally posted by econti
            Get full blown fucked you bought a m3 for 2k. Are there issues with it not having a title? I'm not from the US so don't know how it works.
            It had a lien he never paid off. The bank had long since written it off so I was able to get a letter saying they had no interest in the car. Did some paperwork and was able to get a title. Have to be careful though it can backfire on you if everything isn't 100% certain about the car. Some states don't even issue titles for cars over a certain age. Must be nice for them.

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            • kronus
              R3V OG
              • Apr 2008
              • 13014

              #21
              incredible find. following this :)

              > Motor swaps aren't cheap to do correctly.

              disagree - I've done several extremely economical 24v swaps. you can buy a whole nice S54 for the price of S14 timing chain rails. I am currently very painfully aware of this since I am piecing an S14 together out of spares.
              cars beep boop

              Comment

              • amcp
                E30 Addict
                • Apr 2010
                • 489

                #22
                Where are you getting a nice s54 for 2-3 gs?

                Comment

                • kronus
                  R3V OG
                  • Apr 2008
                  • 13014

                  #23
                  acquire cheap e46 from here, part out car, receive cheap S54
                  cars beep boop

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