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    Used m20 or m50 engine

    Hello all,
    My 87 325i feels like its dying, does anyone know a place in So Cal that sells m20 or m50 engines that are reasonably priced? My car a 5 speed also so a m50 drops right in, right? Besides new engine mounts and wiring harness, etc. thanks for the help!

    #2
    I think an m20 swap or even a rebuild is going to be the easier solution, as it will bolt right up.

    An m50 does work, but it not nearly as plug-n-play (albeit pretty well documented these days). However, most likely it'll still be a used 100k+ motor that needs a refresh, plus all the e30 swap parts.

    If you have time, give BimmerHeads a call, they'll be able to go over some options and get you pointed in the right direction.

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      #3
      m20>m50
      Originally posted by wholepailofwater
      Q
      :devil:


      WTB: Dove Grey e36 Front Door Panels (2 door)

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by MrBurgundy View Post
        m20>m50
        Originally posted by kronus
        would be in depending on tip slant and tube size

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by boyRD03 View Post
          Hello all,
          My 87 325i feels like its dying, does anyone know a place in So Cal that sells m20 or m50 engines that are reasonably priced? My car a 5 speed also so a m50 drops right in, right? Besides new engine mounts and wiring harness, etc. thanks for the help!
          you better do a LOT more research, but I would start by trying to figure out WHY your M20 is "dying" they are pretty tough motors, but they do need to be maintained. You might learn a thing or two
          Simon
          Current Cars:
          -1999 996.1 911 4/98 3.8L 6-Speed, 21st Century Beetle

          Make R3V Great Again -2020

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by 2mAn View Post
            you better do a LOT more research, but I would start by trying to figure out WHY your M20 is "dying" they are pretty tough motors, but they do need to be maintained. You might learn a thing or two
            What he said. Based on your question, you need to do a lot more research before you tackle an engine swap.

            Also keep in mind, once you swap, you will have to take it to BAR to get it certified before you can smog it. Even with a BAR sticker, some smog shops won't touch it.

            Also also, few mechanics will want to touch a swapped car because they won't want to figure out how the work was done. So either you're going to have to do all the mechanical work from now on, you're going to pay significantly more for diagnostic time at a shop, or you're going to have to be friends with people/shop that can help you.

            I would fix your m20 or refresh a used m20 to put in.
            Last edited by McGyver; 06-21-2019, 09:00 AM.
            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]

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by McGyver View Post
              I would fix your m20 or refresh a used m20 to put in.
              Simon
              Current Cars:
              -1999 996.1 911 4/98 3.8L 6-Speed, 21st Century Beetle

              Make R3V Great Again -2020

              Comment


                #8
                I pulled my valve cover off and found cylinder 1 rocker arm broke off on intake side. I'm leaning towards m20 but just wanted a little input if anyone had the m50 swap done.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by boyRD03 View Post
                  I pulled my valve cover off and found cylinder 1 rocker arm broke off on intake side. I'm leaning towards m20 but just wanted a little input if anyone had the m50 swap done.
                  Before you throw the baby out with the bathwater, you might wanna try fixing this minor issue.
                  Then do a compression test to see if it's worth saving/looking into replacement options.
                  If it's got tits or tires, it's gonna cost ya!

                  Comment


                    #10
                    well, that would be a problem making the car undriveable.

                    Assuming you have a place to park/work on the car, and since you can't drive it, now is a great excuse to pull the head and replace it with something with some more performance from BimmerHeads.

                    A few things to consider:
                    -Modifying the head is not legal in CA and a modified head may not pass smog
                    -An aggressive cam may introduce drivability issues and require additional modifications
                    -If you get a hotter cam, be realistic about how the car will be used: DD vs track car, stock computer vs. chip/standalone, where in the rpm range you want the power, etc.
                    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]

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Thanks for the referrals guys. We are always happy to help.
                      BimmerHeads
                      Classic BMW Specialists
                      Santa Clarita, CA

                      www.BimmerHeads.com

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                        #12
                        Thanks guys for all the input, I’m sorta putting the car on the shelf till I get more available funds. My eventual end goal with the e30 is to be a fun daily car, and yes, I’m perfectly content with stock HP. I still need to pass smog by August. My daily is a S2000 and would like for it to be a weekend/track car. Appreciate the help again, till next time!

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