Swap in M3 Engine or just Buy an M3

[uber e36]

Gents,

My '95 325is was my second car and has been a lot of fun. But I am finding it slow, and am tempted with an engine swap (S50 with SC or Euro S50B32).

Keep in mind the car has been stored for 2 years and driven maybe 1 week each of the Summers. I will weekend drive it in the Summer once I buy a house with a garage.

I have done a lot of work to the car, including but not limited to:
- Stoptech OE brake kit
- Bilstein/H&R Suspension
- Headers & Full Exhaust
- Full OEM M3 Body
- Full Respray
- OEM Euro lights all around (including ZKW heads w HID)
- ZF M3 Tranny
- ASA AR1 Wheels

The things that need attention:
- Rear quarter panel by wheel well is bubbling
- AC is broken

So do I keep my car, fix the two items above or do I buy a clean M3 Cab? I figure cab because I only use in the Summer (don't turn this into a cab vs coupe debate please - I'll never track it).

I figure I'd be into $10k difference between selling mine and buying the m3 cab. And it would probably be worth more in 20 years than a Frankenstein 325is.

M3 engine with install will probably be $3.5k then probably $2k at least for body work and I have nonclue on the AC.

The only thing holding me back is sentiment and when I eventually give the car to my kid, it would be cool that it's the car her dad and mom had their first date in. And the fact I've done a lot of work myself so there's pride in ownership.

[3x Beemer]

keep in mind M3 cab's weren't sold in Canada. You'll have very slim pickings up here.
Also, resale value should have nothing to do with it..if you plan on keeping it for 20 years or even 5 or 10 years for that matter it will be worthless. You can get a decent M3 in the states for like 6-7 grand

[T.Dot_E30]

Normally I'd say go for the M3, but since your car has sentimental value and you plan on Keeping the car forever it doesn't matter.

[doogee]

Originally Posted by 3x Beemer

keep in mind M3 cab's weren't sold in Canada

Huh? That's not true.

[parm]

For the price of some decent cars today, If you can manage it pick an M3, at least when you, or if you, decide sell it you wil get something worth wild to get something else.

[3x Beemer]

Originally Posted by doogee

Huh? That's not true.

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=15

4th paragraph. All the ones I have seen(very few) have been imported

[richie_s999]

If you want a vert then sell it, if not swap a m52 with cams and software and with the mods you already have your above a M3 in performance, boost the motor if u want even more. Unless you want an M then you want an M.

[Axxe]

I personally find it hard to let go of cars that have been with me for a long time, so I would swap an S54 into it, and just enjoy the hell out of the car. Even an S52 will be fun, it's all about retaining the balance of acceleration, grip and braking, and not going down the slippery slope that is FI.

[doogee]

Originally Posted by 3x Beemer

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=15

4th paragraph. All the ones I have seen(very few) have been imported

You may be right

[MarkD]

Originally Posted by uber e36

Gents,

My '95 325is was my second car and has been a lot of fun. But I am finding it slow, and am tempted with an engine swap (S50 with SC or Euro S50B32).

M3 engine with install will probably be $3.5k then probably $2k at least for body work and I have nonclue on the AC.

You mentioned an s50b32, is someone giving you one really cheap? They don't usually sell for less than $5k. You should find an s54 instead.

Originally Posted by uber e36

The only thing holding me back is sentiment and when I eventually give the car to my kid, it would be cool that it's the car her dad and mom had their first date in.

Maybe you should remove the back seat of the car and convert it into a loveseat for the house?

[Dr. Flyview]

Is it possible to convert the S54 into drive by wire?

That's really cute that you have a kid with the girl you had your first date with in that car. I'd keep it.

[doogee]

Originally Posted by Dr. Flyview

Is it possible to convert the S54 into drive by wire?

S54's are drive by wire


If you're talking about converting it to use a throttle cable, yes you can do that too which is a must. I HATE drive by wire. There are some kits online for around $300.


http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-...kit-p1341.aspx

[3x Beemer]

Originally Posted by doogee

You may be right

7th paragraph

An S52-powered E36 M3 convertible was added exclusively to the U.S. market starting with March, 1998 production

[doogee]

Originally Posted by 3x Beemer

7th paragraph

An S52-powered E36 M3 convertible was added exclusively to the U.S. market starting with March, 1998 production

Okay okay take it easy!

[3x Beemer]

hahaha no worries