Is it worth it?

elroy · 02-03-2012, 06:15 PM

looking at a 2000 328ci with 185K. Engine overheated and now needs headgasket. Motor has been ripped down to the block, guess owner couldn't afford it. well he said high insurance because of tickets. Asking 4g. Would it be worth it to drop another motor in it, or attempt to fix it. I read the camshafts are delicate and can become damaged if theres tension put on them while removing/installing. How much roughly does another motor cost? Ive done some research but am finding prices from 500-1500. Is there anything else to consider with this generation?

thanks in advance

Eurostyle · 02-03-2012, 08:48 PM

$4k sounds like a lot for the car, unless its really MINT, no accident, no rust etc. Dont even bother fixing that motor, it will happen again. Coupes tend to keep more value, but even then prices have droped a LOT, you should be able to find a good one without all the hassel of engine swaps. I wouldnt pay more then $2K for that car.

blakneto · 02-04-2012, 12:25 AM

+1 look around... you can get a more recent car, that is decent and in WORKING CONDITION...

Lercs · 02-04-2012, 11:56 AM

I bought my fully working 328i for 3500.

it needed some work, but not to the extent that you have described.

Eurostyle · 02-04-2012, 12:34 PM

^^^ sedans are much cheaper then coupes! You can get one with engine problems for under $2k easy, I have found under $1k in some cases!

elroy · 02-06-2012, 06:45 PM

i dont mind the work. i was actually looking for a cheap car with blown motor as motors aren't very hard to swap in. That being said it should be worth it/still be able to save after doing the work then it would cost to just buy one thats running and good

ac_2007 · 02-06-2012, 08:23 PM

Just don't plan on using anything from that engine. Also no, 4k is way too much.

Randy · 02-06-2012, 09:14 PM

yea, too much - that old crap sells for < 5G in good condition.

just thought id repeat what everyone else said, and pretend it adds value.

bmwins · 03-21-2012, 10:49 PM

once a head gasket is blown the engine will never be the same. you might get lucky but it usually ends up giving you more problems down the line. just save up and buy yourself a clean well maintained car. the less a car has been fiddled with, the better!