323, 328 to M3 engine! LOOK!

[328is_Perf]

Ok i came up with something...

The 328is and 323is (E36) both have the M52 engine.
The E36 M3 also has the M52 engine.

... so that means that all of these are VERY similar because they have the same block...

Whats different in my 328is engine from the M3 engine?... i'm thinking Pistons, crankshaft maybe, cams, throttle, exhaust...

which added up without exhaust ( im thinking) would cost 1,000 USD for parts only. I do a lot of the "mechanic" work on my my car, so i'd change them myself...

NOW... Experts here ... do you agree?? is it easier and cheaper to convert the engine from 2.8 L to 3.2 L by changing internals?

[Jon@Bimmersport]

I know for sure you will need pistons and a crankshaft..then bore your cyl walls to fit those pistons, and the head MIGHT
flow better..the cams as well, exhaust..no point because you can go after market, if you can i'd say its easier to find an M3 motor and sell yours..it'll work out to the same price (depends on your selling skills) and be a lot easier

changing internals is more harder than swapping it btw..because the M52B32 will be a straight swap...all you'll need is the ECU..or get yours re-tuned with the eprom socket that Thin Air is getting for his OBDII 328

[BeemerBuddy]

its an one motor is an m52 and the other is an s52, they are quite different, i would look into just buying an s52.

[mkgino]

Paaaaat???? You here Pat? PM GR8 Ride, he will know.

[SickFinga]

Originally posted by BeemerBuddy
its an one motor is an m52 and the other is an s52, they are quite different, i would look into just buying an s52.

US spec M3 is m52 block
only eurospecs were s52

[thinair]

the M52 engines are similar, but it is easier and cheaper to just swap motors. An M3 engine will just drop in, it's basically a straight swap.

Plus how often do you see people selling M52B32 internals?

The main differences are the crankshaft, camshafts, connecting rods, pistons, valves, spings, retainers, muffler, and the ECU. You would also need a M52B32 head because the non-M engines have larger valves. And the cylinders will need to be bored to fit the larger diameter M pistons.

If it was more cost effective to swap internals, everyone would have already been doing it. I know I've thought about it.....

Maybe Pat can shed some light on this.

[328is_Perf]

Very Interesting....

Continue enlightening me...

[Jon@Bimmersport]

you can actually pick up a legit Euro Spec (S52) motor for around 7-9g USD off of the classifieds on turnermotorsport.com

[braindamage]

If you check the ETK, the intake and exhaust valves are the same for the S50 (3.0L M3 motor), S52 (3.2L M3 motor) and the M52 motors.

Regardless, it will be much cheaper and less work to buy a used M3 motor than to convert a 2.8L to 3.2L (if possible at all). Is not as simple as just swapping parts.

[JazzM]

Without boring the block it is not possible... you can however convert the M52 2.8 to a 3.0. This can be done using the M52 3.2L crankshaft and rods. This will result in a similar stroke as the M54 3.0 (which btw uses the M52 3.2L crank but slightly shorter rods). HIOP sells the kit and also includes high compression pistons.

Good luck,

T.

[bimmerdude]

Well if you really want a M3 engine do it the easy way buy a M Power Engine Valve Cover, looks great only costs about 100 bucks and you save a couple of grand.

[thinair]

Originally posted by JazzM
HIOP sells the kit and also includes high compression pistons.

If I remember right, Hiop's kits are pretty expensive, sure having a 3.4L M52 would be cool, but nor for like $12g's US, or whatever they were asking. Even the 3.0L kits were expensive. Just getting a whole M52B32 is cheaper.

[///MsAniTy]

hey just a heads up there is alto of m3 motors goin for cheap on the www.turnermotorsport.com classifieds