So.. I did it. Sort of.
 

Finally got around to buying this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E36-ENGI...776935?vxp=mtr

(For roughly $850).

Of course, I couldn't swap/install it myself, so I dropped by my local shop for a quote.

..$1400+
($800 downpayment, and an additional $600 depending on what issues they come across).

Typically, from what I've read online, a swap shouldn't exceed $600 or so - given the proper circumstances. But because I'm so freaken ignorant (for now) as far as car tech goes, I sorta have to swallow the price tag and go for it.

So total as of yet, is $1400 + $850 = $2250 (for engine + swap).

Now, this does not include: New radiator, new ecu chip/tune, new cluster, perhaps a heavy duty clutch, and suspension + break kit.

Am I looking at roughy $5000 for everything? I can install breaks/suspension myself, for the most part.

Thanks again guys, I know a few of you must've pulled your pubes out from the prices I listed..

I don't think it's unreasonable to pay someone to do it as long as they've done it before.
Prices vary from area to area.
Please, it's BRAKES, not breaks.

You should consider a different transmission and diff. Especially a diff.
Only thing to the brakes would be to use vented rotors. You don't need anything special.
Why a new tune for the ECU?

Although you probably could have found a swapped out ti at that price or just a little more.
Personally If I had a swap again, it would be a S52.
But that depends what you want to do. An M52 is more than adequate in terms of torque/hp for the street.

g/l

English isn't my native language (3rd actually), so I can't quite grasp the difference between words that sound the same, but are spelled somewhat differently.

ANYWAYS - I appreciate the grammar correction; I'll watch out for it next time. :)

A different differencial - I'm def. going to need that. Adding it to the list!
I couldn't quite afford an S52 :( and I heard the swap may even be more complicated than the M5x's.. and since I'm not doing it myself - it'd cost me a little more than I've got to spend right now..

As far as brea-- brakes, I'm going to try and get those.

The shop told me I couldn't use the stock ecu/tune from the m44..

EDIT: OH MAW GAWD - I forgot an exhaust system.

Who is doing the swap?

A local shop (Lincolnia Automotive) located in Alexandria VA.

They're unaware of what the full swap will entail (because the owner told me to read around online and let him know exactly what the swap will require for the car to fully run) AFTER I handed over the $800 (down payment).

Basically -
Shop: "Give me $800 down payment, and I'll charge extra depending on what parts need upgrading to compliment the swap."

Me: "Okay :("

They don't know it needs extra's after the swap to be complete..

They may want to purchase http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12912.

About to send the money via PayPal :) However, lets hope it gets here in time! Shop said that the swap shouldn't take longer than 2 or so days before the car is up and running/drivable again. So I'm somewhat worried that they're going to rush it, due to lack of knowledge.

They claim to have done a few. Not sure how credible their word is however. Most shops would claim the same if they were able to charge over $1500 for a project if they worked on it long enough.

Pay with credit card!
you will have 90 days charge back if they dont perform what you paid for.

I tried.. but they only accept cash or check :(

Ran out of patience.
 

Well, my car's been sitting in their lot (untouched) and unlocked, for over 5 days now.

Clearly they're not confident in the swap. Something's gotta give.

You better ask for your money back and look somewhere else. Look around for another shop that may have more experience. The last thing you want is a half ass job.

There are many competent shops in your area.
I'd go to nccbmwcca.org and request a recommendation for a shop.
It's going to cost more but it will get done.
Your shop never really gave you a final price.

Avoid that shop!

They made some comments (based on your posts) that set up red flags for me.

But this is an important one: "If you want a job done poorly, pay for it in advance"

That, combined with other clues tell me to run for the hills!

Now, I don't know if they are taking advantage because English is not your native language, or they really are incompetent and know it, but either way, there has to be a better shop in the VA area.

RRT and Piper Motorsports are both very well respected shops in that area.

http://www.rrtracing.com/
http://www.pipermotorsport.com/

I agree with everyone. It's not hard at all but easy to mess up if clueless

Well, I just got off the phone with the tech who's overlooking the whole project, and he said "Hey buddy you're going to run into problems with this engine from the research we've done. Going to need new codes and exhaust system and radiator won't fit apparently and etc etc. It's going to cost you more than what I quoted, possibly in the early 3 grand range. Let me know what you wanna do."

I'm going to pull my car out of that shop for undertaking a task they were unable to conquer with certainty. I'm also going to give you guys a huge THANK YOU by donating to the site and utilizing the links y'all provided me with.

If there is anyone within the VA area who is willing to assist me with the swap Please don't hesitate to let me know - I will pay, you just have to bring the knowledge onto the trade table :)

- Alex

They really don't know because the radiator is very easy with the change of one of the bottom brackets...:rolleyes:

Get the car out of there!

Call RRT and see how much they want to do the conversion.

I have sent them an email and am currently awaiting a reply! I nearly pissed myself out of excitement.

Even if they charge me out the ass, at least they can back up their claim as far as swap knowledge goes. I called a few friends (car-savvy) and All of them vouched for this place. Not sure why/how I wasn't able to find out about it sooner :eek:

Regardless, I'm going to keep you folks Fully updated and informed!

Truly appreciate everyone's efforts!

RRT will not be cheap. But they will do it right.
A master tech I know once quoted me I think $3000.

Piper Motorsports is the shop that stuffed a S85 V10 (E60 M5 motor) into an E30 M3, while RRT is awesome, it might be worth getting a second opinion from Piper.

RRT is awesome, but if you have a wife and kids that conversation may not go so well. A buddy of mine recently got a quote from RRT for an S52 swap into his 318ti, and even as a single guy he couldn't justify spending what they were asking. IMO they're worth it, but not so much for budget builders like most of us.

Piper is legit, but IMO this swap is very doable at home in a average garage with a couple unique tools. It is hard to fail if you have a donor car available to bring all necessary parts over to. There is endless knowledge here on the site, but if you want to kind of get a summary all in one then I would check out J!M's manual just to get a good understanding of what you may be asking someone else to do. That way, you can decide for yourself whether or not their estimates are fair

$3000 was actually SPOT ON! :eek: Haha

As mentioned a lot of the swap is very possible for the "shade tree mechanic" to handle.

You could theoretically complete the mechanical and then have them button it up for you electrically and electronically and be on your way.

You could save a big bunch of the three grand that way...:wink: (not to mention learning a lot about your car and how it works)

Friend, if you tie a blindfold over my eyes, and ask me to build a computer from scratch, I'll do it in a matter of minutes.

If you tell me to swap something mechanically (car-related), even fully aware and without a blindfold, it's game over :frown:

Well, sometimes it's like that.

Sell a few hot rodded computers to finance the hot rod car.:cool:

Tricky
 

The trick is to have all the parts RRT are going to need ready for them, so it won't stall 'nor postpone the process at all.

Anything I should be purchasing prior to bringing the car over to them? I've got the engine as a whole (wire harness too), but that's just about it.

I should probably get my hands on a radiator mount or two (lower ones?) and perhaps a clutch/tranny/flywheel to go with it.

I'm forgetting stuff out of excitement :(((

I had zero experience prior to tackling the swap. I asked many questions on this forum and Jim's tech manual was indispensable. Bottom line, if I could do it, you can do it too!

i have the original build sheet for the swap which was done for my car 16 years ago. I'd be happy to give you a copy (i live close) so you can start purchasing parts before swap. PM me your number

I don't think I have the proper resources to do so.. although you guys are seriously pumping my confidence on the project. I'd need a dedicated garage, many tools, a crane to lift the engine, perhaps another car savvy friend or two, etc.

I might just think about that :) Still though, I think RRT are going to handle this lil project with care.

What I need this forum's help with is this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/F1-RACING-ST...cc758e&vxp=mtr

Should I go ahead and purchase myself a stage 1 clutch? It's somewhat expensive, and I found stage 3's for a couple hundred more. But they didn't seem 'top notch quality' from this F1 company. Perhaps I'm just ignorant? :confused:

Regardless, I saw a few going for a grand, so I'd have to save up a lil extra to add upon the whole swap's price.

Leave the clutch alone. For now anyway.

That's what I was told by RRT, but won't it wear down a few months down the line? Wouldn't it be best if I upgraded it off the bat with a heavy duty one of some sort?

A stock M3 clutch (friction plate) is fine. No need to go crazy on it. The money is better spent elsewhere.

A throwout bearing and pilot bearing are a good idea, as is the tranny input seal. Other stuff can be done later if needed...

+1 for J!m and 328i comments. Save those funds for: 'things that may pop up.' Get the car on the road first then start upgrading.

Don't replace good parts just because.
When it comes time to replace parts, then consider replacing with upgraded parts.

It's an M52, right? Just stick with vented rotors up front also.
The motor is only 190 hp. It's not a rocket ship. :)

I'm coming from the m44 1.9L (140hp?) that wasn't able to accelerate worth shi#t past 3 gear, unless it was high rev'ed. That thing had less hp than most 4cyl 90's sedans from toyota.. :tongue:

Anyhow, 190hp will keep me plenty happy in that car because it's lighter than the 328 it was pulled from :) Not to mention, once it's up and running - mods mods mods mods mods mods mods mods!

(I just spent like $900 on leathers for my bike + a new helmet. Means I'm going to save up 1 more paycheck to ensure that the build will be solid. Ouch)

I suppose I got tad bit too excited. Thanks to y'all for keeping me grounded down to earth :redface: