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