Rebuild M44 or S52 swap?
 

Hey all.

Recently got a 97' 318ti, but its burning oil like all hell.


I dont have a vast budget, but i do want some HP gains, so i asked myself, and now you guys, the question. Should i rebuild my M44, maybe gamble at a custom DIY turbo, or should i swap in an S52? I've got no experience in engines swaps or turbochargers, so i dont have a preference.

Thank you all

Most likely any S52 or 6cyl you find will require a rebuild as well. Low miles examples will demand a premium and lower costs ones will be worn out. That said you should budget 1.5-2K just for the rebuild alone, unless you just want to toss in an unknown engine. I did that and didn't touch the rotating assembly and now I'm pissed at myself I didn't. Re can squeeze a small amount from a tune/fresh rebuild on the M44. There are some interesting intake solutions on line that people are starting to sell (itbs, etc) to gain a larger percentage of power. Realistically find a budget and you can start down a path there.

Neither option is “budget friendly” but if you decide to swap, I have the book you need to do that.

These are not Hondas.

Agree with Kim, neither is a budget undertaking. In terms of Honda these maybe even easier to work on and same price depending on what Honda motors you mean. D16...ehhhhh ya