318ti DASC vs NA 318ti vs 323ti - Opinions Welcomed.

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Decisions, decisions…

A cooling system malfunction and subsequent over heating has rendered the M44 in our 1998 318ti DASC “no longer serviceable” which brings us to a cross road. It is a bit ironic that the M44’s demise had nothing to do with the DASC.
There are two main options but which one is best?

The car has been my Wife’s reliable DD for several years, the last 70,000 with the DASC but she longs for an SUV (really?) so a change is forthcoming (although not imminent).

Recognizing the DASC is worth almost as much as the car (without it), my plan after this overheating event is to remove the DASC and store for a future pet project (E30 318is DASC?). (Sorry to disappoint anyone hoping for it)

Considering that the car will be sold within 18 months, the options are:

#1 Return the car to a NA M44 with a “standby” M44 from a crashed 318 that I already have.
Pros: Easiest option, least expense, I have the motor.
Cons: I have to dig out all of the old NA M44 parts. I have no history or know the true condition of the “standby” motor for sure but the car was crashed and I can do a leak down test. Going back to 138HP will be disappointing, even for my Wife.

#2 Install 2.5L M52 from my Son’s wrecked 323is.
Pros: I have almost all of the parts, harness ECU etc., I know the condition and history, it is true to a 323ti, it “might” increase the sales value of the car (how much?), smog?, it has 170HP
Cons: It will take a bit more work, the AC may need to be sorted or may be a bolt up, needs new cooling parts & 6 cyl radiator, it weighs 100lb more than the M44, it has 170HP
Edit: Cons: The battery will/may need to be relocated. This may be the worst part of the swap in my case. Anyone figure a way on an OBDII car to keep the battery location and fit the secondary air pump?

If we drive it another 12-18 months, the extra HP would make it bearable. I don’t know the smog ramifications but both cars are 1998 and all smog devices would be reconnected as “factory” like in the 323is.