really want to do an engine swap soon

[momorugger]

so, my M44 might be burning oil. not a good sign. I was dead set on getting an S52, but budget might prove to be a problem there. Can I more or less build an M52 into an S52, or would that be so expensive I'm an idiot for bringing it up? My M44's injection system kinda sucks right now, and I also have to get a completely new exhaust for it. I don't want to drop that kind of money on a motor that I really only view as temporary. How much did you guys pay and where did you find your new motors?

[larryn]

Originally Posted by momorugger

Can I more or less build an M52 into an S52, or would that be so expensive I'm an idiot for bringing it up?

To get the extra hp/tq on an M52 to make it near an S52, you'll have to either turbo or SC it. That would make it more expensive and less reliable than the S52.

I would suggest either being happy with the M52 swap (it's still a good boost), or waiting and saving a bit longer for the S52.

Finding an S52 isn't that difficult. Look to salvage yards, and talk to tuners in your area. They generally know when somebody had recently wrecked a ///M in your area.

[96cali]

I'm no expert but I think S50/52 performance is approachable with cams. Check out this FS post I lifted (too bad the sale was complete a while ago):

BMW m52 2.8 RARE aluminum block AND E36 M3 3.0 crank - $900
I have a complete M52 2.8 aluminum block. The block is complete with the pistons, rods, and crank. The 2.8 aluminum block m52 engine was found only in the 1997-1998 Z3 2.8. The 2.8 aluminum block M52 engine weighs 14 pounds less then the famous s14 e30 M3 engine which makes this block desirable to racers looking to build up a powerful inline 6 engine that will weigh less then a 4 cylinder engine.

I also have a 3.0 crank from a 1995 BMW M3.

When you throw a 3.0 crank into the 2.8 block, you essentially get a high compression 2.9 engine. By combining the 2.8 block and 3.0 crank you can achieve performance similar to the E36 M3 3.0 and 3.2 engines yet maintain a light front end due to the engines lightweight.

Not sure if you need additional tuning. This aluminum block setup is popular with racers because of the weight savings and it puts them in a more competetive class (2.9L displacement and below). It also seems that if you bought a regular M52 (much cheaper BTW) that needed a rebuild or service dropping in some S52 cams for $300 or less might make sense. That said a couple weeks ago I saw a white auto 1997 M3 sedan 123k with good mirrors and sideskirts sell in AZ recently for $2200 whole.