swap debate: s50 or m52???

[Pimpn_A_Bimmer]

I do not know what to do. Afew months ago, I was certain I was going to go for a DASC. As time passed, I finally got to see first hand what a s50 was all about, and decided on going for an engine swap.

This is the problem. Finding a s50 engine is not easy. Finding one, at a good price is even more difficult. The more I search for the perfect engine, the more 2.8 L m52's I find. I even found one on ebay, in FL, on sale for less than 1 grand.

I know what most will say, that waiting for the s50 is the best idea. However, i'm short on patience and money. With all these m52s staring me in the face, its hard to rationalize spending so much more money on the s50.

My question then is, should I just wait around for the s50? Is it really *that* much better than the 2.8L? TIA

[Suneal]

If I was you, I'd definately go with the S50 or S52. Why? Its a more powerful engine, and you'll be happier. Why do you think people swap out their M50s and M52s for S50s and S52s?

[Dr_Bake]

Is the S50 from the E36 M3...is it the 3.0 liter?

[postmaster]

Originally posted by Dr_Bake
Is the S50 from the E36 M3...is it the 3.0 liter?

yes it is

[///M3 Kevin]

Now, sir, I would suggest that you consider the engine you buy an investment. Assuming you keep the car for at least five years, I would think that five years with an s50 would be more pleasureable than five years with an m52. Also, what are the prices of s52's compared to s50's?

You are right, however. None of us know your financial situation, and we don't know much about your character (patience). If you claim to have neither, then you might want to just get the m52.

Obviously, the s50 is a better engine. You will be more satisfied with it, and you will have more fun with it. Now the only question is, are you willing to go through with the means to get this end?

[Moteursport]

M50's are pretty cheap and their price will continue to decrease. So you could always wait a little or get an m50 w/ an aa s/c or something.

[Pimpn_A_Bimmer]

One way I could do it is go OBD1 with the 2.8L. What parts from a 2.5 L would I need to make it work?

[M 318]

get the m52. from the money you save, you can mod it to out perform an s50... also, an obd1 m52 will push out over 200 hp. there is a guy on this site with a 318, with a 2.8 obd1 motor.

[BavBrwlr]

s50

[Dr_Bake]

S52...? That was used in the early versions of the M roadster/coupe, correct? Those are nice little engines.

[JaEYuN24]

the S52 was in the early M coupe/roadster's and '96-'99 M3's

[viktorleivo]

Definatley go with the s50, you wont be disappointed.