BMW E36 325i ENGINE ISSUES AND ADVICE NEEDED

[DawoodAlli007]

Hi, Folks

Need assistance and advice here is the scenario:

I have a BMW E36 325i that needs some serious TLC. Car has +400K km's on the clock and is smoking and using oil. Car also has an electronic problem (got stuck on highway) I think its the engine or speed sensor, I wanted to inquire how much would it cost (ball park figure) to complete a complete engine overhaul on this vehicle?

On reading and searching the forum I have read that it is easier and cheaper to actually buy a 328i engine and swop out the old 325i engine?

1.

 

[Nikhil]

What year model is the car? What was the mileage when you got it? Also post a thread with pics of your ride and introduce yourself :coolShake:

 

[wikked]

1) we cant provide an estimate unless you know the exact part that needs to be replaced. 2) rebuild or motor swap depends entirely on your budget.

 

[DawoodAlli007]

Hi, Folks

Wow! Quick responses, thanks. A little about me:

Well, as you all know that I have a E36 325i, also an owner of an M3 E36 4 Door and an M5. I am a real newbie to the BMW forum so I appreciate the quick responses.

Car is a 1995 E36 325i, when I bought the car it had 25K km's

Car has been abused in the last 05 years or so (50K km's), services were regular but car was driven hard and long distance driving.

I'm looking to spend the least amount possible so I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons of an engine overhaul or swop. Looking for standard power and reliability from the vehicle as I would like to use it for everyday use.

:ty:

 

[wikked]

A rebuild will be more budget friendly. No need to get the car through Police Clearance or any of that hassle. Step 1: put an actual budget together. That involves speaking to mechanics and workshops who you trust with this kind of work. You also want to start familiarising yourself with parts prices and sometimes the bits you need are dealer only and come at a hefty premium. Rebuilding isn't as simple as an oil service and not every backyard mechanic is necessarily competent enough to do it. Once you have a budget add another 50% to it for unforseen breakages or damage.

---

You're also going to get people telling you to do a swap for the 2.8 because MOAR POWAA but depending on the motor you may need a matching ECU or Aftermarket System and that involves tuning and the headaches that come with that process

 

[Major]

I think you should do a swap for the 2.8 because MOAR POWAA.

 

[wikked]

I think you should do a swap for the 2.8 because MOAR POWAA.

Bloody 2.8 Snobs

 

[ballisticz466]

According to ACDC, 328i has 1kw more than a 325i :crazylaugh:

 

[wikked]

According to ACDC, 328i has 1kw more than a 325i :crazylaugh:

The torque makes all the difference. Same story with the M42 and M44

 

[Major]

According to ACDC, 328i has 1kw more than a 325i :crazylaugh:

The torque makes all the difference. Same story with the M42 and M44

And if I fit the 325i intake, that all changes.

 

[Peejay]

If you rebuild 328 pistons and crank fit in the same block

 

[Peter@AEW]

Pistons roughly R2500
Gasket set roughly R2000
Bearings complete set roughly R600
Budget engineering roughly R2500/R4000
Head bolts roughly R400
Chain roughly R250
Oil pump R600
Water pump R400

All of the above aftermarket parts with good quality pistons if you were to buy chinese pistons you could drop the cost by roughly R1500.

 

[ballisticz466]

The torque makes all the difference. Same story with the M42 and M44

Thanx for that, never thought of it like that.

 

[DawoodAlli007]

Pistons roughly R2500
Gasket set roughly R2000
Bearings complete set roughly R600
Budget engineering roughly R2500/R4000
Head bolts roughly R400
Chain roughly R250
Oil pump R600
Water pump R400

All of the above aftermarket parts with good quality pistons if you were to buy chinese pistons you could drop the cost by roughly R1500.

:clapper: Thank you for the detailed response. :ty:

Got a quote from Steve Auto Clinic just this morning for 30K

Where would I be able to procure these parts at the prices you have quoted? Can you please point me in the right direction. Do you also perhaps have somebody in mind (who is reputable) who can carry out the work?

Again, thanks. This is giving me real hope....

 

[hoosain]

i see you in lenz
contact eb at bosch lenasia get a quote from them he really knows what he's doing