M52 rebuild

[sclass]

Hi all,

I'm quite shocked at Crash's misfortune with Jezza. He's sounds like he's on top of things so at least that's great and the car will be what it's supposed to be.

This got me thinking about rebuilding my 328. What is involved in the rebuild/what needs to be replaced? Does one shop at the stealers or are there OEM quality aftermarket parts available? And what would be the cost of a complete rebuild, to have it done ONCE and done RIGHT? I figure this would be money better spent, rather than salivating over mods.

Any info would be appreciated :thumbs:

 

[Peejay]

Hi all,

I'm quite shocked at Crash's misfortune with Jezza. He's sounds like he's on top of things so at least that's great and the car will be what it's supposed to be.

This got me thinking about rebuilding my 328. What is involved in the rebuild/what needs to be replaced? Does one shop at the stealers or are there OEM quality aftermarket parts available? And what would be the cost of a complete rebuild, to have it done ONCE and done RIGHT? I figure this would be money better spent, rather than salivating over mods.

Any info would be appreciated :thumbs:

I think you would put all after market stuff. Stealers would be toooo expensive. Victor Reinz stocks parts of our cars. Things like rings, bearings and gaskets. I think they supply BMW. I'm not sure about the oil and water pumps but....While its out the car good to 'de coke' the head, maybe port and polish it too, knife edge the crank too. Delete the fan clutch also would be good and install an electric fan like freerider

 

[moranor@axis]

well if you get another car you could send the engine to get a full overhaul from our discussions i really dont think there will be anyone in your country that could do it to the level you want

 

[Doomsdaya]

Subscribed :thumbsup:

Seeing that sclass & I got the alloy block motors & not cast iron. Would it be better to change over to cast iron or retain the alloy block ?

 

[Dishen]

Cast Iron FTW!!!
The ally block cannot be repaired.

 

[StK]

Cast Iron FTW!!!
The ally block cannot be repaired.

Swapping out the M52 internals into the M50 block could make sense :thumbs: However the M52 block can be repaired. The problem comes when torquing up the bolts, too many people over torque and thread the block. Even then though you can still use inserts which will help. Ideally though you want to torque up the bolts correctly in the first place saving you a headache. If you do swap out the internals then you would be better off taking E46 330 internals into the M50 block. This would give you a 3L capacity. It does require some grinding of the sump to fit it all in but well worth the effort. Stroking FTW :thumbs:

 

[zaleonardz]

But hold on a sec here.

Crash's motor is highly modified, and has been opened several times.

The last time I heard your motor, she sounded virtually perfect.

The M52's are STRONG motors, I say if you would like to spend some money, replace the cooling system, perhaps a new oil pump.

Do a compression test, and if all cylinders are within spec, leave her the hell alone...

 

[sclass]

But hold on a sec here.

Crash's motor is highly modified, and has been opened several times.

The last time I heard your motor, she sounded virtually perfect.

The M52's are STRONG motors, I say if you would like to spend some money, replace the cooling system, perhaps a new oil pump.

Do a compression test, and if all cylinders are within spec, leave her the hell alone...

Thanks LZ :thumbs:

There's nothing blatantly wrong with my engine it's quiet, and idles smoothly and starts no problem hot or cold. It does have the typical clatter/rattle on start up but it does quiet down a bit as it warms. The oil consumption is pretty high (pint top up every1000kms) from what Raybimmer says the likely culprits are worn valve stem seals and valve guides. A compression test will confirm whether the oil loss is from there or through the rings...I guess I'm bracing myself for the worst.
Like Moranor has hinted expertise in Swaziland is a bit iffy so I'll probably wait till I'm next in the Jhb/Pta area to do the compression test.

My cooling system is virtually all new save for the radiator, otherwise I replaced it all about 20k mileage ago.

So if it turns out to be just the valve stems/guides do I replace just those or is there anything else to do whilst at it?

Thanks for the input guys :thumbs:

 

[moranor@axis]

thought you said the head was a bit to noisy for your liking?

 

[Nikhil]

while you in there make it faster:fencelook:

 

[sclass]

thought you said the head was a bit to noisy for your liking?

We from what I’ve read these are ‘typical’ M52 noises but I don’t like that I get quite an audile clatter after hard driving. And coupled with the oil consumption I am a bit concerned because so far my driving style is such that I keep revs low which isn’t a problem with the long gearing and the available torque. But if I had to redline it constantly then I’m not so confident. So I figure best sort out now rather than later if it’s just stem seals and guides…

 

[sclass]

while you in there make it faster:fencelook:

:biglol: