MPower -Worth the effort?

[ver328i]

So I can sort of (well after convincing and negotiating) get my hands on a complete donor E36 ///M car.

Body and interior in a sorry state but drive train is ok(except for clutch). So i was wondering if it would be worth buying, swap all running gear between my vert and that (the vert becomes an ///M and the f'd up ///M a 325i) Sell off the now 325i and get my complete investment back...

In my mind its a good idea but I have no experience with healthy or unhealthy S50s.


Thoughts???

 

[Clownshoe]

If there are no funny differences between the 325 and M3 that could make it an expensive conversion. Sometimes things like transmission tunnels need to be modified. I would have no idea myself. But if it is a straight swap and you can do it will... it would be well worth it.

Would you get your investment back on the now 325?

Look at the cost of this vs a good supercharger or turbo on the 325.

 

[moranor@axis]

only down side would be down time I say go for it

 

[JadielM]

Sounds like a good idea, though you should keep in mind that you probably want the suspension from the M3 as well, should it all fit, so make sure everything's interchangeable.

Another thing to look at is how healthy the donor M's motor is. Pointless buying it for its running gear and then needing to replace bearings and other expensive items shortly after Start up.

It most definitely is worth the effort, as having an E36 M3 convertible in SA is rather unique... Just make sure you're financially prepared for the worst-project car case scenario.

 

[Clownshoe]

Convertables are heavier than coupes... m3 springs may be to light for the vert.

 

[ver328i]

Thanks for the reply gents

Spoke to him on the weekend and although he has a figure in mind around R35k ish...he remains a little reluctant. He probly still has it in his mind that he will turn this pile into a nice ///M again :nonono:

Some history: The car ended up in corner of the yard after the centre bearing died. Propshaft was given to a friend to repair but never made its way back to the m3. Clutch was also slipping and needed repair. Instead of getting on with things, it was left to the elements

two years later, paint is faded, interior panels are off, various bits missing, Wheels were stolen, beading's are bent. Motor starts up first time and ticks a bit but quiets down...before it warms up and develops a bit of a rumble (not crazy loud) could be a spun bearing from what i read about these S50's

I can push him to sell because wife wants it all gone but really dont know if i should...will see

 

[moranor@axis]

not sounding like a good idea anymore I would be very worried about the state of the engine sounds like the guy ran out of money to maintain the car

 

[Captain_Stealth]

this sounds like it could be expensive...

 

[zippy320]

Sounds like you could be converting a good reliable 325i convertible , into a heartbreaking money pit faulty M3..... If all was good on the M3 then it would be pretty awesome to have an M3 convertible...but if the donor car has got so many issues ..it might be a big mistake.

I wonder though if that Donor car is worth more in parts .

 

[GoCart]

Sounds like a bad idea, rebuilding the M3 before the swap.. eina.

Rather SC the 325, gooi bigger brakes, coilies, struts.... you'll be just as happy, I'm sure.

I've got a set of E46 M3 calipers if you need them.

 

[Rodney///Marsh]

VER328i - I must agree with some of the guys, rather charge the already working Vert. will save you a lot of money.

I am doing a restore on an already working M and its already expensive.