1997 M3: Numbers Matching?

[Tim Mc]

All,

I've got a high mileage M3 (229,000 miles). It is an unmolested automatic 4 door...at least one previous owner was a female.

How do I tell if the engine is original to the chassis. It runs well and burns acceptable amount of oil (for a 90 mph commute!) so wonder if it has been replaced in the 21 years of existence.

Thanks!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4263/35717632282_a52fcd7d51_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WqfcGf)[url=https://flic.kr/p/WqfcGf]

[bluptgm3]

As I recall, there is a VIN sticker on the aft of the head.


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[Braymond141]

Only the head carries a VIN sticker and those can easily fall off during any machine shop work. Any S52 in your car is “numbers matching”.

[bluptgm3]

While it is true that “any S52 is numbers matching”, a missing matching VIN sticker opens the possibility that a “400” casting head ( w/‘lighter’ springs) from a 323/328 has been installed for a repair.


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[1clean335i]

Any plans on selling it?

[Tim Mc]

Thanks folks...exactly what I was looking for. Will take a look tomorrow for the sticker. I have no service history on the power plant.

Selling: matter of fact I am - engine and trans only.

https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/pts/d/1997-bmw-m3-engine-and/6567206204.html

My son and I are using this car as a learning tool...swapping in an LS engine and teaching him autocross - thread:

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2346468-1997-M3-4-Door-with-LS-T56

Thanks!

[Braymond141]

While it is true that “any S52 is numbers matching”, a missing matching VIN sticker opens the possibility that a “400” casting head (containing lighter w/‘lighter’ springs) from a 323/328 has been installed for a repair.


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No it does not.

[TXBDan]

Unless they're rusty or damaged, i'd just rebuild the stock calipers so you know you have good parts. It's super easy, takes like 5min per caliper once its off the car.

Put a block of wood (1x2") between the piston and floating part to catch the piston. If you don't have compress air, hold a bike pump up to the brake line and blow out the piston. (i use a bike pump). Remove boot and seal. Put in new seal and coat with brake fluid or lube. Coat piston with brake fluid or lube, put new boot on the end of the piston, stick other end of boot into the caliper groove, press piston in.

[Tim Mc]

TXBDan: Likely a mis-post? I'm keeping the calipers...a good bleed and brakes work like new - thanks!

[ScotcH]

No it does not.

What?

[MParallel]

The engine block has its number 'printed' on it. (above the left engine mount bracket for S/M5x)

The service booklet should mention chassis number and engine number. At least there are entries for it on one of the first pages. The selling dealership should have written it down.

[Tim Mc]

Thanks for the assistance all.

I removed the engine today and found the VIN sticker on the back of the cylinder head...as was stated. I'm impressed it is original with 229,000 miles! Neat stuff...may have a new owner :-)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/979/27347128587_93da4acf04_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HEzbz2)[url=https://flic.kr/p/HEzbz2]

[MParallel]

Couldn’t those VIN stickers be ordered? An stuck on any new part?

A number stamped in the block like the VIN is harder to tamper.

Have you checked for the engine number above the left engine mounting bracket?

[notMpowered]

For christs sakes. Yes someone could have put that sticker on there. No, someone didn't bother to do that on a 6k car so they could sell it to a collector as some numbers matching classic.

[VLT]

Were you driving this on a trailer back from CA?

[langley]

Who would have thought that nobody went through the trouble of swapping another S52 into this 20 year old car to dupe the next owner?