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Thread: M52 in Track Car - How Long will it Last?

  1. #1
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    M52 in Track Car - How Long will it Last?

    My HPDE track rat is a '96 328 with the M52 engine. It has just under 250k miles. I keep waiting for something bad to happen to the engine, but the thing runs like a Swiss watch. I run compression and leak down checks a couple of times a year. Yesterday when tested (warm), I had 5-7% leak down, and 200-205 psi compression.

    I have never put it on a dyno to see how much power it is down due to mileage, but you would think power would be a function of compression and leak-down results. I bought it with high mileage so I don't know what it felt like when it was young.

    Is it realistic that this keeps chugging along at 6000 RPM indefinitely (assuming I don't money shift it)?

  2. #2
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    With those numbers, I'd go with the 'if it ain't broke don't touch it' philosophy !
    It's an HPDE car, not a race car, so a few HP doesn't matter (IMO).

  3. #3
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    Mine died from oil starvation. Highly recommend an oil pan baffle and welding or otherwise securing the oil pump nut

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by aeronaut View Post
    With those numbers, I'd go with the 'if it ain't broke don't touch it' philosophy !
    It's an HPDE car, not a race car, so a few HP doesn't matter (IMO).
    The biggest improvement needed is still the nut behind the wheel. A few HP isn't going to make a difference at this point.

    Quote Originally Posted by John in Houston View Post
    Mine died from oil starvation. Highly recommend an oil pan baffle and welding or otherwise securing the oil pump nut
    I have secured the nut, but haven't done anything with the oil pan yet. Probably should put this on the list. I also want to pick up a set of real gauges (oil temp, oil pressure, water temp).

  5. #5
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    One of the baffled pans is a good idea - especially if you start running big suspension and sticky tires.

    I got mine from Achilles
    http://www.achillesmotorsports.com/A.../11-am-opb.htm
    2002 BMW M Roaster.
    1998 BMW 328is SCCA E Production road racer.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by CoMZ302 View Post
    One of the baffled pans is a good idea - especially if you start running big suspension and sticky tires.

    I got mine from Achilles
    http://www.achillesmotorsports.com/A.../11-am-opb.htm
    Does someone offer an exchange with the baffle already welded?

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by BacDoc View Post
    Does someone offer an exchange with the baffle already welded?
    Where in WV are you?

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by aeronaut View Post
    Where in WV are you?
    Opposite end from you. I'm between Charleston and Huntington.

    And I called Hard MS they don't exchange anymore.

  9. #9
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    With the baffled oil pan and shifting below 6,000 RPM this engine will last forever.
    If you have some doubts send your used oil for analysis at Blackstone. Make a note of the quantity of oil added between oil change and they will spot any issues years before it manifests.

    For example I now know that I have to address the rod bearings in my race car this season or next.
    Makes the maintenance planning easy...

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by aeronaut View Post
    Where in WV are you?

    I'm interested in a baffle / pan exchange . I am in Summit Point (shop) / NoVA (home)
    -------------------------------------------------------------
    '92 325is
    '17 Mustang GT for a Daily
    -------------------------------------------------------------

  11. #11
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    I can't do an exchange, but would be happy to weld in a baffle for cheap if everything is prepped and you either ship the pan/baffle or can do without for a few weeks (I'm at Summit about every other weekend).

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by ANGST View Post
    I'm interested in a baffle / pan exchange . I am in Summit Point (shop) / NoVA (home)

    You have pans ready to go? Mine is the S50 pain I believe is different.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by BacDoc View Post
    You have pans ready to go? Mine is the S50 pain I believe is different.

    Yes, several M50 .... S50 looks the same

    According to Real OEM ...

    11131735937

    Oil Pan

    From:12/01/1990Supersedes:11131730419(09/01/1990 — 12/11/1990)
    Part 11131735937 was found on the following E36 vehicles:

    -------------------------------------------------------------
    '92 325is
    '17 Mustang GT for a Daily
    -------------------------------------------------------------

  14. #14
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    Mine went to around 267k miles with around 40k miles of that being a life lived autocrossing 10-15 times per year and doing at least 2-3 weekend at Road Atlanta. I have a baffle and the oil pump nut welded on. Car has intake, exhaust, ecu. As long as the cooling system was happy, the car was happy.
    WUTCONE?

  15. #15
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    U got 250 k on it. Got your moneys worth out of it How long it will last ? Only bmw gods know Maybe bearing change and seals but 250 k for track car It needs to bronzed

  16. #16
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    its funny how we get spoiled.....sooo spoiled


    25ok and we ask how long will it last?.....man its given you everything

    go ask 911 owners that!

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by jrkoupe View Post
    its funny how we get spoiled.....sooo spoiled

    25ok and we ask how long will it last?.....man its given you everything

    go ask 911 owners that!
    She's definitely given myself and the previous owner who autocrossed it for years lots of smiles. She doesn't owe us anything. Frankly, I keep thinking she'll eventually give out, and it would be reason to put an S52 in her. However, until it starts to show some signs of wearing out, she's going to keep getting put on the track.

    I'm hoping to make an open house / dyno day next weekend at the local BMW shop. It will be interesting to see what it is actually still making for power at this age.

  18. #18
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    power she makes? who cares!!!!!

    open house= free? I hope so

  19. #19
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    I bought my old E30 at 220k with originally motor/transmission/clutch and daily drove, tracked, and autocrossed it for a few years. I rebuilt the LSD. Then I sold it at 247k (to Jason Tower actually) back in '08. He then tracked it for awhile and sold it to another guy who tracked it and turned it into a Lemons car. It continued on for like 7 more years. Finally broke a rocker arm, but he replaced that and it still runs to this day as far as i know.

    Unrelated anecdote, but its a good one!

  20. #20
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    txb........ it wasnt THAT good.....lol


    kisses.....

  21. #21
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    249k on my m3. Might turn over 250k at summit this weekend...

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by TXBDan View Post
    I bought my old E30 at 220k with originally motor/transmission/clutch and daily drove, tracked, and autocrossed it for a few years. I rebuilt the LSD. Then I sold it at 247k (to Jason Tower actually) back in '08.
    If it's the same Jason Tower that's down here in Raleigh I bought my Kosei track wheels from him. Small world.

  23. #23
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    Interesting enough, it made 201 HP, 195 lb-ft of torque on the Dyno today. I was happy with that.

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