Rod and main bearings are pretty expensive compared to other e36 engines.
Example:
A set of rod bearings for 325i,328i, M3-US etc costs $45 over at pelicanparts.
A set of rod bearings for the S50B32 costs $225 over at pelicanparts.
For extra $25 (total $250) you can get coated bearings from VAC. Which would be the best value in the situation IMO.
Last edited by gardar; 04-18-2012 at 12:01 AM.
Agreed, the 325 bearing shells are cheaper, if you go with non-BMW part.
I'm sure Glyco is acceptable as it is a OEM supplier. The only shells I found for the S50B32 are BMW labeled parts and pricing is virtually identical (~$150/set) as the BMW labeled shells for the 325 version.
I used thebmwpartstore.com for comparisons.
04M3 TiAg 69k slick-top 3 pedal
99M3 Cosmos 61k S50B32 euro 6Spd
88M3 AW 43k miles Project FS
WTB: 3.5" Eurosport/Conforti CAI
Hmm I thought those USM3/325 shells I listed were OEM, since it's the only thing that came up when looking the part number up on pelicanparts.
11241284849
But if that's the case, it's still a price we have to pay, because unlike the other engines there no cheaper alternatives are available for our euro spec S50 engines.
Last edited by barkmancosmosm3; 03-29-2013 at 03:51 AM.
Fuel pump new 400€
Output shafts new 700€ per one
Gearbox used 800-1000€. no inner parts sold separately.
Vanos 2600€ new, 500€ used
Valve adjustment 200-300€ if diy
Rod bearing 200€
Proper oil is hard to find locally and expensive to order, i still dont know what to use, currently 100% synth 5-40 motul, not so satisfied.
Last edited by Garcia; 12-12-2013 at 05:09 PM.
DIY valve adjustment on my 3.2 $130 @10 per shim(BMW Seattle, BMW Canada tried to rip me off @ 23 per). Luiqi Moly 5w40 $55 for 5 liters. that weight is whats spec'd in the euro handbook
I wouldn't use 10w60, my vanos was louder because of it and then switched to the 5w40, result = quietened vanos, motor was livelier, got to operating
temps quicker too.
When I first filled oil after swap, 6,5lt went, engine was all empty. I tried 5,5 first, but oil level was near minimum mark.
A perfect oil is 5w50 motul sport ester id say, and its available for us market i guess. For s50 Bmw recommends 10w40 castrol fully synthetic, i cant find it either.
Valve adjustment is very tricky, you can save money, if can measure gaps in advance, write down all you need and leave it there until you get shims. Also special tool costs over 100$ and you cant just go throuh etk to order it easily.
Some find and rent it.
Bringing this back. I've been digging pretty hard and found a few acceptable parts for a much better price. This is mostly relevant only for US people.
- Alternator: PN 12311405918. Fits Euro Z3 S50b32 and US MZ3 S52's. I found it at eeuroparts for <$160 shipped, 2 year warranty from bosch. Alex Lipowich suggested rebuilding the stock alt which is a good idea. However, I wanted same day turnaround and the place I was going to use didn't know which rebuild kit to get. I would suggest getting the US MZ3 S52 rebuild kit if you go this route. I can't guarantee it'll work but it's a good guess.
- Power steering pump: Same as US S52 E36 M3
- US E36 M3 AC Compressor fits as long as you have a US spec S52 bracket. I believe it sits at a slightly different angle because of this. A little lower to the ground although I don't have hard evidence as to how much. I just know the tensioner lightly touched my e30 skid plate and also pre assembled ac lines hit the chassis and I believe both of those where made with an S52 with AC in mind and would clear in that case.
- Belt pulleys are the same as US S52 engines as well
- Spark Plugs can be found at advanced auto of all places for the best price if you use an 30% off online coupon. As of 8/2014. $10 shipping, they won't deliver to the store anymore for these 2 items.
Denso Iridium IXU22 (supposedly better than platinum) for $8.50 before the coupon.
NKG PKR7A Platinums for $15 before the coupon.
- Thermostat is the same as the S54, take your pic as to which online vendor has the best price/service.
That's all for now.
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