Z3 for $800 w/ Blown engine?

Hey everyone, a buddy of mine ran across a 98 Z3 with a blown engine for 800 bucks. Car has 80K miles, and thats about all I know. I read up that these use S52 engines, so could I just plop a used one in and have a Z3 for 1500 bucks? Thanks!

More to the story....the car is worth $2K in parts even with a blown engine. but if it's a M with an s52 then it should be pretty easy to put another S52 in.

only the M's use the S52 engine. An M car will have a quad exhaust, M badges and a single chrome bar across the gills on the front panels.

Thanks for the opinions, I'm still trying to contact the original seller (heard through a friend type of thing). Say the car isnt an M, what engine pops in then? And what would it take to fit an S52 into a non-M car. I found a S52 used for a few hundred used, which is why i ask. Thanks again guys

Originally Posted by drive by72

Thanks for the opinions, I'm still trying to contact the original seller (heard through a friend type of thing). Say the car isnt an M, what engine pops in then? And what would it take to fit an S52 into a non-M car. I found a S52 used for a few hundred used, which is why i ask. Thanks again guys

The S52 engine should "fit" in a non-M, but that doesn't mean all the mount tabs and wiring harness points are available. You'll also need the M's ECU.

The M's had a different suspension setup and rear diff. The transmission was different from most models of the non-M; I believe it was the same as the 2.8 and 3.0i.

Your biggest problem is going to be the rear subframe and exhaust. The M's had a two pipe exhaust, and the non-M's have a spare tire mount in the way. The M's also had a different rear subframe shape and bumper.

Who cares? For that price with that few miles.
Just buy it and figure out the right motor later.

Okay... Thanks wildag. Unfortunatly it looks like the cars been sold, so I dont think the Z3 for 1500 bucks idea is gonna happen. Although its nice to know that, now I can sound smart about Z3's too. lol

Don't worry yourself too much.
The Z3 uses the same rear suspension as the wagons used on the Oregon Trail.

i would love to make a find like that. Would be great as a parts car. Hey the glove box and rear window alone would make it worth while.