Engine Replacement on Used M3?

[Tincan7]

Hey guys,

I’m relatively new to the forum and looking at E90 M3s.

What would you think about an M3 that had an engine replacement for bore-scoring (not blown according to the seller) several years/40k miles ago? The car looks good otherwise and has had the RBs done on the ‘new’ engine (was a used engine when put in the car, just with ~10k less miles than the chassis).

Later down the line if I wanted to sell this car how concerned would you be as a potential buyer? I feel like since I’m asking the question it’s obviously some kind of issue…but would it be a deal breaker?

And for those of you that have had the unfortunate experience of an engine change are there VIN/registration/insurance complications you have to deal with?

And finally, one more question to add to the pile (I know this has been discussed extensively, but still curious) do you consider RBs a one & done or a wear item that should be changed every 60-80k miles (these RBs have 40k miles on them)? I don’t remember the brand but believe it was BE, definitely not stock RBs.

TIA.

[amrazM]

My car had a new engine put in by the dealer under warranty, the original seized. If it was done at the dealer and/or the source of the engine was documented by a shop then it wouldnt really matter to me, like in my situation.

[tbuck]

Originally Posted by amrazM

My car had a new engine put in by the dealer under warranty, the original seized. If it was done at the dealer and/or the source of the engine was documented by a shop then it wouldnt really matter to me, like in my situation.

^This

Proper documentation is always the key. These engines are well known for RB failure and most potential owners will understand if yours has had the engine replaced at some point. It should not be an issue for a general E9x example.

RB's are not a one and done, they are a wear item on these cars regardless of what bearing you put in them, but more so if they are OEM. Rule of thumb seems to be between 50-100k life is the safe area, and while some folks get much more I would err on the side of peace of mind.

GL!

[Tincan7]

Thanks guys.

Good to know about the RBs.

[Scrippy]

RB’s are a wear item and I’ve done them twice. The two sets that came out of my motor had wear simple as that. If the dealer did the motor swap I would buy. If any other shop did the work I would buy but expect a price reduction relative to my feelings, so you would lose money from me as a buyer. Those are my feelings because I know this motor pretty good. If I never owned this car I would not buy a motor swapped one unless they were extremely hard to acquire and this one was convenient to look at and buy.

[Tincan7]

Originally Posted by Scrippy

RB’s are a wear item and I’ve done them twice. The two sets that came out of my motor had wear simple as that. If the dealer did the motor swap I would buy. If any other shop did the work I would buy but expect a price reduction relative to my feelings, so you would lose money from me as a buyer. Those are my feelings because I know this motor pretty good. If I never owned this car I would not buy a motor swapped one unless they were extremely hard to acquire and this one was convenient to look at and buy.

Hmmm, very good info thanks. Unfortunately I am on the east coast and a lot of the good cars are in CA. So this one is certainly not convenient to look at (this one is in CA). I’m not sure but believe it was an Indy that did the motor swap. I’m thinking maybe wait until the next one comes along.

How many miles did you go between RB changes?

Also, I haven’t come across much discussion about bore-scoring on the S65, is that a thing on these motors?

Thanks.

[Scrippy]

Originally Posted by Tincan7

Hmmm, very good info thanks. Unfortunately I am on the east coast and a lot of the good cars are in CA. So this one is certainly not convenient to look at (this one is in CA). I’m not sure but believe it was an Indy that did the motor swap. I’m thinking maybe wait until the next one comes along.

How many miles did you go between RB changes?

Also, I haven’t come across much discussion about bore-scoring on the S65, is that a thing on these motors?

Thanks.

I’m sure people are doing all kinds of things to their motors. Is it commonplace….no. There really isn’t a standard when some pamper and park, while others fucking thrash their shit. Proper maintenance is all that needs to happen. RB’s are a common issue and it stops there. The real issue is a person that can barely afford the car and doesn’t maintain it properly. Likewise the person that thinks you can yank a car hard all the time like a race car but not rebuild like race cars do. It’s not the fragile motor people claim. Side note:There are a lot of amazing M’s in the East Coast just not for sale because they’re loved.

[egebhardt]

My car has lost ~$5,000 in value in the last 6 months since I bought it.
I basically changed the rod bearings and parked it in my climate-controlled garage.

You could wait and do fine. Or not wait. I'd still find one locally if I were you. Paying $2,000 to ship and worry your *** off is no fun..

[nrubenstein]

Assuming that it's a lower mileage engine, it's net neutral to positive in my book. Engines fail. These engines are not numbered to chassis in any way that anyone other than BMW can tell, so no it won't cause you any registration or documentation issues.

The one thing that I would HATE is if someone put a higher mileage engine in a lower mileage chassis.

[Theodore2]

I'd say have someone familiar with these cars check the engine out carefully before you buy, then drive it and enjoy it!