S50 Engine Overheated - Questions

[m3f_JokerElite_6689bd82ad]

About a year and a half ago the S50B30US engine on my '95 E36 M3 overheated. Long story short, one of the radiator hoses had come off and the car lost most of the coolant and lead to the engine overheating. I did an engine swap and replaced it with an S52.


Since the S50 engine is no longer in use and just sitting in the garage, I'd like to sell it. But what commonly goes bad when these engines overheat? Is it just the head gasket? How much would it be worth as is?

[m3f_enderw88_23d4b6eb24]

Frankly, if you are honest as a seller and disclose the sever overheat, it is worth more as scrap. Those engines get severe head problems when they overheat like that, way more than just the gasket. You might find a lemons team that could use it...

[m3f_hencini_38d4e99411]

Is it on a stand? If you caught it quickly, it probably just needs a head gasket. It would take an afternoon at most.



Ideally, you'd also take the head to a machine shop and have it checked for warpage. To get the most out of the sale, you might also want to freshen up the head a bit (valve retainers, especially, given that it's a '95).

[m3f_whplash]

which DME do you have? im in need of a 506 if your looking to sell.

[m3f_roarE36M3_c861262699]

mileage?

[m3f_OahuMPower_17503f01cd]

I had a really long response typed out and lost it... oh well

[m3f_hencini_38d4e99411]

I had a really long response typed out and lost it... oh well


Lolz...

[m3f_JokerElite_6689bd82ad]

mileage?


115k on the engine.

[m3f_Mishimoto]

It would definitely be worth it to tear the engine down and check for damage. There is a good chance the head gasket is in need of replacement. While you are in there have the head checked at a machine shop and repaired/cleaned if necessary. Also check the cylinder walls for scoring and have the deck of the block examined.



Sounds like a fun little project that could net a few dollars in your pocket.

[m3f_Jimmy Rust_87bde59ec4]

How far right did the temp needle go, and how long did you drive it before you knew it was overheating? A slight overheat isnt a sure sign of catastrophic failure. I have overheated my car four times because of stupid ****ing cooling system failures, and it is still going to this day. And im making 2.5 times the power you are.

[m3f_ECSTuning]

The gasket going out is the best case scenario. Rather often you'll run into warped heads, the S50 head can be milled by some shops but only if it's not a serious case.

[m3f_roarE36M3_c861262699]

sell it to me! i'm willing to rip the thing apart for experience/knowledge. I can pick it up from you next weekend and haul it away and free up some space in ur garage. If anything I can use the valve cover to powdercoat. Mine is chipping like hell and starting to get some slow leakage.

[m3f_JokerElite_6689bd82ad]

How far right did the temp needle go, and how long did you drive it before you knew it was overheating? A slight overheat isnt a sure sign of catastrophic failure. I have overheated my car four times because of stupid ****ing cooling system failures, and it is still going to this day. And im making 2.5 times the power you are.



3/4 - 4/4 temp mark. And I don't remember exactly. All I know is when we got the car towed back home the engine turned on and ran for a little then shut off again.

[m3f_hencini_38d4e99411]

I have overheated my car four times because of stupid ****ing cooling system failures, and it is still going to this day. And im making 2.5 times the power you are.


The 4-cylinder in your 318 is a far more robust engine.

[m3f_OahuMPower_17503f01cd]

It would definitely be worth it to tear the engine down and check for damage. There is a good chance the head gasket is in need of replacement. While you are in there have the head checked at a machine shop and repaired/cleaned if necessary. Also check the cylinder walls for scoring and have the deck of the block examined.


Sounds like a fun little project that could net a few dollars in your pocket.


if u refresh the motor, you are not making ANY money. Better off selling the motor "as-is"


I can't count how many complete engine refreshes I've done, and then motor swapped into cars. Actually just finished a complete s52 overhaul, and installed in a 95 M3 that dropped a valve in the original s50.


Motor is always purchased before refreshing, and new owner pays for all the refreshing parts/labor