When it comes to flipping engines on sites like eBay, BMW’s high-strung S14 four-cylinder is a fairly safe bet in terms of netting a decent windfall at the end. Found only in the now-expensive E30 M3 in the states, the motor has become popular for dropping into smaller, lighter 2002s. As prices of E30 M3s have risen, good motors with a proven paper trail become more desirable as a result and command huge prices like the $10,000 opening bid seen here on eBay.
The S14 was removed from a 1989 BMW M3 that had rolled over with less than 80,000 original miles. The engine then went on to do duty in a light-weight BMW 2002 used as a track car. The engine received extensive refreshing following this period of competition duty, including a new timing chain tensioner and valve adjustment, two common maintenance items for for BMW motors of this era.
The seller notes that the new owner will also receive all of the ancillary pieces, including the alternator, headers, flywheel, and ECU. The engine has been maintained, with its last service of record appearing in September 2017 and consisting of fresh fluids, a timing chain tensioner upgrade, and an overall engine tune-up. For this money, I’d expect to see the results of a compression test included in the listing.
While you may get excited at this picture of a transmission, it’s not included: it’s a desirable 5-speed assembly out of an E21-chassis 3-Series. These 5-speed transmissions are a common upgrade for the 2002 crowd but they command a high price, certainly more than the next owner will likely want to spend after shelling out the dough for this example. How many bids do you think this motor will get past $10,000? Or will it?
Where is that SBC when you need it?
Agree on the compression test. I would also like to see some torque and horsepower numbers. I will tell you, I bought a 2000 Z3 this summer. As an American car guy, the numbers on the Bimmers are still confusing to me. I need some kind of guide! Plus $400 bucks for shipping and handling fee. At $12200 now.
Must be the red.
Dang, this just seems insane…what a market
The transmission doesn’t excite me, but Castle Anthrax does.
Why not buy a used WRX flat four turbo that makes between 268-310 hp? They go for $1500-$3000 for running examples.
$12grand for 189hp seems a bit silly.
If you are ruining the value of your 2002 BMW why not save 9 grand and build one that screams.
Those of us who collect and restore BMWs can appreciate the idea of keeping it in the family, but $13k? I’ve recently seen Tiis in that ballpark. The reason this appeals to 2002 builders is because, unlike many later motors, this one is still really simple. No VANOS, no turbo, no complicated ECU to fool and one of only a few BMW high HP fours that will fit in a 2002. And it fits pretty easily, too, with no major mods needed except for shifter housing and driveshaft. And 200HP in a twentty two hunred pound 2002, without ABS or traction control, screams like a freaking banshee.
PS. They come up on several BMW forum sites on a fairly regular basis. Usually in the $8-9k range.
Be a nice fit in my 91′ 318is, but it ain’t gonna happen.
Ended: Nov 24, 2018 , 4:00PM
Winning bid:US $14,100.00
[ 11 bids ]