I've seen several posts where people have been swapping out engines.... I'm at 100K miles on my 08 S R56 and getting nervous I may be needing to make this decision sooner rather than later with all the issues I've been having. Out of curiosity..is it really worth it....

 

What are your issues?

I don't know what is involved let alone if even possible to change from the N14 to the N18

 

The key element is to keep the oil at the proper level. There are occasional piston failure but very minimal. Replacing an engine is not part of the maintenance plan of the car but in case you face that decision, you have to look the numbers and go with the economical.

Here is my personal swap project...It is on hold until I finish a couple of "Mini" projects lol

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ne-swap-2.html

 

WOW! a lot of work.... seems like a hobby you've gotten yourself into.


Thanks for the share

 

I am at 90K on my 2007 MCS. I've tried to keep it running and have done well. This is what was wrong with the car that i know of:
Water pump and delivery pipe
Clogged intake valves
Worn out guides
Low compression
Burns oil (discovered to be a function of using the wrong oil from BMW -use LiquiMoly 2332 and Ceratec)

Vacuum system not functioning properly
Turbo dysfunctional (rebuilt by JM Turbocoopers)
Exhaust leak (I hope fixed with a gizmo I found online)


This is what is about to happen:
Block reinforced
New pistons and rods from CP

New valves, springs, guides from Supertech
New bearings - King
New oil pump
New clutch
Rebuilt axles
New vacuum components
Rebuilt turbo
New tune
New timing chain, vacuum pump, HPFP, injectors
Radiator and intercooler cleaned and pressure checked
+ I don't know what else is needed...


The problem. I could only find one shop in Colorado willing to take the engine apart, machine it, reassemble it, time it, etc... It's been at the shop since the end of March. Not only am I sick of the process, I need my little car to run and it's not over yet. In our neighborhood Nextdoor there was a post for a French BMW mechanic who is visiting here and can assist me to get the car running if and when I get my engine back.


You said you want to do this for your car. If you love projects then go for it. You will learn a sh*tload of new stuff you never thought you needed to know. Buy the parts online from guys like ECS and miniofkennesawparts.com. Get some advice. And get a machine shop that is willing to give you back an assembled engine.


Read my next post on "Limited slip differential where are you?"

 

At 100K it's just getting broken in! I wouldn't worry about it.