buildup M30b34 or stock S38B36 in 88 BMW 528e ?

[fukoa]

Hi everybody

recently I been working on the dilemma which engine should I keep for my newly acquired e28 [ http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=110412 - thanks Jason ]

the well known M30B34 or the undocumented S38B36

what do you guys think

details as fallows


my beloved M30B34 , with MaxSil piston set , Shrick cam and matching valvetrain , M5/533 flywheel , bavauto headers and IE exhaust , MAF/WAR combo , e23 745i oil cooler ,ported intake and exhaust side and much more .
an engine that we all know in and out , parts you can find anywhere you look , plenty of torque and so much fun ....
but at the end it is still SOHC M30B34


on the other hand is this mighty looking S38B36 , from the 91 M5 , that in stock configuration has probably more than what my build up M30 could ever wish for , but ....
it is very expensive to buy and maintain , don't seem to find many parts for it , unless by new ,so...



which one should I keep/put in the car , and which one should I get rid off/ keep on the side

[Coldswede]

What are you going to use the car for? It's intended purpose should make the decision easier and clearer.

[fukoa]

What are you going to use the car for? It's intended purpose should make the decision easier and clearer.

well , I use my car for long trips to East coast [ PA] and weekend cruiser , but while I am doing it I want to have a little fun as well
on one side the M30 was made for the e28 so it looks like it is at home , while the S38 was never intended to be in e28 , so I am losing period correct originality [ it will be better than any V8 Lx crap ]

[Coldswede]

For utter reliability and durability with some grunt it is hard to beat an M30! I drive my slightly warmed b34 on 1000+ mile trips regularly, use for autocross and track days and a sporting drive every chance I can. It has been completely reliable and does decently at the track.

I'd vote for an M30b34 (or even better a b35) with a Paul Burke head rebuild and one of his cams, A set of Paul B's high compression pistons if your check book allows, a set of headers and at least chipped Motronic 1.3 management (Megasquirt if you want.) all with a lightened flywheel.

That should be fun!

Don't forget the suspension and brake update!

[1st 5er]

S38 based on your stated usage.

[alijonny]

Where did you find this s38?

[Jelmer538i]

S38 all the way! They are such nice engines and with good maintanance they will last. Just make sure the timing chain and tensioner and the rod bearings are in good shape (replaced)

[foolish]

Maybe go FI on the m30?

[fukoa]

thanks for the inputs

I have always driven M30 powered car [ 3 and counting ] , so I know M30B34/B35 in and out
as I said above mine is not the stock M30B34 anymore , that you can find in your e28s , but I little bit tweaked , so it is not lucking any performance and for sure it has proven its reliability
I have putted it against an e28 545 [ aka e23 745 guts in e28 ] and has held its own in style , also I had to prove to an e24 M6 owner that e28 m30 car is just as good [ may be even better ]
so I really have nothing bad to say about my build up M30B34

but since I score this S38B36 for dirt cheap [ compare to what people ask for them anywhere else ] from Craigslist , and I have always wonder what it will be to drive an e28 that is not FI and still have the row power muscle car feel [ compare to my beloved 1972 firebird with 400 small block chevy , 4 bolt main and mated to t56 ]

so since I got this S38B36 I will give it a try , and if I don't like it I can always go back to my trusty M30B34

transformation is planned for early spring next year
will keep you posted

PS : I already have bilsteins all around with matching 'pink code ' OE springs , front e32 calipers and master cylinder and rear e34/540 brakes , e28M5 front and rear sways ,rack-n-pinion conversion and much more , so on the handling side I am already covered