i have a lead on an 87 henna one of the first 100 built or brought in the us, it has some plaque around the trunk. i could honestly care less though, it has 140k miles on it, the engine blew, cant remember what happened, a bmw technician owns it, but doesnt want to fool with putting a new engine in it. i think the transmission is fine, just the engine is shot. his first price out the mouth was 6k, so assuming he'll stay at 6k, although 5k might be a reality. what is this car gonna cost me with engine options, i.e. putting an e36 m50/s50 engine ? or putting an s14 in the car? what do you think prices for each route would be? he said the car has brand new springs and shocks, brand new tires, brakes are ok, and wont need changed yet.. he said it prob needs an exhaust too. what do you experts think. could i have this car on the street for under 10k?

a low mileage m50 will cost you around 6k
low mileage s14's are hard to find and you'll have to pay an arm and a leg to buy it

i know, ive been searching for 95 m3 s50 engine, they are expensive. i wonder if the car would still be quick if i dropped an e36 325i engine and 5spd in it.

i looked at it today, mechanic said it needs a new head. which he has, he said the parts the car needs to get running are about 1500 , he just doesnt have the time to fool with it. how much is this car worth? he said shoot him an offer, i'd shoot him one, if i knew what i could get it for.

$5k sound good,if everything is new and in good condition like he says you could go up to $6k.I have a complete cylinder head for
$1200 with motorsport springs.Or if you want I have a euro s50 m3 motor for $5500 with under 50k.Has all acessories from pan to valve cover.You could add 2 turbos to this engine and it will still be fine:-)

If there is no rust and everything else is intact....jump on that thing. Just make sure EVERYTHING else checks out

i found out engine failure was from timing chain tensioner going bad. dont worry im jumping on this thing, just have to iron out the details, and im having an e30 m3 owner check it out soon.

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=1070349#post1070349