i swear ive been reading searched threads for an hour and my head hurts

What can I swap into e36 m44 ('96 318) to get more power and avoid major headaches?

I was thinking of doing the DASC, which will cost about $3,400, and free install as me and a buddy will do it

but its a lot of cash, and in some other threads I saw mention of swapping S50 (which seems to be from e30 m3) or s52, or just m52
But it seems like more than just the engine needs to be swapped, and tonnes of headaches can ensue.

I would have to pay mechanic to do swap, as it is miles above my ability...

1. CASH WISE, would the options even be in the same ballpark as the supercharger? My max budget is like $3,500 including costs of install (although presumably I could sell the m44 to recoup some cost) ?

If theres no way it would be comparable on cost, then that can be the end of this thread.

2. If it might be feasible, then which swap would make the most sense cost wise. Point me in the right direction, and I will search a bunch more threads on those specific points.

thanks in advance for tolerating the newb

sell it. The cost of the engine and labour will equal as much money as an m3 or 328. Then you also have that down time. engine=3000 labour=2500 extras and unknow=1000. after selling your 318 and adding 6 or 7g's your at the cost of your m3.
i'd get it turbo'd for under 1500 if money is an issue

thanks for taking pity on me
nuff said... i am going to go for the dasc