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  Feb. 27, 2010 10:51 p.m. dean1484 Dork

  If the timing chain goes on one of these what gets broken. I am looking at one with a 6 speed that is not running. Quote from there add.
  

  "By engine trouble I mean it isn't running. Mechanic thinks that the timing chain may have slipped off. Car could possibly need a new engine or a rebuild of existing one. Either way its more work than i want to deal with."

  So run away?

  He is asking $2700 and other than the motor looks to be in good shape. Offer $1700??? Or???? What is something like this worth?

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  Feb. 27, 2010 10:56 p.m. pres589 Reader

  Someone has to say "LSx swap" and I figured I'd be the first one.

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  Feb. 27, 2010 10:59 p.m. dean1484 Dork

  I have the LM4 Jones but all things considered I am wondering if this one is savable.

  Respectfully, Dean

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  Feb. 27, 2010 11:13 p.m. Keith SuperDork

  See if you can find out if the car has an interference engine. That's what matters.

  Square left in 50 caution ocean!

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  Feb. 28, 2010 12:02 a.m. eebasist New Reader

  Unless you plan to do an LS swap, run from the car or buy it to part out.

  It is an interference engine, and when they go the motor is junk. This is not exactly an infrequent issue with these engines unfortunately.

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  Feb. 28, 2010 7:15 a.m. 02Pilot Reader

  Yep, M62 + worn chain guides = boat anchor. Becoming increasingly common as third and fourth owners cheap out on maintenance.

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  Feb. 28, 2010 10:17 a.m. eebasist New Reader

  Yep, and to do the cain guides requires 1000$ worth of BMWtools to keep it all in time when you release the tensioner.

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  Feb. 28, 2010 11:18 a.m. mad_machine SuperDork

  shame.. such nice cars too

  Non-Sequitor Alert!

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  Feb. 28, 2010 12:32 p.m. DILYSI Dave SuperDork

  Perfect LSx candidate.

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  Feb. 28, 2010 1:27 p.m. vazbmw Reader

  perfect ls swap, but also the m60 is getting relatively cheap to replace. A used engine for about $1500 and a rebuild for $3000 to $4000 (which would be about the price to get an LS in there)

  Check ou these guys: www.Bmrparts.com

  I don't know much about them, but the quote reasonable prices

  Used to be Vazx16

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  Feb. 28, 2010 3:02 p.m. stuart in mn SuperDork

  The older e39 540s are getting pretty cheap, it'll probably cost less to find a decent one than it will to fix one with a broken engine.

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  Feb. 28, 2010 3:13 p.m. cwh SuperDork

  Call a BMW dealer, ask what an engine replacement would cost. Show the guy what it will cost, then offer 750.00. Nobody with half a brain will pay what he guessed it is worth.

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  Feb. 28, 2010 4:02 p.m. vazbmw Reader

  Deal price = vital organ + first, second and third born and then you have to use your credit card for the difference (so I assume about $20K, just a guess since the charge a dude - when I was at the parts counter - $3500 to change a water pump and hose on his older M3)

  cwh wrote: Call a BMW dealer, ask what an engine replacement would cost. Show the guy what it will cost, then offer 750.00. Nobody with half a brain will pay what he guessed it is worth.

  Used to be Vazx16

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  Feb. 28, 2010 4:02 p.m. vazbmw Reader

  Deal price = vital organ + first, second and third born and then you have to use your credit card for the difference (so I assume about $20K, just a guess since the charge a dude - when I was at the parts counter - $3500 to change a water pump and hose on his older M3)

  cwh wrote: Call a BMW dealer, ask what an engine replacement would cost. Show the guy what it will cost, then offer 750.00. Nobody with half a brain will pay what he guessed it is worth.

  Used to be Vazx16

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  Feb. 28, 2010 4:09 p.m. vazbmw Reader

  Ya this is true. Around here the are in the $4-5K range

  stuart in mn wrote:

  The older e39 540s are getting pretty cheap, it'll probably cost less to find a decent one than it will to fix one with a broken engine.

  Used to be Vazx16

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  Feb. 28, 2010 4:09 p.m. benzbaron HalfDork

  Sounds like mercedes and my alternator when it died, they wanted 1300$ to change an alternator. I was down in LA from Frisco when it died. I found an alternator shop and got mine rebuilt for 100$. Another 160$ to get it installed and all was good.
  

  For 2700$ you could probably find one that runs, BMW only made tons of them. I really like the 528 that is a damn nice car. I've seen some 740i at the junkyard but most of them were clunkers. Don't know if the engine is the same as the 540, but the 740i are starting to be parted out.

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  Feb. 28, 2010 5:36 p.m. Kendall_Jones Reader

  The 99+ is the M62 TU w/ Vanos on the intake. You need about $500 in gaskets, $400 in parts, & $1K of cam alignment tools to get it back together (and thats assuming the valves are OK). The front of the engine comes apart with a 10mm socket & a couple hours time.

  I have a set of good heads if you're interested :)

  KJ

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