Leaderboard

Sorry but I have to disagree with that. Yes M52B28 has more torque, both are rated to nearly the same hp from factory. Same block casting. Same bore. M50B25NV has a smaller combustion chamber and larger lift/longer duration cams. If you've seen the prices people ask for a good, running M52B28 ($500 - $900 usually), then a couple of chips at say $150 each is cheaper and easier.... and no need for a cert (which technically is required for the swap), which saves another $450 - $500. And you also don't need to change engine looms, DME, EWS etc etc etc, saving a lot of time and labour. Chipping is cheaper. Do you get the same gains as the swap? No, no arguments there. But it ain't so easy just to dump another motor in there unfortunately.

After owing Audi and VW for a long time I'm back to BMW. Absolutely loving my 2007 130i m sport. She's all standard (rather keep it that way unless theres a must do recommendation?). Looking for maintenance tips as I'm planning on changing diff, transmission, engine oil myself. Will only add best/recommended oils so currently researching what to get. Also need to restore the headlights. Cheers

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a.aspx?id=1468423347 Looking for $80K!! One of 2 NZ New E61 M5s.... 54KMs late model I drive fitted by BMW $5000 carbon fibre intake system imported from the UK ( original still with car) built in laser radar detector

Im not convinced that 'NZ new' = $30k more than UK import, but good luck to him.

No argument there, the two are different animals to drive and yes I will always pick an M52B28 over any M5X25 or M50BX motor. However, bang for buck for the original question, swapping motors ain't worth the cash it will cost to have similar rated hp from factory but just more torque. To do it legally, you're talking $1k or more. Money is better spent elsewhere to pick up basic performance. For example, swapping the stock exhaust manifolds to M52B28 exhaust manifolds will see a small increase in torque, due to their design. A decent chip will give more top end. There's more that can be done to the intake and exhaust side of things to pick a little up here and little up there and so on, again dependant on the budget. If the OP wants ultimate performance and has no budget for motor, driveline, cert etc, then yes, go for a motor swap, drop an S52 or better in there. All comes down to what is wanted in the end and what will fit in someone's budget.

Very well said and helpful

Not with what I have on me. I’m catching the train home as I haven’t had dinner yet. I’ll get some proper tools and parts and tackle it over the weekend

As long as you send it somewhere good for an inspection they shouldn't miss anything. BM Workshop, or since you're on the Shore Bellars are also excellent. Check the usual - see how it sounds and drives. Get maintenance history if possible. It has some good options there, comfort access, active steering, bluetooth - all great stuff to have. Highly recommend a mechanical warranty. Autosure have saved me thousands on mine. Oh and that's an E91. The E92 is the coupe

Thanks for the tips. Planning on doing this for the headlights or buying a restoration kit: