I think whatever increases the longevity and life of the m3 platform. I imagine m3 engines are way harder to support and sustain than k series sapped e30s
The 325i had the m20b25 which is a 2.5 inline six and can reach over 450 when turbocharged and they are very commonly stroked to more liters. If you don’t want to do that then m50/m52 swap it and turbo it.
The K series makes so much more sense. The engine is cheaper to buy and build, aftermarket support is way larger . Parts and maintenance cost over the years is better as well . If you ever owned a BMW you would know that the price tag that gets associated with those 3 letters is never reasonable.
People can do what they like, I believe in that. I also think it's a bit crazy to yank the s14, because with some work, a base chassis can be upped to perform like an m3. THAT makes more sense than pulling a legends heart out. That being said, the shop I work in was commissioned to swap an s85 into a legit m3. Portions of the frame HAD to be chop and removed to accommodate, aaaaaaand it now has manual brakes; no room for a booster (customer didn't want to remote boost 🤔). Some people just don't care about "rules" and will do things just to rustle someone's Jimmy's. 😂 In that rebel spirit, I support it. But still hurts to see a thing that is regarded so highly be altered so much when the better option is right there; swap the base model! 😅
I think it's one of the only reasonable swaps, as the S14 is a 2L-2.5L high revving 4 cylinder. The k series is a 2L-2.5L high revving 4 cylinder platform. It would sound worse, but it would be a better driving experience outside of the high rpms. But overall it is a LOT cheaper than an S14, and it still preserves the nature of the E30 M3.
The m42 serves up a decent experience, too. But those are getting harder to find and it badge swap doesn't bother one, the K is better bang for the buck and wayyyyy more plentiful and powerful.
It's way to expensive for the kit. But totally worth it. Adding it up you'll make about the same power from a K24 as you would with an s52/50 swap. And honestly cost the same all said and done
A k swap makes a lot more sense for people who want the performance in their day to day e30. for example I have a 325e which isn't even post facelift, so nobody really cares what I do with it, (not that it would hinder me if people did), but I don't feel bad doing dumb shit should it ever come to that
As of 2023, bmw has one of the most reliable i6 engines on the market, and people are still recommending garbage foreign bullshit to be put in their most prized cars.
Why would you buy another car than a E30? Espacially if you want more power? I dont get it. I put a S54b32 in mine put the top suspension out there and its as much fun as any 200 000$ Porsche ive driven..
