I have lost compression on three cylinders on my M3 engined E36.
Rather than trying to find the problem and solve it, I'd sooner replace the engine in its entirity.
Does anyone know where would be able to find a spare engine?
Cheers in advance,
astraboy.

 

Quarry motors in Sheffield can be useful:

http://www.quarrybmwspares.co.uk/cars.php

 

is this the car you bought quiet recently?

3 cylinders - sounds like a headgasket failure?

 

yep it is.
its a throw up between headgasket and piston rings, but it matters not. Either way its going to be cheaper to replace than repair.
Andy, thanks for the link, I'll give em a go.
Regards,
astraboy.

 

you migh also want to try FAB, but I do not know details

 

yep yep, FAB were very helpful, if a little on the expensive side.
Ebay is drawing a blank atm though.
Anywhere else?
astraboy.

 

out of curiosity - what is the cost of a replacement (used) engine?

 

Is this a 3.0 or 3.2?

 

If it's just the head gasket how can it be cheaper sourcing and fitting a whole new engine? Surely you could replace the gasket in a day at home without too much grief?

 

that's what i dont get. a new engine even if doing removal/fitting yourself has to cost more than a headgasket. all depends on what caused the failure but rings on 3 cylinders? put some oil in and check compression or do a leakdown test surely?

 

its fitted with the 3 Litre non evo unit.
I've taken it to two garages now, one has said its the head gasket and one said its the cylinders themselves. Both know what their talking about. The problem I have got is if I replace the gasket and its the cylinders then I've spent all that money for nothing
Compression test have been carried out by both garages. I know it seems like I'm going about it the hard way, but when an M3 specialist turns round to you and says "That engines no good mate" then its time to find a new lump.
I'm not giving up on it. I have already got a custom built diff on it and a genuine M3 exhaust now (it was running a cut and shut 325 item before) and it flew through the last MOT with no problems at all. Its a good car, I just need to bite the bullet and get a working engine in then it will last me for years.
Cheers for all the advice,
astraboy.

 

good luck

what's it gonna cost you for the engine and work?

 

How can they both know what they are talking about if they disagree on the problem?

 

Cos one spends his winters buying 2k in parts and churning out 400bhp Cosworth engines and the other learnt his trade with BMW and the M3 engine!
This is the problem i'm having, so its going for a leakdown test next tuesday.
astraboy.