BMW E36 M3 S52 Engine Teardown! THIS? You Parked Your Car In the Weeds For Years Over This?

100K Subs!? HOW? Since you guys are AWESOME!, You can expect multiple videos this week!
Want to see a particular engine torn down? I may have already done one! I've made over 50 other teardowns from Cummins to an LS7, and from Rotary to Ram Ecodiesels. Check them out here • Blown Up Engine Tear D...
My name is Eric and I own and run a full service auto salvage business called Importapart located in the Saint Louis MO area. Part of our model is dismantling and selling parts from rare and niche market engines. If you're interested in buying parts from this engine or the other engines I've torn down, email us at [e-mail].
In this video, I tear down a BMW S52B32 Engine from a 1998 BMW M3 Coupe. This has 178k and was pulled from a car I bought at the auction with the hopes it could be saved. However, once the car came in I quickly deemed it a parts car as not only did the engine have issues, it had electrical issues and TONS of rust, because the previous owner let it sit in the weeds and rot. A real shame.
As always I like all of the comments, feedback and even the criticism.
Catch you on the next one!
-Eric

[@tmilton92]

You don’t know how you got to 100k subs, I don’t know why you’re not at 1 million. You’re a natural entertainer with expertise and a love for what you do. Congratulations, I’ll continue watching your content; and rising subscribers.

[@ghostrider-be9ek]

exactly - no music, good relevant commentary, good speed up of certain tasks, good edits, etc.

[@YaBoiPoopStink]

fax

[@ianriggs]

I couldn't agree more

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Agreed. His content is so good I wish he was at that level already. (:

[@randywilliams4325]

Even though I have been working as a professional auto tech for 40 years I watch these tear downs every Saturday night . Congrats on the 100k subs.

[@rickdeckard6280]

.

[@mybigfartsreallystin]

Congratulations... ...on 100 likes...

[@WarriorsPhoto]

There's something about watching someone else tear an engine apart. The sounds and cracking of bolts is always a joy to me. (:

[@gtpanoz]

I got a laugh when that Dinan throttle body was the very first thing taken off and promptly disappeared from sight.😄 Congrats on hitting 100K!!!

[@stephenshort839]

I'm VERY IMPRESSED at the knowledge that you have of the different makes and models that you work on. 👀🤠👍

[@samholdsworth420]

Damn bots...

[@senior_ranger]

No engine has to overheat --- people overheat them. If you get a temp warning, STOP. Getting on the hook is a cheap alternative. But, I'm preaching to the choir here! Congrats --- nice to be successful when you're having fun!

[@inoahmann7542]

As a fleet mechanic, I can confirm that's a big problem in fleets. Since the driver doesn't own the car, they just keep driving until it stops.

[@Cynsham]

Congrats on 100k!!!!! Deserved man, I watch all your engine teardowns

[@xXxDETZxXx]

About time you hit 100k! Feel like you should be at 500k by now. Great content, keep it up!

[@gmlover82]

100k well deserved. Love the content and all the humor. Keep it up!

[@Sungak_A]

That look on your face when you said the gasket problem was fixed - I'm promptly laughing so hard because I know that 'problem fixed' all too well in the software spaces, gaming and otherwise. 🙂So relatable; goes a long way toward why the channel has grown.

[@fitfogey]

You hit 100K subscribers because we tune in every single Saturday night bud!

[@shellya1461]

This channel is like watching a car wreck each week....I can't look away. 😳 And congrats on the 100k. Glad to be part of it for ya!

[@peanutbutterpadre1519]

I want an e36 so bad, I love how excellent they drive and feel but then I see you talking about a common failure on bmws at every single step and remember I just need to love them from a far.

[@h4x724]

This. I used to be a tech at an indy euro shop and 70-80% of our business was bmw's for "common problems" that cost big $$. Like most euro stuff they are great to own *if* you can work on them yourself, can afford to turn them before the warranty runs out or just stick to a 2yr lease.

[@jfan4reva]

@@h4x724 "Anyone can afford to buy a BMW. Not everyone can afford to maintain one." Unless you own an import auto salvage business. Lol!

[@pubbiehive]

If you find one that's been taken of, it's not going to be that much of a problem. People like talking about "omg euro cars so expensive!!! always break!!!" but that usually happens when people that probably shouldn't be trusted with anything other than a 500 dollar beater buy them, drive them into the ground and don't maintain them properly.

[@peanutbutterpadre1519]

@@pubbiehive ive owned one that's been taken care of *ITS STILL THAT MUCH OF A PROBLEM!* & these are only the problems with the engine! regular plastic parts and electronics fail on the e36 just as frequently

[@pubbiehive]

@@peanutbutterpadre1519 E36 is not the most stable generation of 3 series, that's true. They are pretty uncommon on the roads nowadays. Sort of like the 90s Mercedes C-class, they weren't that solid, lots of rust. Engines were better on the Merc though. I was originally speaking about euro cars in general though, I mean look at the Mercedes W124 for example, built like a fucking tank.

[@wayne-oo]

Congratulations on 100K !!

[@stephenvale2624]

I have gotten to the point where I get a bowl of popcorn and a soda every time you rip one of these blown up engines down to it's component pieces. Very relaxing. Almost a meditation...until the youtube commercials.

[@davidlambert6171]

Congrats on the 100k! This channel is a Car Forensic or Autopsy. Always a thrill to know what cause an engine to grenade, especially bullet proof ones!

[@troy3052]

You deserve all 100k subscribers, please don't change anything about your channel

[@pashonic]

I love the mystery aspect of your videos and learning about different engines. That what sells ur channel for me.

[@calvinbarhitte2661]

Who else remembered when he had 17 k. Only like a month ago. This is an awesome channel keep up the good work and effort.

[@EstorilE36M345]

You’re at 100k because you have an easy presence on the camera, you’re smart, and you get right down to business without a bunch of gimmicks or annoying music. I look forward to each of your videos, especially the ones with crazy carnage or your own vehicles.

[@thomaszdanowicz1643]

Congratulations on getting the 100K mark!! I guess people like watching your engine tear down videos! The engines that you tear down are cool car engines!

[@alfonsoortizavila4373]

12:36 the thermostat was installed in the wrong possition ...

[@tommink2577]

Ah the good old S52, near and dear to my heart. I owned a couple of E36 M3s back when they were still fairly new cars. Congratulations on 100k, you deserve it!

[@mikevallier5723]

How different is this from an S54 to tear down? I'm also more curious about the VANOS system and the mystery/cost around servicing it. If you do another tear down on a BMW motor with VANOS, could you elaborate more on common VANOS failures and things to look for? Also, congrats on 100K subs! It shows you're having fun doing these, and it's contagious :)

[@markmcgrath9098]

I can add a title detail to the vanos story as I refreshed the vanos seals on my 95 525i with the M50 motor. The VANOS unit on these engines is an oil pressure driven sprocket that adjusts the inlet cam’s timing. If you look back at part where the vanos unit is removed you’ll see there’s the sprocket on the vanos slides in between an outside set of teeth from cam wheel and an inner set of teeth from the camshaft. There’s a solenoid that opens a valve to allow oil pressure into the vanos unit and it forces a large piston backwards, withdrawing the vanos sprocket from between the cam wheel and camshaft. As it does this the position of the camshaft relative to the cam wheel is changed et voila the inlet timing changes. The main problem with vanos is that bmw accountants cheaped out on the seal around the oil pressure driven piston. This hardens and shrinks a little allowing oil pressure to push past the piston and creates a characteristic rattling under certain load conditions. Iirc, in March 95 bmw installed the diaphragm spring between the cam wheel and vanos unit. This helps reduce the rattle too. My car bring Jan 95 just missed out. You’ll see these as two thick discs sandwiching a thin dished disc - the spring. I learned all this from the Beisan Systems website and I bought a replacement vanos seal and some tools from them. I’m not affiliated, I actually live in Australia, just a happy customer.

[@capt.graybeard]

Congrats on the 100k! You did it because you deserve it, you're honest you're funny and you have a great channel keep up the good work!

[@chuckdude4376]

I think I started watching when you had something like 9000 followers. Congrats on hitting 100K.

[@Yankee7000]

I am one of the first subscribers. Glad that 100 k have showed up. Onwards and upwards !

[@SamSwanner]

Congrats on 100k. I came for engine carnage and stayed for the humor...and more engine carnage.

[@andrewkessinger5966]

Congrats on 100k! It would be cool to see a tear down on a 2 stroke Detroit Diesel. They’re very strange engines to dive into if you aren’t familiar with them.

[@michaellorenz7177]

He might come across a Series 60 first. And even that engine seems like it was from a lifetime ago, now.

[@RyanBowie1]

Wow! Congrats on 100k!!! Much, much deserved!

[@Pmpautogroup]

Congrats on 100K Eric... Its much deserved.

[@ElectronikHeart]

The head is a good candidate for metal stitching ! Don't think anybody would want to buy that, but it can be a good learning tool.

[@foamyserver]

Yeah, because the head wont see any heat or pressure 🤣

[@ElectronikHeart]

@@foamyserver are you impliying metal stitching can't handle the pressure ? Cause you know, it's been employed on steam engines and diesel. And they sure works by magic and absolutely no pressure at all.

[@foamyserver]

@@ElectronikHeart no I am straight up saying that it wouldn't work.

[@ElectronikHeart]

@@foamyserver well you might reconsider, I've seen a cylinder wall repaired that way. And a couple of cylinder heads. It's surprinsing what you can do with a couple of screws. You know, your cylinder heads are in fact screwed in place too... And they are subject to a lot more stress than the single little area where the head cracked. We can do blind cylinders without a cylinder head, and it might look stronger. If it was the norm you would also laugh at the kind of metal sandwich we use nowadays.

[@foamyserver]

@@ElectronikHeart durability isn't the issue, it would compromise compression there.

[@artbk]

Congrats on 100k! This is amazing content and every week is another surprise!

[@powerman1955]

You've earned those subscribers, you should be very proud of that fact. You provide valuable entertainment and information. You've done well Eric, stay the course.

[@kevintucker1491]

As a tool and die repair tool maker apprentice. I work in marine engine die casting but still interesting to see how the engines go together and trying to think of ways I would resurface cams and cranks and the machining side of the engines makes your videos some of the best tear downs I've seen. Keep going love the channel!!

[@thevalorousdong7675]

Me and my dad love watching your vids and love your humor, he's been a mechanic for 45 years haha

[@PresidentSkroob12345]

I have to say that watching your videos and paying attention to tools and techniques has given me the confidence to tackle bigger jobs on my own cars. Thanks, and congrats on 100k.

[@norcal715]

You deserve 1 million subs. Keep up the good work!

[@b1g_ben-473]

Another good vid I’ve taken apart a few engines and this channel is so diverse as far as the engines go it pretty much like a Haynes manual with character👍👍👍keep it up……… ohhh yea still waiting on that 3.6l pentastar 👊

[@ronald6138]

Way TO go on 100K as for a tear Down I would Love to see a Contentional aircraft engine . i know its not a car engine But i would Love to see one apart .

[@secondthought2320]

Congratulations. Been watching since the beginning. Yes, I one of the guys that like seeing parts fly off an engine.

[@alexr.9623]

I like to have random vids playing in the background while I work. Cars, home and yard DIYs, product testing, etc., it's just nice to have something on. I stumbled on your channel and have watched tons of your tear downs, I wish I hadn't. No offense, but I end up watching intently instead of working. If I could put in a request; please keep doing BMW engines, I've owned quite a few and currently own 3. Not sure if it makes me an enthusiast or glutton for punishment, but I love those damn things. Congrats on the 100k subs (now 160k).

[@igotaction]

Bro congrats on the 100K!!!! I love the Euro tear downs, who do you report stealing your own parts to?

[@I_Do_Cars]

To me of course.

[@johnmoore8599]

Congrats! The throttle body skit was priceless! Looks like the storm didn't slow you down!

[@brendanbarker2095]

can't stop watching your vids, luv your advise, check your oil!

[@matthewthomas346]

I appreciate the humor regarding the oil filter housing gasket. I had to do that on my E39. While I loved that car, I just didn’t have the time to keep working on it.

[@blown572hemi]

Why 100k subscribers? You're the guy everyone knew in high school and the content is good. Keep going because I'm throughly entertained. P.S. at least BMW didn't put the starter indy lifter valley

[@matthewberwald1691]

As someone that currently owns an M52, this was very, very enjoyable to watch 👌

[@ajl0426]

You could buy the cams, but low ball him. LOL

[@richardwarfield7386]

Congrats on the 100K

[@allenbeaulieu7077]

Great job buddy. Glad you did well on the engine. Congrats on 100K. Big Al

[@scottbarron1427]

Congrats on 100K subs. One of my favorite channels on KZbin.

[@fritzfedke8079]

as a fellow st. lou boy....congrats on the subs ....i am not even close to being a motor-head, but these videos are friggin awesome to watch...good on ya...

[@davidfleishman2275]

It looks like the thermostat was in backwards?Maybe the overheat issue?

[@DDE_ADDICT]

congrats on the 100k. your humor is what it is al about

[@RJon2006]

Well deserved on the 100k. Keep up the videos!

[@leeengel5691]

I love your sense of humor and mechanical explanations of what went wrong with the engine and why. Lee.

[@leosthrivwithautism]

Congrats on the 100k

[@SpankMyFace]

This dude's channel is growing nearly as fast as channels like 'Stuff Made Here'! Well done, my guy!

[@Richard-ft7ot]

Congratulations on 100k subscribers, my fav KZbin channel..... keep em coming!

[@johnjunge6989]

When everything was still cast iron, we use to fix cracks like that. Even fixed cracked blocks that were in places that were accessible.

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I've now marathon watched about 30 of these videos, and finally commenting! Love your sarcasm!! Better than any Gen Y/Millennial I've ever seen. 😂 I'm a Retired Auto Tech and Shop Manager. I was where you are. The Civic Piston that basically CRUMBLED was truly amazing. Yup, little old Lady drove that! 😋 My Engine work was about 99% Domestic. (different times) the only Japanese Engine I ever rebuilt was a VG30ET (THINK that's right) in my 300ZX turbo. I WISH we had today's Tuning tech back when.

[@I_Do_Cars]

I feel like that’s a lot of time 😂

[@EminenceFrontX5]

Thank you for the info on the secondary air pump on bmws. RockOn Sir!

[@markday5797]

CONGRATULATIONS on the 100K subs.

[@johnreid859]

What I like about your tear downs is your frank honest assessment of the condition of the engine. Also the reuse ability assessment of the parts. If I needed a used part and your company had it, I’d buy it from you. Thanks again for the videos.

[@509brown]

Eric, to answer your question for my sub, I find your videos informative and entertaining. You take care to explain what you're doing, adding just a bit of dry humor. What also is woven in your videos is your honesty.

[@UTarcher72]

I enjoy your autopsies doctor. Excellent assessment.

[@twisted2291]

When it comes to cars. People with the best of intentions are the one who lets the car rot away in the yard. I have heard "Oh. I'm going to fix it this summer" so many times. Then life happens and the car never gets fixed.

[@richardflagg3084]

Eric's a BMW guy through and through. It really shows on this tear down. Everything was taken off with a little extra TLC. Congrats on 100K!!

[@RogerVHaney]

Love your videos, makes my Saturday nights. Thanks.

[@ianperkins8812]

Here's to 100,000 more. Always enjoyable.

[@hyper8545]

The engine spaghetti always scares me 😳🤙

[@rabidbigdog]

I hadn't realised how significant a redesign the S54 is.

[@samholdsworth420]

Grats on 100k

[@RANDOMNATION907]

It was overheating and the owner put a new water pump on it. That didn't fix it so they had it diagnosed. Cracked head was discovered and they took the water pump back off, washed it up, and tried to return it. ✨Congrats on 100K !!!✨ I would LOVE to see an Olds Diesel V8 torn down. The abomination that ruined diesels in America. It's automotive history.

[@DavidGragg82]

Congrats on the 100k subs! Definitely deserved!

[@jimmyjam8795]

In the uk, when I worked for a BMW dealer these engines were great up to 60,000 miles but after that they definitely started to feel their age.

[@therealdojj]

Nice video, even though you dropped a few things 🤣 But I think that's what we all like, real life struggles of working on things rather than the polished stuff you see on the telly 👍

[@4LowRocks]

Congrats on the 100K! On that engine - as the old saying goes, when your Beemer breaks Bring More Wallet!

[@Andrew4181975]

There is nothing better than an 80s-90s generation of BMW Inline Six engine. I want to buy one maybe a little bit older like just an M50(metal valve cover) to keep on an engine stand for decoration in my garage or maybe I should just rebuild a used S54.

[@justinperkins2655]

Was the thermostat installed backwards? When you removed the housing pretty sure it was reversed in the housing.

[@localcrew]

People love watching tear-down videos. Congratulations on 100K subscribers! I’m still working on 100. Not 100K. Literally 100. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@buckstarchaser2376]

That's a very pretty engine. I like a lot of the design choices that were made, like those cam oil tub thingies, and leak-reducing covers on them.

[@ButterNutter37]

Congrats on 100k! You have an incredible channel doing something I didn't realize I love watching! Cheers to you, here's to the next milestone!

[@kylegroote4515]

I don’t comment on videos very often or at all but I do really enjoy these videos! I agree with everyone that the 100k subs is very well deserved! The entertainment value is equal to the knowledge value which I think is the best part!

[@nzrpgnerd4454]

You got the 100k subs because of you and the awesome work you do which we love to watch. Big thanks man.

[@FrankySilverFace]

Congrats on your 1st 100k. You've obviously found the recipe for success!

[@Eddiecurrent2000]

I love the giggle after the flames! Who doesn't find fire at the intake funny? 😆

[@davidb.fishburn9338]

Congrats on getting 100K! A door trim clip tool works well in taking rubber lines/hoses off. The one that looks like a slot cut into the tip of a screwdriver.

[@johnjunge6989]

When I was foreman for this company, people would call for advise. I had one guy who pestered the heck out of me. One day he called asking if he had an issue. Smoke came out of the wiring harness (did not disconnect battery), so I asked him if the Smoke was Black or Blue? Told him it made a difference in how bad he may have Goofed it up! 😅😅😊😊 Gota have fun too!!

[@nicklauher9323]

"Somehow... I hit the hundred k subs mark... not sure how" Haha! Congrats to you, humble sir. Now I know I like you - subscribed!

[@grippgoat]

You're at 100k subs, because you're educational AND entertaining. 👍

[@JonOlaivar]

I'm surprised you didn't comment on the thermostat facing the wrong direction- I wouldn't be surprised if that was the cause of it overheating in the first place. I recently got an e36m3 and after a few days of driving, I found out that the (aftermarket replacement) thermostat wasn't opening at all (at 100c, the max I can test, anyway). Somehow it never got over 230f while driving, before that discovery. I hope the head is okay.

[@johncoss5604]

Great show not surprised you hit 100k mark.

[@yugo4576]

Great video! Few points about S52: I belong to Jason Camissa camp where he argues that S52 is better engine in many ways than its european counter part with ITB's, higher redline etc... It also brings me to a point about S50/m50 manifold "upgrade" which I would argue that is not such a big upgrade in the sense that it does not produce noticeable change if you do it on its own. There is really good article online where they dyno before and after and unless you really open the checkbook, manifold swap on its own is mainly "but dyno" upgrade. Unless you are building the dedicated track car, stock S52 with stock manifold is plenty of fun, particulary because the smaller runners are designed for mid range torque where you spend majority of time. Let's remember that while Euro S52 produces 80 more HP, majority of it is in upper range and torque is slightly better than US S52. I have installed in my E39 M52 528ia along with 5 speed manual and it is truly a "Junior M5". While it is lacking torque/HP of 540/M5, it has considerable lesser curb weight and rack&pinion steering.

[@_BAD_MERC_]

I love this channel!!!! This guy has the best personality and demeanor. Just a great source of entertainment and vast knowledge.

[@kiiiisu]

oh wow didnt even notice, gratz on 100k!!

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Wow, paying too much for a car when it's new as well as when it's junk. What a concept.

[@tcoiler]

Cogratulations on 100K subscribers. No surprise. Your channel is great! Oh, "that's what she said". You're welcome. 😀

[@Jamk14]

100k congrats. To 1 million we go

[@daytrypper]

Hahahaha! I'll take humour wherever I can find it these days, and that Dynan TB snatch was perfect :D Yeah, I know, it's just a left-pocket/right-pocket thing, but still, loved it :D

[@LonghornRailfan]

I had a '83 'BMW 320i. Bought it used from a BMW shop owner. Great runner! Regret having sold it. I was trying to save money to buy my friend's BMW 2002. Unfortunately, he sold it to someone else before I got my money together. Next BMW I was able to buy was a new 1997 528i. Great car, had it for 10 years. Congrats on 100K subscribers! I have seen all your videos!