[edbbmw]

E91 318 from 2007, ~190k km on the engine - drove without issues but didn’t start next day. Cranks fine by the sound of it but no ignition. Took it to a shop who tried a new fuel pump but that did not help.
They then opened up the head and found a broken rocker arm.
They suggest a new rocker arm and replace the timing chain (might have stretched they said?) and redo timing but say they’re still fairly uncertain if that would be the end of it (guesstimated 65% chance of success they said).
Given that this would already cost 2-2.5k (eur) and the residual value of the car is not that high (prob <8k when fixed) I wanted to get some additional opinions on this before giving them the go-ahead.

Any strong ideas/suggestions?

[edbbmw]

Had another call with the shop.. said they got the engine running 'but not smoothly/properly'.. said they would need to open up the block and that it would be at least 3k eur and potentially more (5k+?) if the whole engine needs replacing.
At that stage I'm fairly certain the costs are not worth it for the residual value of the car. Which is sad because it's such a nice car otherwise and I was hoping to enjoy it for another 50k km at least.

Seeing what some salvage companies will bid for this now (what do you guys think is fair? nice cognac leather interior with the sport seats in good state, sport bumpers, oem hifi upgrade) and if its anywhere north of 3k I'm probably selling with a heavy heart.
I don't have the space/time to open up / replace the block myself but I'll probably try to store it al my old mans place and work on it later if the highest bid is too low.

Any idea on what a non-running 318 like this would be worth?

[StradaRedlands]

It looks beautiful in that photo! If the mileage is low, maybe could justify an engine swap?

[edbbmw]

Yea I'm definitely considering that. I've done a transmission replacement in the driveway before but engine swap is next level.. and if I get a shop to do it then between the engine costs and labour costs I doubt it's worth it compared to just buying another vehicle.
But putting the costs and time/skill requirements aside for a minute.. what engines would qualify? I've seen many mentioned in different threads but I'm having a hard time listing which ones would qualify as an 'easy' swap (let's say only marginally more difficult than replacing with an identical engine block).
Any out of N52/53/54 would be doable with some patience? The old engine was definitely a bit sluggish so it would be a nice opportunity to switch to something more powerful.. but I'm just wondering if I'd be biting off more than I can chew..