Trust factor with buying from salvage/junk yards
 

I've been looking around for donor parts for a swap for my '96 318Ti. I'm looking for a 96-99 328is. There's not much to choose from on CL. Has anyone had good luck with buying a whole motor and trans from a salvage/junk yard? There seems to be a lot to choose from here: http://car-part.com/ Thanks in advance.:biggrin:

I'd use local wrecking yards if I had to go that way...

Basically I'd do a leakdown on any used motor I was buying.

All you need is a small Co2 bottle, a regulator(with gauges) a hose, "T" a small ball valve and a compression tester. Put the T in the compression tester between the gauge and the hose, put the valve in the unused port on the T hook the hose from the regulator to the valve and youv'e got the stuff to leak the engine down. Do each cylinder at TDC Compression and you should be less than 10% for a tight motor. It can be done with the engine on the ground and a breaker bar to turn the motor over...

Investing in a small CO2 setup is never a loss, you can always use it for a keg later.. or your mig welder... LOL

Dave

Trust factor? NONE!

Good advice, I once drove 100 miles for a fender in the bay area, (used that very same website, insurance companies use it too I found out) They told me it was good. When I got there it was all dented up. Went to a local yard for a hood once, said they had plenty. They did have 10+.. every one was dented or had big holes in it. A specialized recycler should be better, but they are typically too expensive. Guess you gotta know how to deal.

Since you are doing a swap, it's another reason to stay local in case you need more parts. You might look for a running crashed car somehow..