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Originally Posted by Westersund
The cost of the pistons and rods are similar in both builds, but the availability of M50 blocks are so vast the cost is basically meaningless. If you want a S54 block on the other hand you more than likely will have to buy a complete engine or a block from BMW, neither are cheap.
Depends, if you're comparing a 700 hp M50 to a 1000 hp S54? If that's the case the M50 will probably have better response. Overall the S54 is a better engine, in all regards except thinner cylinder walls. But if it's a sound block from the get go that won't be a problem.
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1000 hp to 1000 hp. The S54 block can't reliably handle those power levels without additional prep work. Sure there are running examples that have done it once on a dyno, but any engine that is raced will have had additional work done. Block availability may have something to do with it, but I think it's about the overall package and cost to get there, including tuning and complexity. The M50 block can take a lot more abuse than the stock S54 block. The S54 was a superior engine when it left the factory, but that doesn't mean it's the most ideal for extreme power levels when budget is factored in.
I'm not suggesting a move to the M50 block in an E46 M3 or Z4M... only that the M50 block has found a following, and in many cases has proven to be a more cost effective option than the S54... particularly if the car didn't come standard with an S54 and a whole engine/harness transplant are needed.