I have the ecu, all wiring, ews, etc from the E39. That seems like the easiest, cheapest, and most reliable way right now.
What spare are you asking about?
someone said:
School me on locking down the vanos please.
The VANOS will develop a rattle...more annoying than potentially fatal. Most street cars will want to address this.
BUT...there are a couple of issues which are potentially fatal to the engine
1. Exhaust hub tabs break - a Besian oil pump disk may help
2. Cam bolts strip and back out - replace with updated OE bolts
3. OEM belt tensioner breaks - replace with OE part
4. High pressure oil line to VANOS fails - replace with Bimmerworld line
You can check #1 and #3 when you do a valve adjustment. #2 requires you to remove the VANOS.
The exhaust hub failure seems to be very hit and miss.
http://www.beisansystems.com/