m42 quick question

[dougie30]

Can the m42 engine just bolt into my e30 that has a 325e?

i was wondering because i either want to get an i motor or a m42.
i would love the lighter m42 but i dont know about the lack of hp? and the m42 does also get better gas than the 325i, so as you can see im not exactly sure.
which would you guys recommend? i want to see some facts :D

[Threehz]

I believe the 325e & are both heavier than the 318i or is and not just because of engine. So putting an M42 into a 325e body would probably not give you a lot of power.

[dougie30]

I believe the 325e & are both heavier than the 318i or is and not just because of engine. So putting an M42 into a 325e body would probably not give you a lot of power.

ohhh i meant just the engine weight, not the whole car lol

[AndrewBird]

Yes, it will bolt in. The front crossmember is the same in all e30's. Depending on what transmission you use, you might need a different driveshaft.

[Ryann]

I'd recommend selling your eta and picking up a good used m42 car if you want to go 16v.

[dougie30]

Yes, it will bolt in. The front crossmember is the same in all e30's. Depending on what transmission you use, you might need a different driveshaft.

yea i know i would have to get a 240 trans but what type of drive shaft would i need? and why?

[mr ilia]

You will likely have to swap diff for something w/shorter ratio.
So, I would think you will need m42, g240 and driveshaft out of m42 car.

I love m42 for its "top end" character. It really gets fun from 4000 rpm +.

[xwill112x]

Just do a m50. Or back stock E engine.

[VANOS714]

Dont do it, just sell it and get yourself a 318is.

[gearheadE30]

If you're going to go to all the trouble to swap an engine, may as well go for an M50+. It's not that much more work, and the results are much more satisfying.

[TimKninja]

The M42 is alot more fun then the B27 IMO. Ive had both. Plus im managing tp get like 27 MPG out of the M42. I never got that with the ETA.

Ive also had an m50 e30. That was after i ripped the stupid m20b27 out .

Lets just say I havnt ripped the m42 out of my car quite yet.