Using a M44 lower timing case cover on a M42

[G-Man]

Decided to go with a M44 lower timing case upgrade on my 91 E30 318i sedan. Bought a complete M44 used motor for $150 that has bad compression. The motor was bought basically for the M44 lower timing case which is in good condition. Understand that the E36 M42 lower timing case from mid 93 is a better upgrade due to the mount for the crank angle sensor. Those of you who have used the M44 lower timing case cover, what was the fix for using the crank angle sensor?

[jsnppp]

I believe there is a vendor that sells a kit for the sensor to mount on the M44. I don't know which one b/c I haven't gone there yet. When I rebuild the next M42 I'll probably go the same route you are.

Sorry not much more help, but I do feel it's out there.

[bmwman91]

Metric Mechanic should be able to sell you the adapter. I am running an M44 timing case on my 2.1L M42, built by that company.

You can also use the M44 oil filter housing. I like it a bit better than the M42 one, personally.

[AmosCake]

Are the timing chain sprockets different between M42 and M44? Shows different part numbers but they don't look at all different. 11361247951 M44 and 11311721887 for M42

[uturn]

The M42 has a pin for the cam position pickup. M44 did away with the pin and uses a plate attached to the front.

[G-Man]

I did end up ordering the mount from Metric Mechanic for the crank angle sensor. It's pricy ($200) but it's an essential part that's needed when converting to the M44 timing case cover.

[jsnppp]

Definitely a buy once cry once scenario. I'll go the same route at some point.

[TobyB]

...because late M42 parts are getting hard to find?

t

[etreintais]

Hi!
I bought this part for my m42 with m44 case.

https://www.aamannracing.eu/et/a/bmw-m42-44-vantvolli-asendianduri-kronstein

Regards,

Jon

[jsnppp]

My goodness what a pretty motor!