Newer M42 swap question

[Beemerdan]

I am looking for an engine for my 1991 318i. I found an M42 out of a 1994 318i, just wondering if that will drop right in? I thought they changed at least the intake manifold, will that fit in? and are there any other things I would have to do to it to make it fit?

Thanks!

[///digitalme]

Oil pan, and the manifold and the rest of the intake need to he changed from an e30 m42

[Beemerdan]

The rest of the engine is exactly the same then?

[bmwm42]

And harness

[Dj Buttchug]

e36 engine is a 1.9 as opposed to a e30 m42 which is 1.8. without going into detail other than whats been stated above it is pretty much the same

[Beemerdan]

The 1.9 was the m44, which was put in BMW starting in 1996. The 1994 still had the 1.8 m42.

[JC-E30]

Hey guys, is there any logical advantage to putting an M44 into an E30? I'm looking at an E30 in the next week or so... strangest thing, is that it was apparently a 325is, but the previous owner put an E36 318is motor in it... I can't figure out why you would put a smaller less powerful engine in??

If it's all in good condition then it doesn't bother me, as down the track I plan on doing an engine conversion anyway...

[djmossm42]

I've been wondering the same thing, this site has lots of details

Would the extra displacement equate to more power potential over the M42 if you decided to go with forced induction?

[irish44j]

Hey guys, is there any logical advantage to putting an M44 into an E30? I'm looking at an E30 in the next week or so... strangest thing, is that it was apparently a 325is, but the previous owner put an E36 318is motor in it... I can't figure out why you would put a smaller less powerful engine in??

If it's all in good condition then it doesn't bother me, as down the track I plan on doing an engine conversion anyway...

because some people prefer a lighter engine for better weight distribution, which improves handling.

People who are looking for a "powerful" car should probably looks someplace other than an e30, regardless of engine.

[JC-E30]

because some people prefer a lighter engine for better weight distribution, which improves handling.

People who are looking for a "powerful" car should probably looks someplace other than an e30, regardless of engine.

Well that is one thing I did think of. Just seemed strange to do it to a 325is. Unless something happened to the engine so he thought he would do it.

It has chrome wheels on it, and seats from a Mazda Rx8.. but it looks clean as. Ditch the wheels immediately, and enjoy a light weight handling beast.

I used to own a 325i about 8 years ago, handled a treat. So will be interesting to see how this handles.

[gearheadE30]

Not really, because the later heads were designed for more torque and don't handle high revs quite as well. The displacement difference is incredibly minor. The one upside of an e36 M42 or M44 is that they have knock sensors, but the e30 intake and head are typically regarded as being better for performance.

I've been wondering the same thing, this site has lots of details

Would the extra displacement equate to more power potential over the M42 if you decided to go with forced induction?