m42 into a 318i

[thejimlab]

Ok guys. I am seriously considering putting an m42 into my 318i. I have done some research, but I haven't found a definitive answer to my questions. First, has anyone here done one? That would be a big help. Do the m10 and m42 use the same tranny? If so, I would need:
complete engine with manifolds etc.
cpu and harness
coil packs
what about:
radiator?
complete exhaust?
motor mounts?
I love my stupid little 318 and I don't want to get rid of it, but god is it slow. I would go with the six cyl swap, but that would mean a different tranny and rear end. My car already has a 4.10lsd diff from a 318is, along with the vented front brakes. I dunno, maybe it's time to get rid of it.

[asubimmer]

the 91' 318i had the m42...you should do it and boost it :twisted:

[thejimlab]

someone must have done this already. Give me some info!

[KenC]

The trannys are different. You will need to fab a bracket for the radiator, airbox, and coils.

[thejimlab]

Tranny's are different? I thought the early and late 318 shared the same tranny? That throws a wrench into the whole thing.

[KenC]

I'm 99% sure they're different. I was planning on doing it myself.

[thejimlab]

I just did a little more research. Looks like our cars use a 240 tranny and the 318is uses a 260. I read it all at stryctlyeta.com. So, if I were to do the swap, I would also need a tranny. Does that mean I would need a drive shaft as well?

[Borat]

Is that your car in your sig?
If it is that looks like a FL car to me so it would have the M40 not the M42, so trannys may be the same.

[asubimmer]

no no no...the m42 has a 240, the m20 has a 260 and a e30m3 has a 265

[Streetspec_iS]

Is that your car in your sig?
If it is that looks like a FL car to me so it would have the M40 not the M42, so trannys may be the same.

it's an early boy, so no, it wouldn't have either of those. m10 biatch.

[thejimlab]

m10 biatch is right! asu...are you sure about that? The m10 318i uses the 240 transmission as well. Which would mean I need stuff from the tranny forward right?

[asubimmer]

yeah I'm sure...someone else can chime in but I am sure that a m42 has the 240

[Erick]

So if not an m42 what would be the most feasible engine swap on an early 318i? I might consider something for the daily in the future since my m10 isnt the healthiest out there.

[arsevader]

Is that your car in your sig?
If it is that looks like a FL car to me so it would have the M40 not the M42, so trannys may be the same.

North America never got the M40 thankfully.

Let's take the slowness of a 4 banger and then add all the unreliable parts of other motors (timing belts etc) and then throw in a dash of cam wear and call it the M40. :)

[Streetspec_iS]

North America never got the M40 thankfully.

Let's take the slowness of a 4 banger and then add all the unreliable parts of other motors (timing belts etc) and then throw in a dash of cam wear and call it the M40. :)

lol, yeah be thankfull. i never found the m40 unreliable, but it is a piece of shit.


m42 early boy would be cool for daily. probly the easiest swap too, considering you wouldnt need to place as much emphasis on brakes and sus like you would if you went m50 or similar.

m10 had a 240, but im pretty sure its not the same 240 as the m42. not sure if it would bolt up, you'd have to ask sum1 who knows or look into it in person