e36 versus e30 intake manifolds

[jaredmac11]

Swapping a '95 M42 in to my E21. I have available to me an e30 intake manifold as well. Visually, I prefer the E30 intake manifold. However, I understand there are some small benefits to the DISA intake of the e36.

My largest concern is getting the e36 intake in to my e21 (brake booster may prohibit a nice fit). The goal is to keep the E36 intake manifold but I want to be prepared to swap to the e30 if necessary.

I have a question regarding the throttle body housing and air boxes for both...

Can I plug the E36 throttle body housing and air box in to the e30 intake manifold? I understand the E36 is MAF starting with the M44 and the E30/early e36 is AFM, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

I read a cool swap to the M44 MAF as well, that would be a good conversion down the road.

[benz-tech]

The M44 MAF will not swap back to an E30 Ecu. IF an E36 M42 MAF sensor runs on a 5v (I believe its a 7v signal like the E30) ref signal its possible to put an M44 MAF sensor on it instead of the the AFM, but its unlikely.

The TPS on the M44 Throttle body will hit the E30 intake manifold and wont work. I think there is a small difference on an earlier E36 M42 TB that might allow it to fit but its not coming to mind ATM
HTH