318i M40 TO 318is M42 SWAP

[black bmw 318]

hey guys just wondering what would need to be swapped?
would this be an easy drop in?
i was hoping it would just match up to same gearbox and engine mounts etc...

[Streetspec_iS]

not sure on the box.

the m40 uses solid mounts, wheras the m42 has hydraulic, so you will need them. apparently the m40 ones fit, but the motor will sit lower.

other than that, get the full ecu and loom and you should be set. most of these guys prob wont be much help cos they never got the m40 in the states.

[fabianyee]

you can say it's a direct swap as far as gearbox and mounting is concern..

I'm using M40 engine mounting... no problem....

[Streetspec_iS]

fabian, does the motor sit lower on the m40 mounts? cos the mounts look physically shorter i am told.

[kylebes1]

what is the difference between an m42 and m40?

[Streetspec_iS]

main diff is twin cam head and chain drive on m42. block is similar, but not the same.

[kylebes1]

m40 belt SOHC?

[Streetspec_iS]

you got it.

[kylebes1]

A+

[fabianyee]

fabian, does the motor sit lower on the m40 mounts? cos the mounts look physically shorter i am told.

The engine block is the same so the mounting points are the same... Since the M42 is from an E36 318ti, I have to used back the mounting 'legs' (or watever you call those) on the M42 block.... no noticeable difference.

The stock engine mount for the E30 M42 is hydraulic mount (from what I read)

Have been using the M40 for more than 1 year aledi... so far so good.

[black bmw 318]

sounds like an easy swap then.
thanks for your comments guys!

[steve3smart]

I've read so many threads about the m40 to m42 swap, my heads spinning with all the information. I bought an 1995 E36 m42 engine complete with a/c, p/s, alternator, wiring loom and ECU. I've got the E30 m42 sump parts and swapped them over. I busy tidying up the wiring loom, I removed one round connector and one ecu connector - my donor car had automatic transmission. I have a C101 connector to rewire the E36 harness.

I know the rubber engine mounts differ but what about the engine support arms that sit on the engine mounts. Can I use my m40 support arms?

[Eric]

what is the difference between an m42 and m40?

40ish hp.