How is the M40 engine??? Looking at importing a 318i

[Colt601]

I'm looking at having a 1990 318i imported from Poland. Car has the M40 engine w/ 78k miles. The car itself looks like it just rolled out of the showroom floor.

No experience with this engine. How do they hold up and how do they compare to the M42? Will I disappointed if I'm used driving an M42?

[flyboyx]

It will make all of your wildest dreams come true!



in my opinion, the m20 is a better engine, but the 42 is just fine. they require a bit more maintenance when they are old. gaskets will take a deuce on you most likely at some point.

generally, they have good old school reliability tho....

[Colt601]

It will make all of your wildest dreams come true!



in my opinion, the m20 is a better engine, but the 42 is just fine. they require a bit more maintenance when they are old. gaskets will take a deuce on you most likely at some point.

generally, they have good old school reliability tho....

The car I'm looking at has an M40.........

[nando]

M40 is a boat anchor. Single cam, timing belt - its like the worst of the M20 and M42 put together.

[Motheye99]

Doing a m42 swap should be pretty straight forward, totally worth it as there only a couple 100 bucks.

[McGyver]

If the engine sound can be described as "sounding like a skeleton wanking in a dustbin" then your cam is very likely worn.

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/M40#Common_Problems

[varg]

Doesn't have the longevity and durability of an M10 or the power of an M42 (which isn't really all that good itself), and on top of that, barely any more powerful than an M10. Will you be disappointed? Probably. The most powerful version of the M40 is still 20hp short of an M42.

[Julien]

I had one, they are fine for DD use but they do need frequent timing belts and camshafts wear on them prematurely

[roguetoaster]

M40 is a boat anchor. Single cam, timing belt - its like the worst of the M20 and M42 put together.

Not quite right, but I understand why people say it. However, those people are missing the point of the M40, it's not a powerhouse, nor is it a rev it off the limiter type of engine, but rather a decent economy engine. You should easily net 30+ MPG in a touring.

Doing a m42 swap should be pretty straight forward, totally worth it as there only a couple 100 bucks.

M42s aren't as cheap as they used to be, but the swap should be quite simple. However, the incremental upgrade of the M40 is probably a waste, consider M54 if the M40 power isn't enough.

I had one, they are fine for DD use but they do need frequent timing belts and camshafts wear on them prematurely

This is all accurate. They are great DDs if you know that it's not a sporty car, and you are willing to drive in a relaxed manner. If you go in expecting excitement you need to look elsewhere, but don't let the engine installed stop you from buying a well sorted E30.

Remember, M40 upgrades are a waste of time, but replacing the cam/rockers/lifters (with a stock replacement kit) is worthwhile if you can appreciate the engine for what it is instead of chasing HP.