Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

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

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

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

    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?

    #2
    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....
    sigpic
    Gigitty Gigitty!!!!

    88 cabrio becoming alpina b6 3.5s transplanted s62
    92 Mtech 2 cabrio alpinweiss 770 code
    88 325ix coupe manual lachsilber/cardinal
    88 325ix coupe manual diamondschwartz/natur
    87 e30 m3 for parts lachsilber/cardinal(serial number 7)
    12 135i M sport cabrio grey/black

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by flyboyx View Post
      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.........

      Comment


        #4
        M40 is a boat anchor. Single cam, timing belt - its like the worst of the M20 and M42 put together.
        Build thread

        Bimmerlabs

        Comment


          #5
          Doing a m42 swap should be pretty straight forward, totally worth it as there only a couple 100 bucks.
          91' 318is 90' 325is

          Originally posted by Sonny
          Buy the E30s, they ain't gonna last long
          E30 can make you, E30 can break you
          "He who controls the Nova's, controls the Boomers"

          Comment


            #6
            If the engine sound can be described as "sounding like a skeleton wanking in a dustbin" then your cam is very likely worn.
            sigpic
            1987 - 325i Convertible Delphin Auto [SOLD], 325i Convertible Delphin Manual [SOLD]
            1989 - 325i Convertible Bronzit m30b35 swapped [SCRAPPED], 325i Sedan Alpine Auto[DD]
            1991 - 325i Coupe Laguna Manual [Project], 535i Sedan Alpine [SCRAPPED]

            Comment


              #7
              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.

              IG @turbovarg
              '91 318is, M20 turbo
              [CoTM: 4-18]
              '94 525iT slicktop, M50B30 + S362SX-E, 600WHP DD or bust
              '93 RX-7 FD3S

              Comment


                #8
                I had one, they are fine for DD use but they do need frequent timing belts and camshafts wear on them prematurely
                Build Threads:
                Pamela/Bella/Betty/325ix/5-Lug Seta/S60R/Miata ITB/Miata Turbo/Miata VVT/951/325xi-6

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by nando View Post
                  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.

                  Originally posted by Motheye99 View Post
                  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.

                  Originally posted by Julien View Post
                  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.

                  Comment

                  Working...
                  X