M42 question - I really need a solid answer!

[Bimmerfanatik]

Ok, I've gotten everything from yes to no on this, and I've gotta get cold hard facts on this.

I've got a 1993 318i sedan, and the motor is essentially junk. Instead of trying to rebuild it, I'm attempting to buy a low mile engine and swap it in. Now to the best of my knowledge, until 1995, the 318i's (both e30 and e36 shared an M42, with differences in the intake manifold. If this is the case, I should have no problems putting an M42 out of a 91 e30 318i.

But there are others claiming this engine is slightly different.

I have access to a low mile cheap m42 but I need to know if it's going to fit or not. Searching has given me nothing. Posts seem to get varying answers.

Can ANYONE certify that an M42 is an M42 and I can use any M42 provided I use the appropriate intake manifold and any other modifications that are E36 specific? I can look at the car too - so if there's something in the engine bay I can look for to help, let me know.

[AdamF 88iS]

They are for sure the same.

E30s use different oil pans, and of course all the stuff on the outside of the motor (Sensors, belt system, manifolds) are diffrent, but yes, an M42 is an M42 as far as E30s and E36s are concerned.

[Bimmerfanatik]

They are for sure the same.

E30s use different oil pans, and of course all the stuff on the outside of the motor (Sensors, belt system, manifolds) are diffrent, but yes, an M42 is an M42 as far as E30s and E36s are concerned.

Ok Adam, I'm taking your word for it - but if it doesn't work, oooooh boy are you gonna git it. ;)

A trusted source selling the engine told me they are not the same. It's worth the risk with such low miles, and a local engine.

[Bimmerfanatik]

Wait wait, one more thing - does my 93 318i sedan REALLY have an M42? :)

[Charlie]

Wait wait, one more thing - does my 93 318i sedan REALLY have an M42? :)

Yes.

-Charlie

[Bimmerfanatik]

Wait wait, one more thing - does my 93 318i sedan REALLY have an M42? :)

Yes.

-Charlie

Ok, Adam and Charles say yes. Chris and the seller and another friend say my car has an M44, and even if it had an m42, the E30 one won't work.

I believe Adam and Charlie. You guys better be right ;) Otherwise I'll be doing a really lame swap ;)

[AdamF 88iS]

Wait wait, one more thing - does my 93 318i sedan REALLY have an M42? :)

Yes.

-Charlie

Ok, Adam and Charles say yes. Chris and the seller and another friend say my car has an M44, and even if it had an m42, the E30 one won't work.

I believe Adam and Charlie. You guys better be right ;) Otherwise I'll be doing a really lame swap ;)

The M44 came out in '96 as an OBD2 replacement for the M42.

Just to double check what I already told you since you are so unsure, I checked the part numbers for the block, internals, timing cases, and cylender head in the ETK, they match for E30 and E36. Its just external differences that can be swapped over. 100% for sure.

[Bimmerfanatik]

Wait wait, one more thing - does my 93 318i sedan REALLY have an M42? :)

Yes.

-Charlie

Ok, Adam and Charles say yes. Chris and the seller and another friend say my car has an M44, and even if it had an m42, the E30 one won't work.

I believe Adam and Charlie. You guys better be right ;) Otherwise I'll be doing a really lame swap ;)

The M44 came out in '96 as an OBD2 replacement for the M42.

Just to double check what I already told you since you are so unsure, I checked the part numbers for the block, internals, timing cases, and cylender head in the ETK, they match for E30 and E36. Its just external differences that can be swapped over. 100% for sure.

Wow, thanks for going through the trouble of comparing the PN's - you really are thorough though! I really appreciate it Adam.

If I baked, I would bake you a nice pie. Or some cookies.

[AdamF 88iS]

Why dont you send me some parts instead. Do you have anything good? Do you have any 4 door parts cars?

[Bimmerfanatik]

Why dont you send me some parts instead. Do you have anything good? Do you have any 4 door parts cars?

I've got all kinds of good stuff! The only 4 door stuff I have is a full set of grey leather/cloth door panels.

There must be something I have that you want or need.

[AdamF 88iS]

Why dont you send me some parts instead. Do you have anything good? Do you have any 4 door parts cars?

I've got all kinds of good stuff! The only 4 door stuff I have is a full set of grey leather/cloth door panels.

There must be something I have that you want or need.

Mint condition driver's side sun visor? I've been let down already once by a claimed mint condition that had a crack in it.

[Bimmerfanatik]

Why dont you send me some parts instead. Do you have anything good? Do you have any 4 door parts cars?

I've got all kinds of good stuff! The only 4 door stuff I have is a full set of grey leather/cloth door panels.

There must be something I have that you want or need.

Mint condition driver's side sun visor? I've been let down already once by a claimed mint condition that had a crack in it.

Well, I've got 8. If there's a mint one - even if it's in my own car - it's yours. Let me check in the next couple days and snap a pic - I think I have one.

[AdamF 88iS]

Why dont you send me some parts instead. Do you have anything good? Do you have any 4 door parts cars?

I've got all kinds of good stuff! The only 4 door stuff I have is a full set of grey leather/cloth door panels.

There must be something I have that you want or need.

Mint condition driver's side sun visor? I've been let down already once by a claimed mint condition that had a crack in it.

Well, I've got 8. If there's a mint one - even if it's in my own car - it's yours. Let me check in the next couple days and snap a pic - I think I have one.

Cool, thanks. I cracked mine pretty bad and it bothers the hell out of me every time I go to put my sunshade thing in when it's pakred.

So what do I win if the clutch fixes your other problem? 8)

[Bimmerfanatik]

Cool, thanks. I cracked mine pretty bad and it bothers the hell out of me every time I go to put my sunshade thing in when it's pakred.

So what do I win if the clutch fixes your other problem? 8)

Nothing - because I'm gonna hate you if it needs a clutch ;)

[AdamF 88iS]

Cool, thanks. I cracked mine pretty bad and it bothers the hell out of me every time I go to put my sunshade thing in when it's pakred.

So what do I win if the clutch fixes your other problem? 8)

Nothing - because I'm gonna hate you if it needs a clutch ;)

Haha well then hurry up and send the visor before you start on that.