wtf is up with m42swaps?

[trackjunkie21]

the m42 is buzzy and doesn't feel like a bmw. yes its definitely fun ESPECIALLY above 4k rpm but it feels like a buzzy 4 banger. because it is.
m20 is much smoother and has a better power delivery. it also sounds better and feels classier.
neither is really a "performance" engine. an s50 swapped into an e30 is about as close as you're going to get to a fast performance e30.

Because an s50/s52 are the holy grail of BMW have fun with your ~240hp motorsport engine.

[chance]

anyone need one of these wonderful little boxes of marbles?

Ive got one in my garage..

[HarukoE30]

Hills and AC are not the M42's friend.

I don't ever have a problem with hills, and Oregon has plenty.

[TheTacoMan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1sSjkY9VR4

I like the noise my m20 makes, they are great engines.

[dirty30]

I onced swapped an M42 into an 84 325e. True story.

[10Toes]

Because an s50/s52 are the holy grail of BMW have fun with your ~240hp motorsport engine.

I fail to see the problem with S50

[dannyyisntt]

I fail to see the problem with S50

It's no m30

[10Toes]

It's no m30

No, it is not.

[robrez]

I looked for a long time for an M42-powered car. I've never owned an E30 before, but I wanted something small/light, RWD, and 4 door. Not many other cars fit that bill. I've heard M42 sedans described as the closest thing to a 4-door Miata, and that's what I'm after. Just a fun, tossable daily.

Never thought of it like that before, but I must admit, my daily driven sunroof delete, m42, 4-door is a perfect combination of nimble and practical.

[iamsam]

i wonder why no one replied to my post? I see a lot of posts denouncing any sort of "molestation" to a 318is, and I think I may have posted my example of what I think is the most molested 318is I have ever seen, and not a peep from anyone! ;)

Seriously though, why is this thread still alive? We all know the specs up and down for each motor, what is there left to argue about? Whether one motor "sucks"? ha ha you guys...

If you want a 4 cylinder that weighs X lbs and makes 134 hp, get an M42. If you want a straight six that weighs Y lbs and makes 168 hp, get an M20. Problem solved!

[unevolved]

But this is the internet! I want to argue!

[irish44j]

HAHAHA yeah I drove with the m10 for about a month before I swapped it. i lost to a 95 corolla and that was really embarrassing

should be more embarrassing that an e30 and a corolla are drag racing. They're both slow, with any stock engine ;)

Hell, a V6 camry these days would probably walk an e30m3 in a drag, lol....

[CrusherCurtis]

Just how practical is an m42 over an m20 in terms of gas mileage? Maybe 2 mpg better if that?

[Vivek]

Just how practical is an m42 over an m20 in terms of gas mileage? Maybe 2 mpg better if that?

Just about none. I get around 20 city (daily) and 24 combined. I've never tried all highway but my mileage blows.

[iamsam]

Just how practical is an m42 over an m20 in terms of gas mileage? Maybe 2 mpg better if that?

Just about none. I get around 20 city (daily) and 24 combined. I've never tried all highway but my mileage blows.

my 318is got 30 mpg avg before i swapped in the M20B25, now it gets 26 mpg average. I'd say that is pretty significant.

That said, I kept a 4.10 with the M20, but went to bigger tires, 195/70/14, whereas with the M42 I used 195/60/14 and the 4.10.