Do you regret swapping out your m42?

[Cyrix2k]

And good luck finding one. I'm not talking M54 either.

Not hard around here... lots of e39s & e46s in the yards.

[nando]

I think the weight difference is vastly overstated most of the time. it's unlikely to match up with most people's driving skills, either.

just have fun with what you have whether it's a swap or not. even 100lbs isn't likely to make the car handle significantly different unless you're superman behind the wheel.

[Roysneon]

I think the weight difference is vastly overstated most of the time. it's unlikely to match up with most people's driving skills, either.

just have fun with what you have whether it's a swap or not. even 100lbs isn't likely to make the car handle significantly different unless you're superman behind the wheel.

This. I mean, yeah there is a difference but come on, unless you're Paul Di Resta I'm saying it won't affect how you can drive the car.

[butters]

I have done it.

M42 is great. Light and economical. No timing belt. Can't keep up with traffic? I disagree.. I was dead even with my buddy's 2011 Jetta 2.5 5-speed from a highway on-ramp well into law-breaking speed.

Do I regret it? No.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - if I had a 318is I might regret losing originality. But my 318i is a much much better car with an S50 in it. The weight difference is relatively small especially with no a/c. The power gain and smoothness of a proper BMW straight-6 are well worth it. Additionally, in comparable mostly highway driving, I got 28-30mpg with the M42 and I have gotten the same with the S50/ZF/2.93 combo. I would do it again (maybe S54 next time though..).

[Munich Man]

A dodge caravan will stomp an m42 318 in a 0-60, and thats a god damn minivan.


Less fun, absolutely, there is definitely a difference in the past 20 years.

Yep, before my S50 swap, my car lost to a race to a new Dodge Van haha. I had a 2.93, but still.

[decay]

you guys are crazy for saying that m42's cant keep up with modern traffic. Its not like there is much difference in cars in the past 20 yrs.

Keep the revs above 3 and its fun as hell

this. if i shift @ 3 i am keeping with traffic fine. 4 is usually enough for passing maneuvers.

[FredK]

Regret it? No. If I had a mint, investment-grade 318iS, then yes, maybe I'd have some qualms about messing with its originality.

It would be pretty cool to have a built M42. However, developing and building that would take a lot of resources. In the end you likely could have installed a Honda K24 and would be able to beat all minivans, and keep the car's balance.

A 24v does affect the balance of the car. You need a decent slug more camber to dial out the car's push. It's not noticeable on the street or on off ramps. It's definitely noticeable on the track.

[Wh33lhop]

I have looked into MM. I believe bmwman91 did a 2.1 MM motor, but it costs a fortune. You could get nearly twice the amount of power out of a LSX swap for about the same cost of a MM upgrade.

The question is(and that's what i'm trying to find out in this thread) whether anyone regrets doing that.

While you're at it ask bmwman91 how his motor is faring and if he is happy with his purchase...

[MF DOOM]

Yep, before my S50 swap, my car lost to a race to a new Dodge Van haha. I had a 2.93, but still.

LOL! That 2.93 definitely matters. That gearing is WAY too long for an m42. I beat my buddies 06' civic ex coupe when i was an all stock m42. It can keep up with modern traffic fine. Its not a quick car by any means but its not a geo metro either.

from my experience, maintenance is similar on m42 and 24v.

OP, if youre looking for more power than check out Jake.b's turbo kit. You can keep a/c. And 211k shouldnt be much if its been maintained.


And I have a gaggle of m42 parts if you need any. engine had 130k and ran great ;D;D

[word is bond]

Only one guy said an M42 couldn't keep up with modern traffic, which is just ridiculous. We don't even have to keep discussing it at this point. Personally, I'd just do a very mild buildup when it's time to pull the engine out for some refreshment. I actually prefer swaps that start with 4drs or tourings.

[MrSlacker]

my M42 with MarkD chip is doing just fine

[F34R]

Yep, before my S50 swap, my car lost to a race to a new Dodge Van haha. I had a 2.93, but still.

This^ my mother's Honda Ody has 210hp and 229lbs. It would stomp my ETA all day. But the new Ford Focus ST gave my gutted m30b35 a run for its money.

Need to FI this m30 asap.

[naplesE30]

A m42 with a 4.10 is more than adequate to keep up with traffic. Like an s14 you gotta keep it on the boil but its plenty peppy.

I think FredK nailed it. If you got a minty 318is ,espc if its a slicktop, I would keep it stock. If you had a 4 door that was a little rough around the edges it would change things a bit. 200k if it was maint properly should still be running like a top for sometime.

[QUKBMER]

I miss my 91 318is track car (sold it and reget it so much):( The balance is what i miss compared to the m20 2.5 325is i have now for a track car.

[eur04lif3]

you guys are crazy for saying that m42's cant keep up with modern traffic. Its not like there is much difference in cars in the past 20 yrs.

Keep the revs above 3 and its fun as hell

Only one guy said an M42 couldn't keep up with modern traffic, which is just ridiculous. We don't even have to keep discussing it at this point. Personally, I'd just do a very mild buildup when it's time to pull the engine out for some refreshment. I actually prefer swaps that start with 4drs or tourings.

Yeah, i'm doing just fine with keeping up with traffic. Actually got me in trouble more than enough times with this "keeping up" thing...

my M42 with MarkD chip is doing just fine

That's what i have, plus the COP kit and electric fan. That and with H&R sports springs and bilstein's make a pretty good setup for a daily.

I miss my 91 318is track car (sold it and reget it so much):( The balance is what i miss compared to the m20 2.5 325is i have now for a track car.

Thanks for sharing. They aren't easy to find in a great condition either, every once an awhile a good example pops up, but they also come with a great tag too.

Based on the votes, i'm pretty convinced to keep it's originality. And when funds allow i'll find a good shell with a blown m20 or something of sorts.

Thanks for voting guys, and if you haven't voted yet...please do.