1996 318 m42 in an e30

[chrisesteschiro]

I have a line on an 96 m42 5 speed engine and transmission out of a wrecked car, would this be a straight forward swap? Any experience would be helpful.

Thanks friends

[bmwsun]

In 1996 they switched from OBD I to OBD II but it if was an m42 then it should work. (according to wiki)

[CobraKai]

why wouldnt you just buy an e30 with an m42 in it already....

[chrisesteschiro]

because I have found a wrecked one on the cheap......and I am trying to figure out if it is worth buying an e30 that needs an engine or just parting the thing out.

[s0urce]

Fairly straightforward. m42 = OBDI M44 = OBD2

[Pedro]

Fairly straightforward. m42 = OBDI M44 = OBD2

what he said, make sure its a m42 and not a m44.

[stevofthahill]

Well 96+ they went OBDII if IIRC, so the OP is looking at an m44, which "could" be done. But it is definitely not worth it.

[chrisesteschiro]

Its an m44, I guess I'm going to part it. Whats an m44 with 90 thousand miles, 5 speed, computer, driveshaft, and diff. worth?

[e30love]

I would think 800 to 1000.

[Pedro]

To bad you werent closer, I know someone who needs a m44 right now.

[chrisesteschiro]

Bought it today.......m44 for sale 92 thousand miles

[Pedro]

oh oops i misread this thread, i was thinking you were selling it. well congrats. there are a few threads on m42club.com about what you need to put it in a e30.

[chrisesteschiro]

oh oops i misread this thread, i was thinking you were selling it. well congrats. there are a few threads on m42club.com about what you need to put it in a e30.

I am selling it.......

I have an m44 with 92 thousand miles with a 5 speed that was hit but didnt damage the driveline at all....I have a video of it running and will pull parts as I sell them. 1100 for engine, transmission, computer, precat 02 sensors, starter, intake manifold, shift linkage, power steering pump, injectors, oil pan, and wires/plugs etc. If you buy it for 1100 I will throw in everything for a 5 speed conversion. Make an offer on anything else you may need from a 97 318ti. Also has a California roof in great condition.......seats in great condition, diff....etc.

[jakeb]

you can put a m44 in an e30 if you have a junk m42....