m 42 engine replacement questions

[tyeetoo]

I have a 1991 318i with 220,000 miles. Runs great but I'd like to replace the engine so I know it is reliable for long trips. Has a lifter tic and oil leak at timing chain cover. Lots of new mechanicals, excellent running gears, and exceptional body, interior etc. I'm 74 and will be keeping the car.

Bavaria Auto has a swap engine for $1000 plus $250 shipping. 2yr warranty. Anybody delt with them and are they reliable.

Other local sources for a reliable m42? I'd like to support Oregonians.

Thank you in advance for your input. I appreciate it a bunch. Mike

541-268-1025

email tyeetoo@yahoo.com

[EN318isPDX]

Most people would say swap a bigger motor in, but being that you are 74 I would recommend against that. I would say just have a major refresh/tune up, timing chain related parts, gaskets ect. Swapping the entire motor out seems like a ton of extra work if the current motor is running.

[EN318isPDX]

PS: You are an inspiration, I hope to still be wrenching at your age!

[Gerta]

Mike - You can do all of that for about $500 over a weekend. Lots of great resources on www.m42club.com!

Kevin

[bmwm42]

I'm happy to lend a hand

[ethirtydavid]

this is awesome.
+agree the maintenance may be cheaper option
however if you do go for the engine the 2 year warranty is nice, granted, 1000 is definitely at the high end of the spectrum for the m42. Hold out for a week or so and see if anyone here knows of a less expensive alternative to bav auto, otherwise rock on.

[Ryann]

As stated above, you're likely better off doing some preventative maintenance to your existing engine. So long as it's been properly cared for and not beat on it's possible that it really doesn't need a whole lot.

Take a look at the r3v m42 subforum! Lots of good info in there and some not so good. There are also a few local people that know their way around m42s and can help. 'twistednut' (Stan) here on r3v has been as far into the engine as one can go.

Clean 318i! I like. Here are a couple of m42 cars I've owned:


'91 318i, sunroof delete/S4:10

'92 318ic

[HarukoE30]

I'm happy to lend a hand

Now that I own one myself, I would be willing to travel to lend a hand in maintenance as well. Gives me a chance to learn since I'm usually wrenching on the M20.

[jjcarr]

For the lifter tick, have you replaced the tensioner yet and made sure you're running 20w50 oil? (this might be "duh" stuff to you, not sure so I figured I'd check)

For reliability I'd avoid any engine other than stock. Non-stock swaps always, without fail, need more tinkering than stock.

Swapping the engine may or may not make it more reliable. You're just as likely to have an issue with a coil, injectors, electronics, etc... so just the long block won't make it bullet-proof. So, I'd agree with others and say keep what you have and take care of it. If you're that worried about it, get an extra engine and leave it in the garage until the one you have blows.

Personally, I'd enjoy getting a junk yard motor and doing a bench rebuild on it, then dropping it in the car. Then you really know what you have. But I wouldn't put the new engine in until the old one starts to really go.

If it ain't broke....

[tyeetoo]

much thanks for all the help

Thanks to you folks, I'm on the way to doing some needed maintenance items.
I'll deal with the timing chain cover oil leak, one spark plug hole needs to be drilled and fixed, two valve cover bolts ditto, and a few other simple things.
Also, the "lifter tick" may be that the tiiming chain is one tooth off one way or the other. will check that. Also, will flush the engine with tranny fluid and replace with 15-40 and see what happens.
All in all, I am very grateful and believe that given all the positive feedback the engine is fine. 160 on all four holes so compression not an issue.
Did the old farm machinery trick (don't recommend this but it works) and started her up and dipped my finger in the tail pipe and tasted the moisture. No sweet taste so no coolant leak. (course I had a cup of water handy to rinse immediately as the stuff is very toxic) I will keep you all posted on progress and hope to drive up and meet with some of you this spring.
thanks again for all the help and encouragement. mike

[HarukoE30]

Thanks to you folks, I'm on the way to doing some needed maintenance items.
I'll deal with the timing chain cover oil leak, one spark plug hole needs to be drilled and fixed, two valve cover bolts ditto, and a few other simple things.
Also, the "lifter tick" may be that the tiiming chain is one tooth off one way or the other. will check that. Also, will flush the engine with tranny fluid and replace with 15-40 and see what happens.
All in all, I am very grateful and believe that given all the positive feedback the engine is fine. 160 on all four holes so compression not an issue.
Did the old farm machinery trick (don't recommend this but it works) and started her up and dipped my finger in the tail pipe and tasted the moisture. No sweet taste so no coolant leak. (course I had a cup of water handy to rinse immediately as the stuff is very toxic) I will keep you all posted on progress and hope to drive up and meet with some of you this spring.
thanks again for all the help and encouragement. mike

You're old school man, which I love so much. Reminds me of my Step-father who recently passed in so many ways & I remember him doing that trick himself. You ever need an extra set of hands, you have mine no questions asked :up: