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PAPER OR PLASTIC => WTB/WTT => Topic started by: declan on August 07, 2012, 12:52:45 PM

Title: wtb: m42 motor for 1991 318i convertable
Post by: declan on August 07, 2012, 12:52:45 PM

Hello,new to the forumns.
I need a new motor for a 1991 318i convertable.
 The rest of the car is really nice, lots of new parts and work, unfortunetly my younger cousin cooked the motor driving back to college with a bad waterpump or radiator hose-no compression now is the report from my uncle.  So the car was given to me, i enjoyed driving it when my dad owned it and the mpg is great.

Will any of the m42 motors work or are there things specific to a 1991 manual trans convertable?

Thanks for the help.

Title: wtb: m42 motor for 1991 318i convertable
Post by: deansweet on August 07, 2012, 01:50:30 PM

I would simply pull the head, have it checked, milled and valve reseated/replaced, replace the head gasket, water pump, thermostat, etc and cross your fingers? That's allot less work than replacing engine in my opinion.

Where are you located? I could help if close to Cincinnati/Dayton, Ohio.

Title: wtb: m42 motor for 1991 318i convertable
Post by: declan on August 07, 2012, 03:20:41 PM

I am in St. Louis but I am willing to drive or pay shipping for a motor.  Definetly going to inspect the motor and cross my fingers but that rarely seems to work out.

Title: wtb: m42 motor for 1991 318i convertable
Post by: Geoff on August 27, 2012, 08:00:54 AM

I agree its probably the head, but rather than cross your fingers have it checked at a reputable machine shop.  If its not cracked you are good to go, and if it is you just need to find a good head and install it, rather than doing it twice.
                                                                    Geoff