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DISCUSSION => Engine management => Topic started by: naika on May 11, 2009, 05:01:04 AM

Title: AFM Swap options? into an e30 M42 :)
Post by: naika on May 11, 2009, 05:01:04 AM

Hi,
I've heard many times that using the E36 M42 afm is better but it reauires swapping wire harnesses, etc.
Not sure what the e36 afm is called but I know it uses a different technology it seems like.
Anybody can point me in the right direction?

Thanks

Title: AFM Swap options? into an e30 M42 :)
Post by: bmwman91 on May 12, 2009, 04:24:36 PM

Nope, the AFM in the E36 M42 cars is the exact same type.  I doubt that there would be anything to gain there.  The M42's AFM is properly sized to begin with.  I converted to a MAF and it does nothing for power, at all.

Title: AFM Swap options? into an e30 M42 :)
Post by: naika on May 13, 2009, 06:11:45 AM

Here in France, the e36 has what they call a "hot wire" AFM, maybe it's the one they mount on M44's in the US?
Not sure what it is called for you

Title: AFM Swap options? into an e30 M42 :)
Post by: colin86325 on May 14, 2009, 08:43:30 AM

That would be called a mass airflow meter (MAF) over here (vs the E30 AFM).

Title: AFM Swap options? into an e30 M42 :)
Post by: El-Kanal on May 14, 2009, 01:18:49 PM

I have an Euro E36 and ahve teh same AFM as an E30, some people mix up the temp sensor with a MAF.

Title: AFM Swap options? into an e30 M42 :)
Post by: OKTAY on May 14, 2009, 01:59:59 PM

Quote from: El-Kanal;71868

I have an Euro E36 and ahve teh same AFM as an E30, some people mix up the temp sensor with a MAF.

Yes, that's what I know that all m42 E36s came with AFM as in E30 m42s. BMW started to use Hotwire (MAF) in m44s which is 1,9 lt E36 318is. I remember a member called vatos from Greece reckons if you swap all the harness and ECU (and of course the MAF) from an m44 engine you can actually have an m42 with MAF.

Title: AFM Swap options? into an e30 M42 :)
Post by: naika on May 15, 2009, 10:55:02 AM

Quote from: OKTAY;71875

Yes, that's what I know that all m42 E36s came with AFM as in E30 m42s. BMW started to use Hotwire (MAF) in m44s which is 1,9 lt E36 318is. I remember a member called vatos from Greece reckons if you swap all the harness and ECU (and of course the MAF) from an m44 engine you can actually have an m42 with MAF.

Alright, yes, that's what I heard. if you have the ECU, wire harness and MAF then it's pretty much plug and play.
Would it be beneficial if I plan on a turbo set up?

Title: AFM Swap options? into an e30 M42 :)
Post by: El-Kanal on May 15, 2009, 11:13:30 AM

I doubt the input will be noticed or would be considered satisfactory concidering the work involved....

Title: AFM Swap options? into an e30 M42 :)
Post by: bmwman91 on May 19, 2009, 06:22:13 PM

The M44 ECU is definitely not an easy plug & play case with an M42 motor.  The tuning would be a bit different due to the M44's alternate valve actuation system, and slightly changed displacement.  If the ai is to convert to a MAF by swapping ECU's, then it is a total waste.  A MAF conversion really doesn't do that much.