Author Topic: Andy318is (Read 3721 times)

Andy318is · « **on:** January 23, 2020, 06:08:54 PM »

Hello,
I'm new to the group, but I was a lurker for a while. There's a lot of good information on this forum. I have a 1990 318is, which used to be a 325is until I tore out the M20 so I was no longer cursed with too many cylinders.

I installed an M44. I hope that's okay here. It's basically the same engine as M42, but you all know that. It came from a low mileage 1997 Z3 1.9 I bought for parts. I also bought a 1991 318i (M42) for the other parts I needed. I still have the M42 from that car, so I still do officially fit in here.

I kept the M44 OBD2 and it�s the TLEV version so I also installed all the emissions equipment so that it�s California legal (cat, SAP, O2 sensors, charcoal canister with shut-off valve, fuel pressure sensor, & 3/2 valve with FPR). I installed the E30 fan clutch & blade rather than the electric fan though and I wired up a harness to use the E30 ignition coils. I considered going the COP route, but I prefer the OEM look better. I replaced all the gaskets, hoses, coolant pipes, and PCV. I used the engine mounts (with new E30 rubbers), oil pan, gearbox (replaced seals), driveshaft, airbox, wiring covers, etc from the E30. I also installed a new DMF & clutch, the Supersprint exhaust for the 318is, and a 4.10 Torsen LSD from a 2000 Z3 2.8. Hopefully it�ll be a reliable daily driver for me. I have over 1000 miles on it now and I love it.

Nick_318is · « **Reply #1 on:** January 24, 2020, 08:05:18 PM »

Looks like a great car! Welcome!

Andy318is · « **Reply #2 on:** January 26, 2020, 02:08:09 PM »

Thank you!

I weighed the car on the truck scale nearby and it's ~2,700 lbs. So that makes it the same weight as a Z3 1.9 and about 100 lbs more than a stock original 318is, due to the 325is chassis sound deadening, larger fuel tank, and other options like CC, OBC, & check control. The M44 will make up for that extra weight and it should have the same performance as the Z3. Car and Driver achieved 0-60 in 7.9 seconds with their Z3, so it might actually be a hair faster than an original 318is. Either way, it's right in there. Here are power diagrams comparing the E30 M42 with E36 M42 and also the E36 M42 versus the M44. The M44 has quite a bit more mid-range power compared to the E30 M42.

Nick_318is · « **Reply #3 on:** January 27, 2020, 07:14:57 PM »

They're a lot of fun on the track, the light weight makes them super nimble, you'll miss power a bit on straights but really fun to crawl up someones ass in the twisties!

Andy318is · « **Reply #4 on:** January 28, 2020, 01:13:41 PM »

For sure! I wanted 4 cylinders for lower weight, better MPG, and a more modern engine with coil on plug ignition, serpentine belts, OBD2 diagnostics, and lower emissions. The MPG hasn't been as much as an improvement as I hoped, but I'm still happy with it. The best I've gotten so far is 28 MPG (average calculated at the pump), but usually has been 24-26 MPG mixed driving. With the M20 I was getting 22-24 MPG. I haven't really noticed a drop in power. It feels more lively to me. Really good power on the highway too.

Andy318is · « **Reply #5 on:** November 29, 2020, 03:05:42 AM »

I manage 32mpg on the highway with 5W-30 synthetic. I had 10W-40 in it at first because I read the M42 likes that, but the M44 doesn't need it with the roller rockers. I'll be sticking with the lower weight oil. It's been a year now since I completed the swap. It's been great!

Forwox · « **Reply #6 on:** December 01, 2020, 06:19:26 PM »

The car is super neat, and your approach is absolutely amazing with real attentions to details down to OE attitude. I'd like to see more people going from m20 to m42/m44 engines. These engines feel super good especially in e30 chassis.

Author Topic: Andy318is (Read 3721 times)

Andy318is

Andy318is

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