Author Topic: Engine Swapp M43 For M42/M44 (Read 13300 times)

EddieE36 · « **on:** October 22, 2009, 02:31:27 PM »

Hi there all as everyone seems to say Im new to M42 Club haha
Ive had a good look at pretty much all the threads looking for an answer to my big Question??

I own a 1999 E36 318i Cabrio with an m43 SOHC 8v ENGINE UK/EU (MANUAL).
I am very keen to do an Engine change for a M42/M44 is there anyone out there who has done this or knows if it can or cannot work.
I have lots of questions eg can i keep the Gbox and will the bellhousing fit,obviosley i will need a new ecu but can i keep the original wiring harness
Ive been told by a few that the engine mounts should be the same throughout the 4 cyl E36 Fleet but you never know?

Any answer from anyone would be greatley apprieciated
Thanks

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2009, 07:37:57 PM »

I'm not sure about the particulars, but the BMW engines are all pretty similar. I'm sure you'll get much more qualified opinions on the board, but I'll bet it's pretty much a straight swap. Bell housings, clutches, engine mounts & wiring harnesses should be pretty close, if not functionally identical. Might be that the block is the same & you'd only need to swap the head, manifolds & DME.

You might want to go for a turbo kit or an M52 instead. It'll ultimately give you much more for your money. I'd just do a little tuning on it & go have some fun. That's what we're all about here...that light little engine in one of the world's all time great cars.

I was in the same boat as you, but now I'm just tweaking my M42 until I save up enough for an MZ3 or a 318ti (compact) Club Sport. I'd also kill for one of those little e30 estate wagons on my side of the pond! Maybe when they're 25 years old I can come over & get one...next few years...

EddieE36 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2009, 09:03:41 AM »

Thanks for the reply i have thought about a change to an m52 but this is a big conversion and could be costly I feel happy with the 4 pot engines and as usual im on a budget and christmas is coming up to quick..
Ive also looked at turbos for the m43 but i dont really want to spend hard cash on a turbo for a cute little underpowerd engine. And downing atlanta does a great supercharger for the m42 not m43, And this is the road i want to take to Implant an M42or m44 and supercharge mabye next year.
Has anyone out there used or has got a downing atlanta supercharger kit on there M42 and whats it like i will keep on researching on this swap i cant see it being that much of a ball ache Thanks for your reply x x x x x

Sean_318is · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2009, 10:13:44 AM »

I had a look at an 8v the other day, it does look very similar to the 16v. I think the plumbing is different due to the different head. Worth investigating any way.

kote_alex · « **Reply #4 on:** October 30, 2009, 08:18:10 AM »

I am also interested in the same swap , please keep the post coming .
Thanks !

vdbss · « **Reply #5 on:** August 13, 2012, 01:39:54 PM »

hi guys, sorry for the zombie thread but I am thinking about doing something very similar as I know where there is an un-used low-miles M42 just sitting waiting for me, and I have just picked up a rough old 318i 'vert ('95) that I know would LOVE a nicely tweaked M42 pushing her along. Anyone got any recent input?