M40 swap to M42 or 44?

[Jay-Vee]

Hey guys,

Looking at swapping out the M40 from my E30 318i with something from an E36 as they're the easiest to get a hold of here, but wondering if is there much more work involved if it's an M44 rather than M42?

There's plenty of cheap old M44 E36 here as well which is very convenient, but I'd be paying a mechanic for a fair bit of the work so I'm conscious of his $$$ racking up too.

Cheers.

[Darky]

Hi
M42 is a better engine because of its head, using lifters rather than tappets.
Having said that m44 has maf and better timing chain set up.
Hope that helps.
I think you would have problem with the rta with a m44 too, did not come out in e30.
Good luck

[Jay-Vee]

Great, will steer clear of the M44.

Cheer mate.

[MrPhatBob]

I've gone from M44 to M42, but the late model one that you'll find in the 318ti and Z3s as these have the M44 timing chain.
But the security thing with the key and key barrel sensor might be a challenge if you're not electronically gifted.