M42 Engine Block

[autox]

I'm in search of a good short block. Are all M42 blocks the same? I know the E36 has different intakes, oil pan and so on but are the blocks interchangeable? I have a 91 318is and I found a 93 318is complete engine in great condition, I plan to only use the block and put on all my extras.
Thanks for any info on this, I searched an couldn't find a answer on the blocks only

[monty23psk]

the BMW PN for the block is the same up to a e36 318is built before 9/92. So all depends on the year the car was fabricated with that engine. Check realoem to figure it out. Do you have the vin from the car the engine came from?

[autox]

Thanks
I don't have the vin, both engines I'm looking at are out of the cars...
I was told by a fellow that does allot of M42 work and modes that the block and the head are the same through 1995, it's the intakes,oil pans,wiring harness that's different??

[1998ccc]

1993 would have the 6mm valve stem head but not the updated timing bits that started in 1994.

[Warsteiner]

Also has non return valve between cylinders 2 & 3.

09   non-return valve      from   06/1992      11111734667   

Cheers,
~Ralph