1995 318ti Vs. 1991 318is... Just one question!

[elpatriot8]

Hello,

I bought my 1991 318is a couple of months ago. I know I have the M42 and have done extensive research etc. My question is, will the M42 of a 1995 318ti bolt to the 1991 318is Getrag 240? Any harness changes? The 1995 318ti engine is automatic by the way. Im waiting on this to be answered to make my purchase. Thanks a ton.

-Joel

[DesktopDave]

I'm told the two motors are basically identical. All auxiliaries are different, though. Intake manifold, wiring harness, EWS system, knock sensors, belt drive, engine mount arms, etc. IIRC the later M42 also went to one coolant temp sender vs. two for the E30.

IMHO swap the stripped block into the E30 - use the E30 intake, wiring harness, belt pulleys, etc. You'll need a pilot bearing for the crank too (automatics don't have a flywheel) and you might as well do the clutch with a non-a/c (single mass) flywheel while you're in there.

[Beeker1972]

I was thinking of getting a 95 M42 to build up for my e30 someday.

[elpatriot8]

I'm told the two motors are basically identical. All auxiliaries are different, though. Intake manifold, wiring harness, EWS system, knock sensors, belt drive, engine mount arms, etc. IIRC the later M42 also went to one coolant temp sender vs. two for the E30.

IMHO swap the stripped block into the E30 - use the E30 intake, wiring harness, belt pulleys, etc. You'll need a pilot bearing for the crank too (automatics don't have a flywheel) and you might as well do the clutch with a non-a/c (single mass) flywheel while you're in there.

So you're saying to basically ditch the 95 318ti head and use just the block, swap the 1991 318is head on the 95' block? Or leave the head and just swap intake manifold?