E30 316i M40 to M42 swap documented with pictures

[elcangri]

Hello folks,

I have just started my project for swapping the M40 for M42 engine in my E30 316i 1990.
I will be posting pictures and documenting what I will be doing for future reference.



I think this ecu should work, have to double check though.



This is the engine a E36 318is M42 from 1992 i think





First cylinder seems to have some corrosion goin on, anyone have any tips on this ? I'm planning a complete head gasket set and perhaps mill the head if needed.

[Avtovaz]

I have done this conversion on my rally compact, you wont regret it for sure.

It is plug and play, and everything just fits straight on. If it wont run there will be an issue with the ews, but that is a case of just cutting a wire on the big plug in the engine bay.

I even cut and shut my 1600 xhaust onto the m42 down pipes, maybe not the best but works well.

[elcangri]

awesome !

On another forum a user told me the intake will not clear the brakebooster. did you have this problem aswell ?