Author Topic: M44 timing case cover on E30 M42?? (Read 13345 times)

MikeDE · « **on:** May 05, 2011, 03:06:24 AM »

I have HEARD that one can use the M44 timing cover/guide on the M42. The main purpose being to eliminate the expensive weak-link Idler Gear from the timing chain circuit. Anyone have any input??

Also, I am swapping my M40 out for the (E30)M42, does anyone know if the
M40 catback will work with the M42 exh mani/cat combo??

And a question concerning motor mounts: the e30 M42 mounts cost an arm and a leg, I have again HEARD that the E28 m535i/M5 mounts fit the bill. Even when there is a hint of vibration, the savings far outweigh the negatives.

dsm2002 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 05, 2011, 06:55:00 AM »

I have heard the same, but I have never found anyone who has actually has done it. BTW the M44 style guide was fitted to the post Sept 1993 M42. See Link

MikeDE · « **Reply #2 on:** May 06, 2011, 05:30:36 PM »

Thanks for that link. I might be able to find an M44 timing cover at a junkyard around here. As for the guide, when I get my M42 torn down, i'm gonna pick one up from the dealer to see how it might work.

Anyone have aby idea on the motor mounts?

monko141 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 06, 2011, 06:03:23 PM »

You do realize that you need the entire timing chain case right?

dsm2002 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 06, 2011, 07:35:38 PM »

I have had a quick look at this a little while ago and posted a question in a thread on E30zone (Link). I have a list of parts numbers on the website that may be required. I did not get any response and I have not looked further at this.

MikeDE · « **Reply #5 on:** May 07, 2011, 10:55:41 AM »

Quote from: monko141;103604

You do realize that you need the entire timing chain case right?

I will have to look into that further.

MikeDE · « **Reply #6 on:** May 07, 2011, 03:00:51 PM »

So, the M42 timing case cover fits onto the M44 timing chain case(E30zone link). The M44 chain case seems to be the only real expense, I will have to find one used. I would be replacing all other components inside anyway, so the cost will be comparable considering I have to buy an M44 case. But eliminating the Idler gear is a big plus, as is being able to refresh the oil pump rotor & cover while swapping cases.

The parts list from the E30zone thread:

Quote

I have looked through the parts listing. It seems I need the following parts to adapt the later rail and M44 oil pump to the M42. Correct?

Lower timing case 11 14 1 739 800
Gasket Steel 11 14 1 743 032
Guide 11 31 1 734 694
Fillister head with washer 07 11 9 920 161
Deflection rail 11 31 1 739 130
Fillister head screw 07 11 9 919 824
Chain tensioner 11 31 1 743 262
Bush 11 31 1 247 452
Hex Bolt 07 11 9 904 533
Flat Washer 07 11 9 900 052

Set rotor 11141714611
Oil pump cover 11141714613

mark_i · « **Reply #7 on:** May 12, 2011, 04:12:50 PM »

I am just about to do exactly the same.

I had to buy the correct gasket to seal the newer style timing case to the block.
The gasket is metal, not fibre.

I'll let u know in a week how it goes.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #8 on:** May 12, 2011, 05:01:41 PM »

I'm looking forward to seeing how this mod works out.

Speaking of mod...MikeDE - I deleted a duplicate post that the board marked as spam. Sorry for the inconvenience, we've had some interesting attacks recently and security upgrades are spamming a lot of legitimate posts.

MikeDE · « **Reply #9 on:** May 16, 2011, 04:43:36 AM »

Quote from: DesktopDave;103766

I'm looking forward to seeing how this mod works out.

Speaking of mod...MikeDE - I deleted a duplicate post that the board marked as spam. Sorry for the inconvenience, we've had some interesting attacks recently and security upgrades are spamming a lot of legitimate posts.

Thats ok Dave, when I hit 'submit' and didn't see the post, I tried again. Then I saw the second time that a Mod has to approve it. I figured the dup. would be removed anway.

MikeDE · « **Reply #10 on:** May 19, 2011, 02:39:16 AM »

I broke down the M42 yesterday and what do I find???

It ALREADY has the M44 timing case in it!!!! Imagine that. So anyway, I will be ordering all new timing components. I have posted on a few German E30 forums to try to find the owner but i'm skeptical.

So Desktop Dave, it appears as if the mod works out just fine:D

mark_i · « **Reply #11 on:** May 19, 2011, 04:15:51 PM »

to confirm, the later style timing case with a guide in place of the the idler wheel...

It works! engine started first time, sound quieter too

As i mentioned last week, the timing case gasket is metal, torqued up casing using e30 values , no oil or coolant leaks. Much happier now the idler wheel has been eliminated

DesktopDave · « **Reply #12 on:** May 19, 2011, 05:45:37 PM »

I'm glad this worked out. How odd is it that it's already been updated? You might be able to get a full history from a friendly BMW service counter, if you take your title along with you too.

I had no idea that the updated case used a metallic casket. Mine is oozing, so I'll be back on this thread to double-check your parts list...and to admire the pictures.

MikeDE · « **Reply #13 on:** May 19, 2011, 06:10:50 PM »

Quote from: mark_i;103895

to confirm, the later style timing case with a guide in place of the the idler wheel...

It works! engine started first time, sound quieter too

As i mentioned last week, the timing case gasket is metal, torqued up casing using e30 values , no oil or coolant leaks. Much happier now the idler wheel has been eliminated

I heard the engine run before I bought it. I think it needed a new tensioner as there was hints of chain rattle as it idled. It had also sat for at least a 3 months w/o being run.

Quote from: DesktopDave;103898

I'm glad this worked out. How odd is it that it's already been updated? You might be able to get a full history from a friendly BMW service counter, if you take your title along with you too.

I had no idea that the updated case used a metallic casket. Mine is oozing, so I'll be back on this thread to double-check your parts list...and to admire the pictures.

I will be updating my build thread on R3V, 'mikede' also. But will put together a write-up for just the m42-to-m44 case when everything is done.
BTW I am pretty friendly with the parts guy at my local dealer. I may be able to give him the VIN and see what was done and when. Perhaps I will shoot over there tomorrow morning.

bmwman91 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 26, 2011, 12:37:37 PM »

Interesting! Man, I wish I had seen this before dropping $180 on a new idler sprocket this week (the old one self-destructed)! I have committed to pulling the timing case this weekend too, since I suspect that the big paper gasket back there is leaking oil. I probably could have bought an M44 timing case (used) and other parts for less than that! Darn!