M40 to M42? M44?

[trackster]

hi guys, not sure if this is appropriate. ive got e30 318i with a m40 engine. thinking of doing a swap but not sure if its worth the money as im new to bmws. whats the big difference between a m42 n m44? will it be a direct bolt into my e30 which currently runs the m40? end of the day, will i be happy with the power ( im hoping for at least 100-110rwkw)? ive done some searching of my own but it seems most people go the 6 cyl way.

[johna]

The easiest swap for an E30 would be to put in an M42 engine from an E30 318is. M42's from E36s are very similar but there are some changes which may cause much extra work. M44's are only fitted to E36 and will require a lot of work to fit to an E30.

The M44 engine was introduced at the beginning of 1996. Based on the M42
engine, the M44's larger displacement is the result of boring and stroking the
cylinder dimensions of the M42. Although peak power remains unchanged from the M42, the M44 boasts an improvement of 5 Nm of peak torque at an engine speed 200 rpm lower.

Other changes from M42 to M44 are as follows:
1. The crankshaft is now a spheroidal-cast type with four counterweights instead of a forged steel type with eight counterweights
2. Connecting rods and pistons were redesigned for improved NVH
3. Conical valve springs were used in place of cylindrical valve springs
4. The upper valve plate has been reduced in size
5. Balance weights in the camshafts were now cast with the camshafts themselves
6. The timing chain tensioner was redesigned to reduce wear
7. The DME engine management system changed from M1.7 to M5.2
8. Induction roar has been reduced by adoption of a sound-insulating cross-flow hose in the intake system as well as an intake silencer
8. Rocker arms now have roller bearings
9. A hot film mass air flow sensor is used in place of a vane type sensor
10. The variable length intake system switches over 600 rpm earlier.