Anyone done the M44 timing case swap?

[locknload]

I'm in the middle of doing this.  Everything is as disassembled as it gets, and now I notice there is no boss (if that's the correct word) to mount the CPS on the M44 case.  What needs to be done here?  Does this bracket need to be fabricated or is there one out there already that will do the job? 

Here's another question while I'm asking.  Is there any reason to use the M44 oil filter housing over the M42's or vice versa?  Is one oil filter design better than the other?

Many thanks.

[Darky]

Hi

Yes a bracket will need to be made for the crank posiotn sensor.

Oil filters because m44 filter is cheaper.
But that's an easy one.

Cheers Rohan

[locknload]

Perhaps now I need to move to the engine management section, but how critical is the radial position of the sensor?  If I'm off by a few mm, will that have a noticeable effect on the timing?  Would I be able to change the static ignition timing by manipulating the CPS position or is the factory setting as good as it can get?

[DesktopDave]

You should be able to use the M42 front case, right? I'm not sure if the oil pumps are the same between the M42 and M44. I've heard one is slightly thicker to improve oil volume.

I'm not sure about the distance. I'd assume you'll be OK. The read head is fairly sensitive to RF interference from what I've seen, but I've seen them work even when they're really caked up with rust and oil.

[locknload]

I can re-use the front case cover, but the CPS mount is on the rear half of the timing chain case, the part that houses the oil pump.  And yes, you are correct, the pumps are different.  Apparently, there was an extremely narrow window at the end of the M42 run and beginning of the M44 which used the m42 oil pump and CPS mount (keeping it OBD1), but eliminated the idler gear.  I've read that the torque curve can be slightly improved by advancing the intake sprocket.  Along those lines, I realize now that I will have to construct a bracket to mount the CPS, I was just wondering if there's any point in tweaking the ignition timing as well by putting the CPS in a slightly different spot.

[bmwman91]

Don't mess with the position. It is true that the stock M42 software uses EXTREMELY conservative ignition timing, to the point that it almost looks like BMW deliberately de-tuned the thing so as not to eat into 325i sales. Anyway, keep the CPS where it belongs and just get a performance chip since those will have much more aggressive ignition timing across the map. That will yield far more power gains. That, and if you physically advance the CPS position, you run the risk of knocking if you ever get a performance chip since the ignition advances will add.

[locknload]

Back on the road again after almost 2 years in the driveway.  Couldn't resist though, I built in a moderate timing advance (3 deg at the crank).  Engine is smooth as butter.

[Darky]

You should be able to use the M42 front case, right? I'm not sure if the oil pumps are the same between the M42 and M44. I've heard one is slightly thicker to improve oil volume.

The m42 oil pump is 8.5 mm thick and the m44 oil pump is 10 mm thick.

It does not make difference if the engine is warm (oil), it's the startup (cold thick oil) that this mod helps with plus makes lifters more stable for revs.

My 2c anyway

[DesktopDave]

The m42 oil pump is 8.5 mm thick and the m44 oil pump is 10 mm thick.

It does not make difference if the engine is warm (oil), it's the startup (cold thick oil) that this mod helps with plus makes lifters more stable for revs.

My 2c anyway

Good to know. I'll be looking for the M44 case & pump if/when I build one of these for my 318iS.

[Hsquad12]

Hi,
i wanted to check back and ask if you had an issue mating the M44 timing case to the M42 block as i notice the gasket part numbers shown on www.realoem.com call out two different part #'s
xxx3032 for the M42
&
xxx4363 for the M44

i tore down a M42 today for the E30 thats been in my garage for 12 months to replace the c/shaft seals and check on the health of the timing case only to find that 80% of the profile gasket is bulging out into the timing case like a hernia ......   

I have 2x M44 t'/cases and 3/M42 cases in the garage so if i can make something work with the larger oil pump, gasket differences and idler gear delete i'll be all over it.
Any advice on your t/case experiences would be much appreciated.
thx
e

[locknload]

My profile gasket was the same.  I wondered if it was ever replaced under the recall as it was obvious there was still coolant getting into the crankcase when I tore it down.  The m44 timing case gasket is metal and all one piece now, replacing the handful of m42 paper ones.  I bought the m44 metal gasket separately and used it instead of the paper ones that came in the head set.  I suggest pulling the head and building it all back up from the bottom, instead of trying that lubricated shim stock trick documented elsewhere.  I'm pretty sure that trying to slide the timing covers in with the head already installed is going to cause problems in the future.  The profile gasket is fidgety enough without the extra burden of having the head in the way.  If you pay attention, think logically and go slowly you can do it without the special alignment tools.

[bmwman91]

Here's some solid info on the early M42 case vs late model M42 case swap.
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=364954

Some of it is applies to the M44 case (mainly the big gasket). Obviously the M44 case lacks a way to hold the CPS.

[Hsquad12]

Here's some solid info on the early M42 case vs late model M42 case swap.
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=364954

Some of it is applies to the M44 case (mainly the big gasket). Obviously the M44 case lacks a way to hold the CPS.

Thanks Guys,


bmwman91  - That is a great link to the M44 timing case swap and much appreciated. I'll give it a proper read through tonight and work on the parts list i need.
When i noticed the difference in the cases i thought that the oil channels in the block must be ported differently so i think what i will do is hold off ordering the gasket until the camshaft looking tool arrives and i tear off the existing timing case to ensure all the M44 ports line up with the oil gallery ports.

I have a timing case from either late model M42 or early M44 that has the idler gear delete plus a bracket on the casting for the CPS so maybe i'm lucky there and this will be a very simple upgrade to larger oil pump and idler gear delete...
I'll try and take some pictures later of the parts and pieces i have to work with.

locknload - i hear you about stripping the head all the way down but before i dig this hole any deeper i want to make that call once i have cleaned up the block and timing case and dry fit with a profile gasket. its hard to visualize and make a call until i can lay hands on the job. If it looks in any way marginal i'll bite the bullet and follow what i know to be the sensible path.

more to follow

[Hsquad12]

So i have more M4x timing cases in the garage than i care to admit to you guys or tell my wife about......

                                                         Part Number                        Oi Pump cover #
2x M42 cases with the idler gear      1 721 799                                 1 714 614
2x M44 cases                                    1 739 802.9                              1 714 614

& an odd ball
1x M42.x (late model)                       1 739 413                                 1 714 614

The oldball case has the CPS bracket in the casting and the idler gear delete. I think it came from a Z3 but cant remember.... This is the case i'm considering using with the late model M44 metal gasket to the block so i have the upside of deleting the gear while retaining the OEM CPS bracket.

I have three questions for the group:
1. should i swap over the guts of the M44 oil pump to this late model M42 case?
2. is this swap as simple as replacing with the late model M44 gasket to the block?
3. is there anything else i am forgetting?
thx

[Hsquad12]

Here are some pics of the bulging profile gasket. I don't think these images are typical of the usual failure mode as they appear more what i'd expect to see from poor installation.
regardless, i've decided not to take a chance on the PG and to replace it now along with a late model M42 timing cast with the idle gear delete.