Engine mounts on e30 318is

[Forwox]

Hi guys,

Motor mounts on my 90' e30 318is with m42 are shot due to age and recent accident on "good local roads". I see that aftermarket options on specific 318is motor mounts are close to none, except BMW Group ones for 85 Eur each. I don't feel it as a very objective price for such mass produced 3er, somehow...

I have read on old forum topics that people use e36 318is motor mounts, but the centering pin has to be cut off, or even e28 535, or M40, but then M40 brackets are needed too? Has anybody had experience with using alternatives? Any engine position drawbacks or more vibrations, or misalignments with driveshaft using alternatives?

[monty23psk]

I have used the e28 ones, actually still have them in case I ever do a m5x motor swap. I removed the tab to make it work. It does increase the NVH a little more but nothing unbearable. m42 stock ones are fluid filled due to the 4-cylinder extra jiggle.

[bmwman91]

I used to run the 535/M30 solid rubber OEM mounts, specifically because they were a lot cheaper than the M42 ones. It made the car a lot noisier and everything inside rattled. Years later when I was out of school and working, I paid up for the M42 ones and it was so much better. That assumes that the car is a daily driver. If you just use it on weekends or for driving events, the solid mounts are not an issue.

Do not buy the cheaper MTC ones, they are half the price for half the lifespan. If you get the OEM M42 ones, they will last you many many years. Yeah yeah they are a bit costly, but there is a reason that BMW designed expensive hydraulic mounts. The M42 is not the smoothest 4 cylinder out there. The cost of the OEM ones probably works out to $30 per year over the life of them, which is less than a tank of gas.