Author Topic: M42 versus M44 (Read 8668 times)

Hey-u · « **on:** August 28, 2007, 01:56:48 AM »

Hi Guys.
I currently own a 1992 318ic with 150km on the M42. and the opportunity to get a much lower km M44 for an excellent price. The intel I am getting is a mixed bag and I am not sure which is the better engine or if after the swap I will notice any difference at all. I get the impression the M42 is easier to work with and a bit more bullet proof? If any one can enlighten me as to the real world difference betwenn these 2 power plants it would sure be appreciated. My ultimate goal is to install a DA supercharger.
Cheers!

johna · « **Reply #1 on:** August 28, 2007, 06:32:51 AM »

The M44 has just a little more power and torque and the maximums are reached at a lower engine speed.

The M42 has a quality forged crank instead of the M44's cast unit.

But the M44 has roller valve actuation which I presume would be longer lasting than the M42 setup.

Installing an M44 in an E30 would obviously involve more parts and work than dropping in another M42 from an E30. There are several features not found on the M42 (dual length intake system, knock sensors, etc) so wiring loom and computer would be needed unless aftermarket management would be used. Which would also solve the likely OBDII issues that would arrise I would imagine.

The M42 and M44 from the E36 are usually better to supercharge as they have knock sensors and a more suitable drive belt system. But as you can read in other posts (search for the Grassroots Motorsport/GRM article) there now appears to be a kit available for the E30 M42.

Hey-u · « **Reply #2 on:** August 28, 2007, 07:00:36 PM »

Thanks for your thoughts John. It might be a good idea to querrie Jim at DA and see what he has to say. I knew about the forged crank and recognise it's superiority over cast. Does any one know of failures with the M44 crank?

christophbmw · « **Reply #3 on:** August 28, 2007, 07:17:57 PM »

i would go with the M44 and newer computer if you are going to supercharge it.

Hey-u · « **Reply #4 on:** August 29, 2007, 01:22:03 AM »

That is my thinking also but what if I decide to go another route? The supercharger is big bucks and I will likely have to wait untill spring to scratch up the cash.

m44power · « **Reply #5 on:** August 29, 2007, 10:09:33 AM »

you can't start m44 managment without EWS and e30's dont have one im running m42 engine with m44 managment (MAF) and runs perfect

Hey-u · « **Reply #6 on:** August 30, 2007, 03:44:13 AM »

I will get all the parts to run the M44 from the wrecked car (1999 318ti) so it should work but will it make much difference from the M42 in stock form. Did you notice a real difference?

m44power · « **Reply #7 on:** September 15, 2007, 03:05:08 PM »

Quote from: Hey-u;32745

I will get all the parts to run the M44 from the wrecked car (1999 318ti) so it should work but will it make much difference from the M42 in stock form. Did you notice a real difference?

i think m42 engine is better but m44 management is a lot better than m42's im running maf, knock sensors, DISA (600rpms lower than m42's),COP , Fan delete , m20 flywheel, and free flow cat back my e36 pass over e46 320ci 2.2 people says m44 is more powerfull than m42 i say they just have better management