E30 Zone

Hello folks,

The valve rattle from my 518's M40 engine is getting pretty bad now to the point that it's sounding like an old Pinto with a knacked camshaft.

I understand that the engine uses hydraulic followers of sorts but in a similar set up to the pinto with mechanical fingrs being used to move the valves under the influence of the camshaft. However, I have also been told that there is a mechanical adjustment that needs to be set aswell.

Is this true? If so, can anyone please give me details of valve clearances and wether there's anything to watch out for/special tools required for the job?

Many thanks,

Smiler.

the M40 engines do not adjust at all. The only way to cure this is to replace the tappets, camshaft and spray bar

Buger! Oh well, thanks for that. I did think it was a bit odd and I couldn't see anything obvious that I could adjust in the various pictures and diagrams I've found on the net.

Thanks for the swift response, saves me from disturbing the rocker cover for no good reason.

Cheers.

Another thought, is there a later engine that will easily drop in in it's place? Would a later version line up with the mounts, exhaust etc...?

What are the common four-pot swaps on the E30?

I'm not too worried about increasing performance, just something cheap and relaible with prehaps a little more economy (or even just the addition of coil packs as opposed to the dizzy I presently have).

Thanks for any help.

4 pot swops on e30's are mainly for m42's I'd strongly considering finding a post 1990 525 with the M50 (24v) engine. They are as good on fuel and don't make the 34 feel like mobile road block

Funnily enough I have one of those aswell, I was given it for spares but have decided to enter it into a competition as a sort of track car. Look here:

http://www.escortupgrades.co.uk/BMW/Pro ... twurst.htm

I don't want to go to too great lengths to fit a 6-pot to the daily smoker, especialy as it makes working on the car much easier with a tiddly four pot fitted.

Sticking with a 4 cylinder motor your options are a bit limited,the twin cam M42 will fit,and later developments on this engine as well,you will have to check things like sump shape for compatability with the E30 crossmember.Of course there are always the off the wall ideas such as Ford BDA and Cosworth motors....

I would want a simply bolt in and plug in job if I were to swap the engine as I have enough projects on the go as it is and the cars not worth it. (E34 by the way)

Would upset a few people mind having a Beemer with powered by Ford on it.

Fuzzy would love you however