Mon Feb 07, 2011 8:34 pm
Plenty of bmw engines do high mileage - my bro had a 200k IS, there were some getting around 250k on e36coupe a few years back, no idea these days. My m52b25 has 203k on it, has only ever in my fam's ownership (since 100k miles mb 8 yrs ago) had a water pump and rad, my bro's last m52b28 was approaching 150k, I've had loads of experiences of them being great, yet most on here - Dan, Andyboy etc keep going on about what scrap they are. I guess the point is its all v subjective.
Having said that, I much prefer the engineering in the m42, it is a much more modern design than the m20 and it shows. Not that there's anything wrong with the m20, just look at most parts, something as simple as the oil filter housing, or the timing chain, or the rods, or the crank, or the cyl head, or the exhaust manifold, the list goes on, all a nicer design on the m42.
The m42 compares well to other 16v engines of its era, andyboy mentions the XE, I'm convinced an m42 is easily its peer and has far fewer issues. Its a good engine, if not particularly exciting.
Totally agree on BMW's modern reputation being bolstered by the e30 325 and that they're a lovely car, that's not really what's being argued. I'd have either based on condition, they both have their fortes.
2.1 318is, MS, LPG. 200bhp, 175ft/lbs GONE!
Boxster, e46 m3, e36 sport touring and alpina B3 3.0
