M40 Versus M42, want to replace the engine

[markus_74]

Dear, Friends

I have E30 318i and recently I have also rebuilt it.

There is a junkyard here that offer me M42 engine complete with the ECU also cost about U.K Pound 350

My question:

Is it wise to change the M40 with M42? What is the advantage of M42?

Thanks
Markus P Nugroho

[Pal318is]

I would definately change it Markus....For a start your getting 16valves instead of 8valves, it's also a very revvy engine, compared to most other bmw engines, let alone the m40 lump. You don't need to modify the m42 that much either to get more horsepower from it...Just simple mods.

You don't say where your based?? £350 for the engine and i'm assuming the gearbox too, is ok...How many miles has the m42 engine done?? Has it got history to back up the mileage.

For £350 i'd want a reasonably low mileage engine/gearbox.

HTH

Pal

[E30Mark]

You'll also need the gearbox / prop / diff / exhaust / coil pack & moutings from the 318iS...

[markus_74]

Hi pal

I live in Kudus city in Indonesia, the engine may be from Singapore/Hongkong and no memory about the mileage, 350 is for the engine including the cost for labor. No gearbox because the seller said that I can use my Old Getrag 240, as the short block is same with M40, I don't know about it.

I the web I read that weakness of M42 is head gasket, is it true?

I prefer the high torque instead of high rev cause of the traffic here need it, does the M42 has the advantage of M40 like good gas response and high torque?

Thanks
Markus

[markus_74]

Dear, Mark

I have try view the item you want to sale at the ebay, but there is no item at this moment.

What parts do you want to sell?

Thanks
Markus

[Andyboy]

You'll also need the gearbox / prop / diff / exhaust / coil pack & moutings from the 318iS...

You can use the flywheel/clutch/gearbox/prop and diff from the 318i - they will do the job fine. You'll need the engine with loom and coils and ECU plus the radiator. The 318i Rad might be okay but the iS has the bigger one from the E34 520i/525i 24v.

[daimlerman]

Been thinking about this for a while.I fancy an ex E46 318i motor for our 316i Touring.Will I still need the doner ECU/gearbox etc?Could I get running on the ECU from the 316i without coil packs?What about exhaust?

[markus_74]

Dear, Pal

How about the torque? does M42 has high torque as M40 has in low rev?

Thanks
Markus

I would definately change it Markus....For a start your getting 16valves instead of 8valves, it's also a very revvy engine, compared to most other bmw engines, let alone the m40 lump. You don't need to modify the m42 that much either to get more horsepower from it...Just simple mods.

You don't say where your based?? £350 for the engine and i'm assuming the gearbox too, is ok...How many miles has the m42 engine done?? Has it got history to back up the mileage.

For £350 i'd want a reasonably low mileage engine/gearbox.

HTH

Pal

[Brianmoooore]

Been thinking about this for a while.I fancy an ex E46 318i motor for our 316i Touring.Will I still need the doner ECU/gearbox etc?Could I get running on the ECU from the 316i without coil packs?What about exhaust?

Many, many problems on this one. Less work to put in a M50 and do a proper job.

[Andyboy]

If want an M43, get a non EWS E34 1.8 from a 518i, aA much better engine than the M40 (not difficult).

[Pal318is]

Dear, Pal

How about the torque? does M42 has high torque as M40 has in low rev?

Thanks
Markus

I would definately change it Markus....For a start your getting 16valves instead of 8valves, it's also a very revvy engine, compared to most other bmw engines, let alone the m40 lump. You don't need to modify the m42 that much either to get more horsepower from it...Just simple mods.

You don't say where your based?? £350 for the engine and i'm assuming the gearbox too, is ok...How many miles has the m42 engine done?? Has it got history to back up the mileage.

For £350 i'd want a reasonably low mileage engine/gearbox.

HTH

Pal

In the low rev range the m42 can be slow at times, but once you get to 4k rpm it really kicks and pulls very well. Not very torquey loaded up tho'



Pal

[hoshy]

But keep it in the power and whooooohoooo

[markus_74]

Been thinking about this for a while.I fancy an ex E46 318i motor for our 316i Touring.Will I still need the doner ECU/gearbox etc?Could I get running on the ECU from the 316i without coil packs?What about exhaust?

Many, many problems on this one. Less work to put in a M50 and do a proper job.

Does put M50 less work? as I know it is bigger engine and has different short block.

I'm searching many option, I want to get is more torque and power and 6 cyl engine is better for me, but people here said it is difficult to fit it.

M50B25 is enough I think

[markus_74]

Been thinking about this for a while.I fancy an ex E46 318i motor for our 316i Touring.Will I still need the doner ECU/gearbox etc?Could I get running on the ECU from the 316i without coil packs?What about exhaust?

Many, many problems on this one. Less work to put in a M50 and do a proper job.

Does put M50 less work? as I know it is bigger engine and has different short block.

I'm searching many option, I want to get is more torque and power and 6 cyl engine is better for me, but people here said it is difficult to fit it.

M50B25 is enough I think

Have any advice for me? How much cost for M50B25 engine complete with all wiring, ecu and all to complete it?

Thanks

[Gibbo]

So it sounds like the M42 and M43 are the easiest engine swaps for a M40. I've heard the M42 is a very rev happy engine but a bit scarse. What about the M43 anyone? Performance figures? (What is non EWS M43?) Cheaper than a M42 perhaps? I presume you need the same combination of engine, loom, ECU and radiator. So are they as easy as each other?

[markus_74]

Dear, Gibbo

Yes, I think M42 is the easies engine swaps for M40. Also if M42 rev happy, the torque will only come out in high rev.

I don't know the different between M42 and M43