E36 Info Request

[beavis2k4]

Hey folks

No, ive not got rid of my e30, thats sacrilege! But, instead, i have purchased a 1995 'M' Reg 316i Coupe as a run around. It currently sits with its engine in half as im looking for a wiring loom for it
Now the questions:
The M40 was in the 316i's up until 1994 and then in 1995 they changed it to the m43, is that right?
Whats the easiest way to tell them apart? M40 Belt Driven, M43 Chain? i.e. look for a chain?
Will a 318i M43 wiring loom plug into the 316i fine? Will the fuel rail fit also?
I doubt the ECU will, but if anyone can tell me otherwise id be greatful

So the hunt is on for a wiring loom, ECU, and a fuel rail.... as ive found over the last few days, its not going to be that easy a task finding them Any hints or tips would be much appreciated

Cheers ,
Beavis

[darkchild]

A M reg 316i should definitely be a chain driven M43 engine.

IIRC the easiest way to tell them apart is the oil cap - circular on the M40 and square on the M43. The M43 is an excellent engine and a big improvement on the M40. It's very smooth for a 4 cylinder.

[beavis2k4]

Excellent! Thanks!

now all i need to know is if the 316 and 318 parts from the m43 are interchangeable

[Jhonno]

i think they are yes

[Zerotonine]

I thought the M43 is belt driven? Mine is belt driven I'm sure and I have N plate 316i with M43 block, but as I haven't had it apart I can't confirm

[fozzymandeus]

M43 chain cam. All the information above is correct re:oil cap shape etc etc.

The only belt driven petrol engine to appear in an E36 was the M40. (No idea about diesel but I bet no belt driven diesel either)

In addition, why not type the last seven digits of the chassis number into realoem.com?

It'll give you the model and engine number right after where it says 'you have selected:'

[Zerotonine]

well learn something new every day!

[Brianmoooore]

Only BMW engines ever made with timing belts were the M20 and M40.

[beavis2k4]

k, ive got the wiring loom, ecu and fuel rail from a 318i with an m43, only thing i need to know is if the 318i ECU will work on the 316i, will it reset to run on the 316 or anything? OR at least, can i swap the chip from a 316i ECU into the one from a 318i ?

Thanks in advance,
Beavis

[Andy325i]

I have an E36 316i ECU here. Yours for £10 + postage if you need it. We converted the car to a 325i lump as the headgasket went on the M43

Andy