E36 engine ....?? - United Bimmer Community

**harley the husky** · 10-01-2008, 11:35 AM

Dear All.
Could you all cast your eyes over this engine and confirm that it is indeed a 318 E36 motor.

The block is cracked and i'm struggling to replace the motor with a second hand unit and all the 318 E36 engines' i can see on E.ay seem different.

Any ideas guys ...??

Many thanks
Eddie

**JEEwing** · 10-01-2008, 05:02 PM

There are TWO motors and it is the year of the model that makes a difference. Largely because of the computer controls (OBD-I vs. OBD-II)
M42 is the OBD-I motor used up to and including 1995. 1.8Litre 128hp
M44 is OBD-II motor used from 1996 on. 1.9Litre 132hp

What I see in those pictures is neither. That's an M40 engine if I'm not mistaken. It's certainly a SOHC which was used on some E36's in 92-93 but was not mainstream.

**harley the husky** · 10-01-2008, 06:34 PM

Hey JEEwing.
Thanks for taking the time to reply bud.

I'm wondering if that's why i'm finding it hard to source a decent cheapish motor.. Hmm.
So, if it is an M40 motor, what else do you think i could fit in without lots of messing around with loom problems etc ..?

Thanks again friend.
Eddie

**JEEwing** · 10-01-2008, 07:35 PM

If you're looking to just do a drop in and plug n play then go with another M40. They have a good reputation. If memory serves me right the M42 will also drop in but the ecu may need tuning.

**harley the husky** · 10-02-2008, 06:30 PM

Hey bud.
According to Google it's an ' M43 ' engine as fitted to the Z3 .....

How can that be ??

**JEEwing** · 10-03-2008, 09:23 PM

You sir are correct. It is an M43. I wasn't googling pics but the early e36 four bangers with a SOHC. All pointing to an E40.
Back to your question.......it was an option according to this. I'm in the states and it was not an option here as far as I knew. But now that you know what engine you have there you know what to look for. Good luck mate.