Page 1 of 1

E30 318i M10B18 or M42/M44 for '80 316?

Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2024 8:28 pm
by ardaakbulut
So I currently have a 1980 316 in process of restoration and while we are at it I wanted a little bit of extra power with it (130-140 crank hp, so basically 323i level). And due to the laws in turkey I cannot swap in a 6 cylinder sadly. So the best option looks like an m42/m44 but those need a fair bit of fabrication as far as I could find on the internet. So I thought maybe I could get that power out of an m10b18 out of a e30 318i. (No 2 liter m10's because they are quite rare in my country). So my question is can I make those power figures from that engine with cams, headers etc. without sacrificing daily drivability too much or should I just get an m42/m44 swap? (I also have the original engine if any parts are needed to be swapped onto the m10b18.)

Re: E30 318i M10B18 or M42/M44 for '80 316?

Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2024 8:21 pm
by uwbuurman
Easiest to go is the m10b18 engine. All fits well, like gearbox etc. But beware, you'll need to wire a different fuelpump and a tankunit. And some wires. Not sure if the fusebox can stay.

A bit harder to go is that m4x engine. You'll need a custom wireharnass, engine mounts etc.

Re: E30 318i M10B18 or M42/M44 for '80 316?

Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2025 2:40 am
by Sierpien
An M42 is a bit more work, but it totally transforms the car.