M42 or M44?

[weezer]

I recently (in October) bought a supposedly 1997 318ti. From what I understand these came with M44 engines, however, in the tech specification section of the owner's manual, the torque rating is 129lb/ft, like an M42 engine. Did the M42 lasted until late 1996? The intake set-up is very similar to a M44 engine. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
Weezer

[ZeroG]

Originally Posted by weezer

I recently (in October) bought a supposedly 1997 318ti. From what I understand these came with M44 engines, however, in the tech specification section of the owner's manual, the torque rating is 129lb/ft, like an M42 engine. Did the M42 lasted until late 1996? The intake set-up is very similar to a M44 engine. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
Weezer

I know that they made a few hybrid M42 with some M44 parts, as I have one. But my car's production date was 9/95. I don't think that they would have been doing it until late 96'. There are a few things you can check: Is the Oil ilter housign plastic or metal? Is the thermostat housing plastic or metal? Do you have a vacume pump for the exhaust system, and a DISA valve, as most M42's did not have these items.

-Chad

[weezer]

Thanks, Chad.
I will check those things out as soon as I get a chance to get under my car and tool around.

Thanks again,
WEEZE

[GDB]

There are two owner manuals in the little black book thing that came with my car. One of them is labled "Owner's Manual" and the other is labled "Owner's Manual" with some reference to BMWNA. The one referencing BMWNA lists the specifications for the M44, whereas the other manual lists M42 specs. I have no clue why they did it like that, but that is what came with my car. By the way, I have a 96 with the M44.

[CirrusSR22]

I've got a M44 (96) and my owners manual is the same way. M42 specs, even fluid capacities. There was also a supplement in the black leather case with all the M44 stuff.