Should I buy a ti with an M42 or M44

[btonns]

Im debating between buying a '95 Clubsport and a regular '97 sport..I am aware that the M42 is a 1.8L and the M44 is a 1.9..Which engine is better when modified with a DINAN chip? Which of these ti's would you rather buy?

[NismoPick]

Im debating between buying a '95 Clubsport and a regular '97 sport..I am aware that the M42 is a 1.8L and the M44 is a 1.9..Which engine is better when modified with a DINAN chip? Which of these ti's would you rather buy?

Um... my questions would be: Which is in better shape? Which is a better price? Did the owner take care of the car? The M44 is awesome... but if it's beat to hell & the M42 is good... whatta do?

[318iS]

MILEAGE

very important the newer one could have way more miles....


M44 is more torquey.....

[btonns]

They both have about 100k miles..same price..both are in good condition. The clubsport is red and the sport is black.

[REDIS]

it doesn't really matter. get the car that looks and performs best.

[john318isau]

The M44 is a newer design so that is one advantage. If you are planning on major modifications maybe the M42 is a better choice because it doesn't have OBD2 (I may be wrong about that). Power and torque are very similar, slightly to the advantage of the M44, and BMW claim the M44 has improved fuel economy.

Want more details on the M42->M44 differences...

The M44 engine was introduced at the beginning of 1996. Based on the M42 engine, the M44's larger displacement is the result of boring and stroking the cylinder dimensions of the M42. Although peak power remains unchanged from the M42, the M44 boasts an improvement of 5 Nm of peak torque at an engine speed 200 rpm lower than its predecessor.

Changes from M42 to M44 are as follows: 1. The crankshaft is now a spheroidal-cast type with four counterweights instead of a forged steel type with eight counterweights; 2. Connecting rods and pistons were redesigned for improved NVH; 3. Conical valve springs were used in place of cylindrical valve springs; 4. The upper valve plate has been reduced in size; 5. Balance weights in the camshafts were now cast with the camshafts themselves; 6. The timing chain tensioner was redesigned to reduce wear; 7. The DME engine management system changed from M1.7 to M5.2; 8. Induction roar has been reduced by adoption of a sound-insulating cross-flow hose in the intake system as well as an intake silencer; 8. Rocker arms now have roller bearings; 9. A hot film mass air flow sensor is used in place of a vane type sensor; 10. The variable length intake system switches over 600 rpm earlier.

The new engine is said to be quieter and more fuel efficient as well as offering significantly enhanced torque. BMW claim a 70% reduction in friction over the M42.

[marleymon]

there's no question....the 95 Club Sport....m3 mirrors/bumpers/LSD right?
both manual tans?

[dashate]

I would buy the M44 engine. The M42 had a history of profile gasket failure at the 70,000 to 90,000 mile mark. It wasn't a matter of if, but when...ALL the gaskets failed given enough miles. People were pretty P.Od that BMW NA would not stand behind this repair. This is not an inexpensive fix, approx. $1500 and up. If you have your heart set on the M42, verify that the gasket has been replaced. No problems after replacement.

[dashate]

Part II
Oops, forgot to add that there was an effective date when the M42 gasket problem disappeared. You have to know the manufacture date of the engine. I don't recall the effective date, but others on this forum might know.

[btonns]

there's no question....the 95 Club Sport....m3 mirrors/bumpers/LSD right?
both manual tans?

Yes, but the 97 has M3 mirrors on it as well, but no LSD.

[mohaughn]

Part II
Oops, forgot to add that there was an effective date when the M42 gasket problem disappeared. You have to know the manufacture date of the engine. I don't recall the effective date, but others on this forum might know.


That was on the e30 M42. The m42 in the E36 cars while the same basic engine has differences. I think the cut off for that problem was November of 93.

[L84THSKY]

Get the 97, you can always add LSD or M3 mirrors.

Yes, but the 97 has M3 mirrors on it as well, but no LSD.

[cosmos schwarz]

95'. the original and best. club sport aswell so you get all the goodies. lsd, mtech suspension. m44 is a better standard engine, but somehow i cant imagine it staying that way. unless its a s/c, what ever you bolt on to it, the stupid computer works out how to bring it back to standard hp and mpg.

[BobbyDigital]

I dont think that the m44 is a better engine...my reason for saying this is: my '95 has 260,000 miles and still going strong.

Plus, it seems like the OBD1 thing is a big deal too.

And, its a club sport, do it. The only thing I dont like about the 95s and 96s is the grey bottom. I wish it was all the same color.

[S10mafia50]

Agreed, alaskablue's has just under 175k and never seen an easy day in its life. Get the clubsport!!!!! The lsd, rareness, and obd-1 are worth it....

the M44 isn't
Andrew