I just bought a 1996 318ti (which I understand has an M44) and I'm wondering what is the diff. between the M42 and the M44 engines?

the m42 is a 1.8 liter and uses OBD-I while the m44 is a 1.9 liter and uses OBD-II. the hp ratings are the same but the m44 has a tad more torque. as far as those differences im not sure what else there is.

The 95 Ti had the M42 (along with 318i/is 92-95). 96-99 318's had the M44. As mentioned, the HP is the same (@138-) but the torque from the extra 100cc's moves up from 128 to 133.

sept.1996-onwards has m44-140 bhp- torque -180-euro spec
thats what it says in my manual.

either way, both are supposedly bullet proof.

Depends on your bullet...

well ive had my 1998 ti with m44 with 33000 miles and had no probs yet
with regular servicing....

its wot i say abuse your motor and it will abuse your pocket !!!!!!!!!

180? 180 what? :?:

cause i have a EuroSpec M44 now?

Older thread, but same question:

Aside from the M44 being a newer engine, displacement, OBD I vs OBD II, and a bit more torque for the M44, what other differences, advantages/disadvantages have you all experienced with your motors. I have both motors now and am curious about the practical differences.

BTW, As far as M42s, I do notice the intake manifold difference between the 1991 M42 and the 1995 M42.

Thanks! :cool:

Having owned both, the differences that I'm aware of are:

M42-
1.8L displacement, forged internals, hydraulic drive belt tensioner, crank sensor on front of crankshaft, no DISA (at least on mine, I'm told that some M42's actually had DISA), aluminum thermostat housing, thermostat separate from housing, aluminum oil filter cap.

M44-
1.9L displacement, cast internals, sprung drive belt tensioner, crank sensor on rear of crankshaft, DISA, integrated plastic thermostat housing, plastic oil filter cap, plastic water outlet on rear of cylinder head, higher operating temperature than M42 (in my experience), more torque.


Surely there are more differences than this, this is just off the top of my head...

Heres a few more:

M42 has a few flavors. The latest M42 did have DISA and also had a plastic oil flter cover. Has a double weighted forged crank. Hydraulic lifter valvetrain. AFM intake, less smog stuff, easier to mod via chip.

M44 has a MAF intake. Cast single weighted crank. Roller rocker valvetrain.

Thanks!

For my two ti's, the M42 seems to rev more easily. I don't believe there any mods on the motor. There is a aftermarket cat (Magnaflow) on this car.

My M42 on my 318ic revs even more freely, but I have a lightened FW and a Magnaflow muffler on that setup.

The M44 is very smooth and pulls nicely. All stock as far as I can see thus far.

Anyone figure out if the M44 is any more reliable than a M42? Aside from the profile gasket and the many hoses on the M42s, mine have been very reliable. Not enough time with the M44 to know yet how it holds up.

Additionally, driving my two ti's, the M42 seems to be a little more peppy, not certain if its the motor or the condition of the two cars. The M44 seemed to have a more complete and consistent maintenance schedule, but the M42 last owner was a working tech.

Again, for those of you that have experienced both, what are your observations above what has already been mentioned?

Thanks! :cool:

hey there what observations did you get in this 3 years :), just wondering because i want to get one 318ti 1995, but im not sure if 96 is better o more reliable.

Since this thread gets recycled every so often-

M44 has roller rockers with lash adjusters in the pivots,
M42 has 'cam on valve' with hydraulic direct acting adjusters.

Neither the M52 nor M54 have the rockers- they seem to be a M44 'feature'...
...and not necessarily a bad one, either.

t