318 made in 8/90

[budhall088]

I'm kind of confused about what engine my car has in it. I've searched a couple times and found some info, as well as the BMW data thread in the BMW Newbie section. I can't make up my mind as to which 4 cylinder is stuffed inside my 318. It was made in August, of 1990, so is that too late in the year to be sold as a 90? Or is it too early to be sold as a 91? I found in a thread that the 91 is has the M42 but I'm not ready to believe that because I've been under the impression that I had the M40 since I got the car. If someone could give me some hints or just tell me straight up that would be grand. I've been wracking my poor little brain for the past couple weeks now because I can't seem to understand this plethora of info I've found. Am I really this dumb?!

Happy motoring.

 

[epj3]

USA models never saw the M40, and a 8/1990 production date would obviously be a 1991 model year (you have an M42).


By the way, all you need is google for your answers (if you see a "wikipedia" link, its probably good)

 

[budhall088]

Woot, that's what I was thinking. I guess I was just confused by all the different numbers that were in no particular order. Thanks man.

 

[Big Daddy]

THe M42 motor first came out in the 91's and it is very different looking than the one in the 90's models.

 

[bad ass v-dub]

My dads car is a 91' 318is with the m42 but it was built in March of 90'

 

[Big Daddy]

Ok, your dad's car is a 91 that is what we are saying. The M42 came out in the 91's.

 

[budhall088]

Woot, so the M42 is chain driven correct? Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Big Daddy]

Yes the M42 has a timing chain, not a belt!

 

[budhall088]

Good deal, makes me a bit happier. one more newbish question, it's the 4 valve correct? As in 4 valves per cylinder...?

 

[jrt67ss350]

Yes, the M42 is a 16 valve engine.

 

[budhall088]

Sweet, all kinds of helpful people here! I love this place. Thanks guys.