1.6L vs 1.8L engines

Updated: 09 Dec 2024

Hi, I’m thinking about buying an e36. It’s only a 316, I was wondering if the 1.8L (single cam) engine would be a direct (and cheap) swap from the 1.6L ???? Both engines look the same but are they. It would be appreciated if someone could tell me the differences between them both

Thanks

Comments

Just swap in a m50/2 in it.

Yea, I probably should, but out of curiosity, do u think the 1.8 would be a completely direct swap

Depends if its m40/m42/m43. starters and everything should fit, better also to get ecu that was for that engine you want to put in. but powersteering rack must come from 1.8 car. everything else should be plug&play

Ok, thanks, I had a rough idea about the ECU being needed, but didn’t know about powersteering rack, thanks

You won’t feel a big diffrence between the 2 i did swap a 316 m43b16 to a m44b19 (318IS) still wasnt much

Yea, also had the idea of an m44, is it much work for the swap or is it costly

Not much work but a 6 cil swap is more interesting and not that more expensive

Thanks, the advice is much appreciated

1.9

Go for a 320i e36 engine or even a 325i engine they are very trustworthy and you’ll get a much better swap than that. Best of luck

Save your time and money bro. If you want power gains from your 316 get the m44 exhaust manifold, will probably give you as much as swapping to 318 with much less effort. If you insist on an engine swap, you will be disappointed if you stick to 4 cylinders.