E46 318i N42 - water leak into the engine

[myezxs]

Need some advice/opinions from the sifus of the following options :-1. Top overhaul/replace the cylinder head2. Replace the whole engine (similar series n42)3. Upgrade to m54

 

[gendong]

In my opinion, assuming you have an allocated budget to do any of the 3, and the options given, option 1 is the least cost involved compared to option 2 & 3 :

Option 1 : overhauling would solve the issue, but in the long run, the problem would re-appear over time. yeah this is the easiest solution.
Option 2 : do bear in mind, changing to another n42, the issues would start all over again. then you'd hv more heartache. rather than replacing to another n42, might as well change to n46, an upgraded and more reliable version of n42.
Option 3 : now thats more like it. m54 is one of the best engine out there, lesser issue. also opportunity to increase power. source out for a good donor engine and a reliable and trusted mech to do the transplant.

my 2 sen.

 

[jarance]

Option 3 is downgrade.. m54 is an older engine. However, it has less issue than the N42 engine.

 

[myezxs]

Thanks gendong. I m considering the 3rd option also but am sceptical of the transplant process which may lead to other problems later?. I was quoted rm16k, is it reasonable?

 

[myezxs]

Thnks jarence. My bad, wht i mean is higher cc.

 

[wingzee]

Like what gendong said, option 1 is the most cost-effective measure but does not guarantee that the same problem will not crop again.

Option 3 might require transplant of wirings etc as well as I don't think N42 and M54 are compatible. Do get a reputable mech to do so.

 

[jarance]

Thanks gendong. I m considering the 3rd option also but am sceptical of the transplant process which may lead to other problems later?. I was quoted rm16k, is it reasonable?

Just make sure that the paperwork are also in order as you need to register the new engine.

 

[myezxs]

Just make sure that the paperwork are also in order as you need to register the new engine.

Emm...that is another hassle

 

[gendong]

Not sure about the cost though. Roughly thats the ballpark figure for engine and workmanship for an engine change.

 

[myezxs]

Not sure about the cost though. Roughly thats the ballpark figure for engine and workmanship for an engine change.

Considering you r currently running on the similar n42, i guess. What would be ur choice?

 

[anaksarawak]

Myezxs, if am in your situation my option will be an engine transplant as am lucky to know a good workshop who can. RM15k my car will get manual gearbox and m54b30 engine

 

[AmoiSky]

Myezxs, i am currently in the same situation as you but without water leak problem. To stay with N42 or change to M54. If stay, same problem occur over and over again. If change what would be the consequences of the workmanship of workshop and what other cost related after the transplant. Iwas told that m54 is a bullet proof engine. If i am in your shoes, and have enough money i will def change the engine as long as a reputable workshop is working on it.. If ask Gendong, he may change to f30.. Lol.. Do more reading on both engine before you decide.. Lots of write ups and forum like e46fanatics can provide more insights about the engine.. All the best to you.

 

[gendong]

Give the 3 options that you stated, i'd go for the m54. Minimum 3.0 intoxicating.......

Amoi....slow down a bit on the f30 part.....or was it f32? Hehehe

 

[myezxs]

Myezxs, if am in your situation my option will be an engine transplant as am lucky to know a good workshop who can. RM15k my car will get manual gearbox and m54b30 engine

Mind pm me the workshop name?

 

[myezxs]

Hi Forumers!,

My recently transplanted N42 engine have some "unresolved issues" and now the mechanic has suggested a newer N46 since the chop shop didnt have any N42 as a replacement. Any issue on this engine? How about ECU?

 

[aidilj]

Hi Forumers!,

My recently transplanted N42 engine have some "unresolved issues" and now the mechanic has suggested a newer N46 since the chop shop didnt have any N42 as a replacement. Any issue on this engine? How about ECU?

Hello Bro, the N46 difference is that it uses ME9V DME, that is ME9 with built-in valvetronic control, thus eliminating the need for a separate VVT control unit, the wiring harness is different too. Though logically you could franken an N46 engine to replace N42, it would not be perfect.

 

[myezxs]

Thanks Bro Aidilj!

This means i have to ask the mechanic to change the wiring harness and ECU as well?. Sorry to ask this question as my knowledge in this is rather limited.

 

[kby88]

What are those unresolved issues?
FYI, i had the same problem as urs a month back. Water leak into cyl 1.
Problem solved by doing top overhaul. Cost me about RM2k

 

[myezxs]

Hi Kby88!

the 1st one is due to the cylinder head has already cracked. The transplanted one has somethin like 'misfiring' problem? but during idling is ok.

 

[anaksarawak]

Hi Kby88!

the 1st one is due to the cylinder head has already cracked. The transplanted one has somethin like 'misfiring' problem? but during idling is ok.

Have you checked the coils? replaced spark plugs, and checked if grounding are properly done? Sometime simple issues like this can cause massive headache