How to distinguish M40 & M43?

[DanPromote]

Is there any telltale signs to distinguish both engines? My car is a Nov 93 e36 1.8(m), and it is sitting in between the end of M40 (M40 ends at 1993) and the beginneing of M43 (M43 starts from 1993).

 

[koryong]

I'm not sure if the early M43's have the electric fan, but if they do, then you can tell quite easily. They should have skinny electric fans while all M40's have a clutch fan which has a thick shroud (housing).

Also the M43 runs on a single coil (black flat piece) while the M40 has the traditional ignition coil (round cylinder). Both are at the starboard side of the engine.

Your VIN should reveal the specs of your car. Here's the link - just type in your VIN & it should tell you. But it's not always accurate ....

http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi


Good luck.

 

[johnhiggin]

Originally posted by DanPromote@Nov 19 2005, 09:58 PM
Is there any telltale signs to distinguish both engines? My car is a Nov 93 e36 1.8(m), and it is sitting in between the end of M40 (M40 ends at 1993) and the beginneing of M43 (M43 starts from 1993).

Hi, DanPromote

U can also see the different
M40 - with black plastic cap at front end of engine covering the timing belt
M43 - full metal engine block where timing chain sit in it.

 

[jeffreyewe]

Originally posted by johnhiggin+Nov 21 2005, 08:23 PM-->QUOTE (johnhiggin @ Nov 21 2005, 08:23 PM)

 

[DanPromote]

seems to be M40 then coz I don't have timing chain.

I've read http://www.bimmerforums.com/engine_faq/ that M40 is rated at 122bhp while M43 is only 115 bhp, why is the newer engine less powerful?