I recently purchased a European 1994 BMW 318is. Please can anyone tell me if my engine is an E40, E42 or E44?

Question

I'm not sure which European country it was imported from as I got it in a car dealership somewhere in Accra and I wasnt given any import papers. But I guess its from Germany or Holland.

Answer 1

E numbers are the model variants. E36 is a 90's 3 series. E46 is the next generation 3 series etc

The engine model is what you're looking for.

Simply phone any BMW dealership and ask them for the service department. Quote them the chassis number and they'll tell you what you've got. They'll also tell you what options the car should have, what service history it has as well as loads of other useful info.

Answer 2

The model is definately an E36, we have one on the same year. But the engine on ours is a m50, (we have a 2 litre coupe). We found it on the bmw tis cd (from ebay, but its what the garages use to diagnose problems and show schematics of all the cars parts). I would suggest buying that (much much cheaper when anything goes wrong than going to bmw for them tell you), if you put your year, engine etc in it tells you all the tech details like whether its an m50 etc.

Answer 3

The 'E' no of a BMW isn't for the engine. its the mocel code no. I think a 94 3 series is the E36

Answer 4

It PROBABLY has an M42 engine. The engine identification is stamped on the block, on the left-hand side, near the bottom. If you see the number '184S1 01A' (or 02 thru 05), it is an M42. If you see the number '184E2', it is an M43 (not likely). If you see the number '194S1', then it is an M44 (also not likely).
The VIN number will not tell you what engine the car has.

Answer 5

E36

Answer 6

If you contact BMW UK or a local delaer they should be able to look up the chassis number and check for you. Might not even charge you.