BMW M43B16 engine

M43B16 is a well-known engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters, as well as a power index equal to 102 hp. It was used exclusively for BMW 3-series cars. In its form, it is in-line, has a set of four cylinders, each of which has two valves. The total number of the latter is 8 pieces.

AI-95 gasoline is recommended for best performance. Fuel consumption may vary depending on the type of terrain where you predominantly operate the car. For example, if you use it mainly for city driving, the figure can reach 11 liters per 100 km. The indicator on the highway is much more modest – 6 liters. However, the absolute majority of drivers have to observe a mixed driving style, here the actual figure will be close to the mark of 7-8 liters. The approximate volume of oil in this power unit is 4 liters.

In general, the characteristics can not be called outstanding, it all depends on the purposes for which you need a car. Are you interested in traveling at high speeds? Then, probably, this is not your option. However, if you are a simple person who appreciates comfort and reliability, then, undoubtedly, this engine is what you need. In addition, if you examine the reviews on the Internet, you will hardly find negative opinions on the background of a lot of positive ones. And it should be noted, such a reputation is very deserved, because the motor has only one minus, and that is doubtful.

M43B16 engine specifications

Advantages

The M43B16 engine for BMW 3-series was developed on the basis of the related M43B18 engine and replaced the M40B16. Unlike its “ancestor”, the described motor has a lighter crankshaft. Pistons were changed, compression ratio was increased to 9.7, new connecting rods 145 mm long were installed.

As for the cylinder block, it has also been significantly changed. Instead of the timing drive, an extremely reliable chain is used, which will not need to be replaced before 250-300 thousand kilometers.

The manufacturers replaced the ignition system, in order to optimize the performance of the motor directly on the intake decided to use a DISA manifold.

Disadvantages

Despite the quite good reputation of the M43B16 engine, it will most likely not be without problems. There are not so many, and they are not so serious, but this information should be kept in mind, so that the power unit will serve you as long as possible.

For example, oil leaks are sometimes observed. This is a common problem with all M43s. But how do you fix it? It depends, first of all, on the source of the problem. And often the deficiencies are caused by the valve cover. Replace the gaskets with sealant, as well as the HVAC.

Owners of cars with the described engine note various extraneous crackles and noises. Basically, the engine “trots” in this way because of the DISA flap, which tends to suddenly fail. Sometimes, but still less often, hydrocompensators may make noise.

Often attempts at “self-treatment” lead to unfavorable consequences. Here it is worth considering the level of your knowledge of engine anatomy. If you do not know, for example, how to independently check the mass air flow sensor or how to replace the idle valve, we do not recommend trying to solve these or other problems yourself. It will be more reliable to contact specialized specialists, otherwise you risk increasing the number and severity of certain failures.

Chip tuning

The simplest and at the same time common way to strengthen the described engine is to buy a stocker with head (from M42/M44). But there is a second way. If you stick to it, you will have to install an intake manifold, as well as a camshaft with a phase of 266-270. This will give the motor an increase of about 20-30 “horses”.

There is, however, another most productive way. It consists in purchasing a more powerful engine. It makes no sense to try to strengthen the M43B16, because this motor was originally created for completely different purposes.

This engine is installed on the following models:

BMW 3-Series (E36)