longevity of the M44B19 engine

[rob101]

Howdy, My gf's looking at switching to a e36 318ti (same engine as the e36 318is after 1996). Now i know my m50 has given me faithful service up to 270000 kms (167000 miles). I was wondering how long you can you expect this 4 cylinder engine to last before needing an overhaul I am looking at cars generally in the 150 - 175000 kms (93000 - 109000 miles) and therefore would be hoping to have enough life left in the engine for up to 250000 kms (156000 miles). Is this reasonable?

[winfred]

good oil changes and keep a ear out for a noisy timing chain, if you can't quiet the chain down with a new piston start saving for the tear down of the front of the engine, a job made easier by pulling the head, if ignored one of the rails will break and throw the chain which bends valves. the oil filter housing gasket/o-rings leak and need to be changed usually in the 100k range, they have that rotten air leaking pcv valve that plagues most modern bmws but it's easy to get to

seen em go 300+k miles

[rob101]

good oil changes and keep a ear out for a noisy timing chain, if you can't quiet the chain down with a new piston start saving for the tear down of the front of the engine, a job made easier by pulling the head, if ignored one of the rails will break and throw the chain which bends valves. the oil filter housing gasket/o-rings leak and need to be changed usually in the 100k range, they have that rotten air leaking pcv valve that plagues most modern bmws but it's easy to get to

seen em go 300+k miles

ah okay, I can deal with anything up to and including headwork, I just don't want to have to do any "engine out" work (top and bottom end piston rings etc.). so I should be okay, thanks wilfred.

[myles]

The M44B19 in my wife's car just ticked over 210k during last week. I think we've only put 35k on it in the last 3 years but it goes very well. It feels really good to drive and is good for economical driving around town. I've never had to do anything more than an oil change on the engine. Timing chain is nice and quiet too.