M43B19 Engine Review: Everything You Need to Know

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M43, an inline-four engine with SOHC piston, was first released by BMW in 1991 as a substitute to M40 and was manufactured till 2002. The available engine volume is between 1.6 L and 1.9 L. M43 was employed for base-model vehicles. Simultaneously, DOHC M42, and later M44, was utilized for high-performance automobiles.

M43B19 (or M43TU as it’s often called) is the biggest engine of the M43 series with the offset of 1985 cc. Using BMW BMS 46 fuel injection system, it reaches the power of 118 hp and a torque of 180 Nm.

Unlike a motor, utilized for 316i cars without DISA valve, the one for 318i model features the one.

M43B19 Engine Specs

Manufacturer	Steyr Plant
Also called	BMW M43TU
Production	1998-2002
Cylinder block alloy	Cast iron
Configuration	Straight-4
Valvetrain	SOHC 2 valves per cylinder
Piston stroke, mm (inch)	83.5 (3.29)
Cylinder bore, mm (inch)	85 (3.35)
Compression ratio	9.7
Displacement	1895 cc (115.6 cu in)
Power output	77 kW (105 HP) at 5,300 rpm 87 kW (118 HP) at 5,500 rpm
Torque output	165 Nm (122 lb·ft) at 2,500 rpm 180 Nm (133 lb·ft) at 3,900 rpm
Redline	6,200 rpm
HP per liter	55.4 62.3
Fuel type	Gasoline
Fuel system	Bosch BMS46
Weight, kg (lbs)	~138 (305)
Fuel consumption, L/100 km (mpg) -City -Highway -Combined	for E46 318Ci 11.0 (21.4) 6.0 (39.2) 8.0 (29.4)
Turbocharger	Naturally aspirated
Oil consumption , L/1000 km (qt. per miles)	up to 1.0 (1 qt. per 750 miles)
Recommended engine oil	0W-30 0W-40 5W-30 5W-40
Engine oil capacity, L (qt.)	4.0 (4.2)
Oil change interval, km (miles)	7,000-10,000 (4,500-6,000)
Normal engine operating temperature, °C (F)	90-95 (195-203)
Engine lifespan, km (miles) -Official information -Real	– 300+ (185)
Tuning, HP -Max HP -No life span loss	150+ –

M43 Engine Modifications

Modifications

Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Redline	Year
M43B16	1596 cc	75 kW (101 hp) @ 5500	150 N·m (111 lb·ft) @ 3900	6200	1991
M43B18	1796 cc	85 kW (115 hp) @ 5500	168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @ 3900	6200	1993
M43B19	1895 cc	87 kW (118 hp) @ 5500	180 N·m (133 lb·ft) @ 3900	6200	1998
		77 kW (105 hp) @ 5300	165 N·m (122 lb·ft) @ 2500	6200	1999

1. M43TU B19 OL (1998-2002) is a basic model with output of 118 hp at 5,500 rpm and a torque of 180 Nm at 3,900 rpm.
2. M43TU B19 UL (1998-2001) is a later modification with another camshaft. Its power is 105 hp at 5,300 rpm and a torque of 165 Nm at 2,500 rpm.

M43B19 Applications

• BMW 316i E36
• BMW 316i E46
• BMW 318Ci E46
• BMW Z3

M43TU engine innovations

• Single engine displacement – 1.9 liters;
• An engine block with the fastening points for the balancer shaft housing;
• Cylinder block with an assembly of the engine speed sensor assembly and the reference signal sensor;
• The crankshaft with the driving gear to the balancer shafts and an incremental wheel speed sensor and the engine speed reference signal transmitter;
• Block of balancer shafts;
• Modified camshaft of the lower power stage of the motor;
• The pistons and connecting rods;
• The oil pan, the oil damper and suction tube oil pipe fitted under the engine with balance shafts;
• Thermal oil level sensor;

BMW M43B19 Engine Problems and Reliability

1. Oil leak. The trouble is rather widespread for these motors. As a rule, the cause is in leaking of valve cover. It’s advisable to acquire fresh valve cover gland, sealant and positive crankcase ventilation valve.
2. Engine tapping. Usually, it has to do with DISA valve. It’s recommended to acquire DISA valve repair kit and fix intake manifold.

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The other possible reason is hydraulic lifters tapping.

Besides, M40B19 motor may have malfunctions with acceleration, rough idling and overheating.

Though, all these troubles are secondary in comparison with the major minus of the motor, which is low power. So, the fans of speedy driving will hardly like this engine as the driving may be pretty boring.

In a nutshell, despite its low capacity, BMW M43 is rather a trustworthy and durable engine. However, all M43 motors for sale are rather old now and so, you can face some unpleasant surprises.

 

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