BMW M44 Straight-4 Engine

The BMW M44 is a straight-4 DOHC 1.9 piston engine which replaced the M42 and was produced from 1996-2001. It was produced alongside the M43 straight-4 engine, with the M44 being the higher performance engine. The M44 was replaced by the N42 engine.

The water-cooled in-line four-cylinder engine developed by BMW with a displacement of 1895 cc and four-valve technology, which is based on the BMW M42 .  This has two overhead camshafts . The valves are actuated by higher-speed roller cam followers instead of conventional tappets with hydraulic valve clearance compensation. The duplex roller control chain was retained. Due to the longer stroke, a new crankshaft with four instead of eight counterweights was used, which was now cast instead of forged as in the M42. The diameter of the journals remained the same as its predecessor, which is why the crank mechanism is often used for tuning purposes. The differentiated intake system (DISA) as well as the Motronic M 5.2 in conjunction with hot wire air mass meter were used.

The M44 was used in the BMW E36 , as well as in the BMW Z3 Roadster.

Compared with the M42, the M44 has an extra 6% displacement, hydraulic lifters, hot-wire MAFand other detail changes. As per the final versions of the M42, the M44 has a dual length intake manifold (called "DISA" by BMW). Peak power is the same as the M42, however torque is increased by 5 N·m (4 lb·ft).

The M44B19 has a displacement of 1895 cc, which is achieved through a bore of 85 mm (3.3 in) and stroke of 83.5 mm (3.3 in). A compression ratio of 10:1 is used, along with Bosch Motronic 5.2 fuel injection.

The crankshaft has an increased stroke from the M42's 81mm and is cast instead of forged. Also revised were the valve actuators which are of a roller pivoting arm type. This design replaces the M42's cam on spring cup design and results in a 30% decrease in rotational resistance from the cams.

Applications:

• 1996-2000 E36 318iS, 318Ti and 318iC
• 1996-2001 Z3 1.9