BMW M44

The BMW M44 is a DOHC four-cylinder petrol engine which replaced the BMW M42 and was produced from 1996 to 2000 at the Steyr factory. It was produced alongside the BMW M43 SOHC four-cylinder engine, with the M44 being the higher performance engine. In 2000, the M44 was replaced by the BMW N42 engine.

Design
Compared with the M42, the M44 has roller rocker arms, a hot-wire MAF, displacement increased from 1.8 to 1.9 L and other detail changes such as a grey cast iron crankshaft replacing the forged steel item from the previous M42. As per the final versions of the M42, the M44 has a dual length intake manifold ("DISA"). Peak power is the same as the M42, however mid-range power is increased significantly and peak torque is increased by 5 Nm at 200 rpm lower. There was also a 70% reduction in valve train friction which contributed to the engine being more quiet and fuel efficient than its predecessor.

The M44 has a cast iron block and aluminium cylinder head, as per its predecessor.

M44B19
The M44B19 has a displacement of 1895 cc, which is achieved through a bore of 85.0 mm and a stroke of 83.5 mm. A compression ratio of 10.0:1 is used, along with the Bosch Motronic 5.2 engine management system.

The crankshaft has an increased stroke from the M42's 81 mm and is cast instead of forged. Also revised were the valve actuators which are of a roller pivoting arm type.

Applications:
 * 1996-2000 E36 318i (North America only), 318is and 318ti
 * 1996-1999 Z3 1.9

With time this engine was replaced by BMW N42 engine.