BMW 4.4i engine an Interference Engine or Not
 

Cannot seem to find any concrete information on this. Ie, can you spin the crankshaft freely with the valve timing chains off, without fear of bending valves? Anyone?

Everything I have shows it to be an interference engine.

Do not turn the crankshaft with the timing chains off.

All BMW engines (that I have experience with) going back to the early 80's are interference engines. I'm not sure about stuff older than the m10 engines. You will bend valves if you spin the crank with the valve train out of time.

Even the M30 in my '72 bavaria is an interference engine

I can not think of a single non-interference BMW engine, although I'm mostly familiar with their 6 cylinder offerings. Maybe some older 4 cyls were non-interference

M62 is definitely interference though :thumbup:

Hey Spanker, Bentley Service Manual States in a Caution box as follows, "The Valves may be bent by contact with the piston crown...Yep it's an interference engine.

Thanks all who contributed. My response is quite belated. But, I've kinda shelved the project for a while. After removing engine.....I have confirmed for myself....indeed this is an interference engine with ZERO doubt.