318is

It depends what you want from the car. The E36 318iS ( in my case, is a tester for a BMW car, as I won't spend the big bucks on a car/brand until I spent time 'testing' their product ) Obviously - this is my first BMW. Owned for a couple of years now, and busting for a 330 E46.... Anyway - as my research told me before purchasing mine, the 318iS is a 'around town' car. For long trips, show off the grunt to your girlfriend/mates, it won't get you very far. The 318iS is a crusing around town classy car. That's it. No boat/race car towing, skids or fancy stuff -- just good looking, safe, economical classy driving. As I'm off to Rotovegus in the morning ( from Ak ), I can tell you then what a E36 318iS is like on a long open road trip. I do on average 30 K tops a week in mine around AK - so quite looking forward to opening that 1900cc twin cam bad boy up in sports mode A big differance from previously owning V8's or grunty sixes. Still -- the 318iS is a damn fine daily -- especially black on black leather.. :pimp: :mosh: Edit to what the iS stands for: Basically a 318iS is a six cylinder car ie:chassis/suspension/brakes with a four pot in it. Also - iS is kitted with the M-spec aero kit ( whick looks damn sexy ) Make sure you get the full M-spec kit when buying a iS!!!!!!! I've seen so many iS cars out there ( or so badged ), that have the iS side skirts and standard front/rear spoilers.

Yeah - sad old git at home on chrissi eve ( 2 x family's 100K apart to see today! ), so I excuse myself from getting to bimmered up tonight Yeah - merry goddamn chrissi to you all, and hope santa brings all a 330i........ E46 that is PS: seatbelts front and rear please

I think I remember Gus saying before in another similar thread that you will need: Wiring loom Computer at the least, possaly also; New beefier front end Gus shall be able to confirm. BTW: Sounds like your radiator is leaking - good news ( kindof )... should be an easy fix.

For one - I would drive it no more until you properly diagnose the problem. First steps is to get: Compression check done, pressure test cooling system, leak test ( testing combustion gasses in cooling system ) take it from there I believe your engine had a profile gasket problem, but by now it should of been taken care of.

Righteho. This will be the first NY's since Y2K I have had in NZ, and the wife and I will be in rotovagus for 3 pre and 3 post days of the NY. If anyone is keen for a few to many around said town, PM me for a mob number and let's possably get together for a few at least, talk some bullshit, drool and talk BMW and ..*cough* ...stuff .... How many might be kinda 'local' there at the time?... a mini meet may be on the cards?

Would it not be the next logical step to store the bike in the girlfriends bedroom? Or get a GF that dosen't live in the bronx? Edit: Crackhore grammer

Right. Lucky me. Just been and done the list, as above. Whilst there noticed the fan belt was hanging on by for dear life. There was not a inch gap where the 'ridges' hadn't cracked to the base. PHEW! Also same for the AC belt. Not as bad, but could of gone anytime. Defently would of broken I reackon driving about 650 odd K this chrissi. Anyhow, 25 mins later, $34.90 parts, all new again. So no. 12 - Water pump/alt/air con p/s belts

Edit: My bad - posted a reply in the wrong thread....doh. :beer:

The metal impeller ones are the 'norm' in almost every other car, and last a long long time. Sure they rust to a degree if you neglect the coolant/addative levels, but even so, that takes a long long LONG time. Normally, the shaft will shear off or the bearing will collapse before the impeller rusts away enough to impair water flow. I believe BMW went to a plastic impeller because of cost. They didn't last anywhere near as long, and even then premature failure rate was very high. I also believe they now replace them ( knackered plastic ones ) with metal ones as standard practice. Scroll down here to "M50 Water Pump - E36 325i / 328i / M3" http://activeautowerke.com/cooling/main.php or this is a better description/reason to change it. http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticl...-water-pump.htm It's recommended that if you have a pump with a plastic impeller, replace it ASAP. If you want more info: http://www.google.co.nz/search?q=plastic%2...:en-US:official

Good point-out topless. I was assuming people would infact give them a squeeze/poke/prod whilst checking them over. Murphys Law - never assume Fuel lines - make that 11.

Have a look on the tyre wall itself. Usually they have a 'recommended' PSI rating on the walls.

Well the break is upon us very soon, and if you are doing a long haul for a holiday, or even just want peace of mind motoring, these super easy checks will be a little more reassuring than just jumping in your car and motoring off: 1. Check all fluid levels under the bonnet. Engine, tranny if you have a dipstick, washer fluid, radiator level and expansion tank level ( make sure it's green in RAD as well ) Brake fluid level. Have a quick look at your water hoses with a torch - rad hoses, heater hoses and corrisponding clamps. Then put the torch in with your tool kit in the boot. 2. Battery - locate and check clamps for corrosion and water level. 3. Tyres - pump up to correct pressure, and don't forget the spare tyre. Have a look for any nails in the tyre, cracks etc. Make sure your jack is in the boot and the correct wheel stud tools ( and and ubber wheel stud locking device remover that you may have on your mags ), and a basic tool kit. Some rags is always a good idea. 4. Check your lights. Brakes, indicators, fogs, head's etc. Horn going? 5. Put a 2 L coke bottle or two into your boot filled with water. You may not need it, but who knows who you might come across on your travels who hasn't got extra water on them. Hopefully a damsil in distress if any! 6. Some extra petrol ( in a correct container ) if your going into the wops-wops. Just a small container will get you -- or again someone else -- out of trouble. 7. If you can be bothered, check brake pads, all EP90 levels ( manual box and diff ) for levels. 8. Polish the sh*t out of your paint for that sexy slick good look. 9. Good time to fit new wiper blades. 10. Wear your damn seat belts, front and back 11. Check fuel lines 12. Check water pump, AC and other belts Have a good and safe chrissi guys/gals. PS: add to the list if your have other easy tips! Edit -- oh yeah, WOF and REGO are current and will stay current during the break. Maybe check your insurance is upto scratch as well.

Good news mate - no engine damage! Was the old pump one with a plastic impeller? worst.idea.ever

Twin cam 1900 cc engine for the 318Beefier brakes and suspension M kit Besides that not much I think. Loving the interior man -- top job !

If the crack/split isn't to bad, you could try a Kayak repair kit. They are like 'candles' that melt into the hole/crack and then just sand/rasp back. Worth a crack if PB'ers or plastic welders quote an excessive price.

You need to update your theme. A manual update will fix it if FF dosen't do it automagically.

Yeah - interesting. My observations were when purchasing my car were: iS ( 318's E36 ) twin cam 1900cc, not the SOHC Upgraded suspension Upgraded brakes Motorsport aero kit End of the day I will still keep mine ( give to wife for a shopping cart ) even when I upgrade to a E46, purely because it's a sporty little economical and sexy car.

What makes a 'real' iS then? A clutch pedal? Are you saying BMW puts out dummy iS's compared to the 'real' iS's? Or is it just a clutch V's auto thing? Factory dispute? Intrigued.

Well from a year ago, when I tried it, it made the box 'stay' in that gear. I pressed it and took off in "d" and it was like taking off in fourth...dur. So - I assume what ever gear it is IN at the time it will not change UP ( or down ) until you select in with the shifter. I will confirm this friday night when I drive mine again.

Yes the M = manual mode

Dude - even just seeing those pictures bums me out. I guess support from family is what's needed right now. So close to chrissi as well.

chromes=teh sux don't bling bling a BMW...get a honda if that's where you're at right now

wash your mouth out sparkles....damnnnnnnnn :puke:

That would be sweet. How does it fit to the roof? The E36 has no 'channels' so it looks like it fits into the lip of the roof itself. How much?

As title suggests, I'm after a roof rack for my beamer. Any one here got one for sale? Must be suitable for a Kayak, and secure enough for a long trip. Cheers