RayJ 0 Report post Posted October 18, 2004 My son wants a 318, preferrably manual, about a mid '90s model. Is there anyone out there with experience of one of these that can give me advise about running and maintenance costs and what to watch for when purchasing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Carl 3 Report post Posted October 18, 2004 Hi, welcome to the site, hope your 635 is doing you good. Can't help too much on the E36's, is he going for a 318 for the cheaper insurance or cheaper price??? Tell him not to rush it and to try and get a 318iS, more satisfying, but that's my two dimes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
318is 0 Report post Posted October 18, 2004 Hi. Defently get the is model as above. It has bigger brakes and beefier suspension. As far as I know, its a six cylinder car ( re suspension etc ),running the twin cam 1900, and a good amount of extra oomph packet into it than a SOHC. Have a look here http://www.bimmersport.co.nz/forums/index....wtopic=2077&hl= where buying a E30 is discussed. I posted in there a rather LOOOOONG check list for a buying a E30, alot of it bollocks, but some very good tips for what to look out for. The E36 is much newer of course, so the list can be shortened to 10 or so checks. The most important piece to check is find out if the profile gasket has been replaced/updated to the new specs. If its a 1994 onwards, I'm pretty sure it will have the newer gasket. If not, and it WILL leak, be prepared to fork out ~$4000-00 worse case with a warped head. If you are in Ak, get a inspection doee by BMWorkshop. They know their stuff. Good luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Spargo Report post Posted October 18, 2004 E36 iS is a 6cyl? Damn, someone nicked a 1/3 of me engine! Tell me good sir: Is your son paying for it or are you paying for it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ghost 0 Report post Posted October 19, 2004 I think 318is's posts says the 318is IS a four pot, but is like the six pots in many ways- re the suspension etc...? (decyphered?) Because we all know the iS is a 4 banger... Somebody explain the 1.8 vs 1.9l Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
318is 0 Report post Posted October 19, 2004 Indeed I was reffering to the Twin cam motor sitting in a 'beefed up' suspension and brakes. Did not mean to imply it was or should be a six. After all its a 318 1.8 is a SOHC with 115 bhp @ 5500 rpm 1.9 twin cam is 140 bhp @ 6000 rpm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Spargo Report post Posted October 19, 2004 I see, you kids and your crazy werdings. 1.8 M40 = SOHC 1.8 M42 = DOHC 1.9 M43 = SOHC 1.9 M44 = DOHC Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites