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gaubien
03-21-2005, 02:18 PM
Hello all,
I test drove a 92 318 and fell in love with BMW. I heard that the 91 318 ( and possibly 89 and 90) have the engine M42 (correct?). Would someone kindly confirm this for me? Therefore, I am looking for the 91 318 that has the stronger engine with the lighter body.

If you all know of 91 or later good 318, please email me [email protected].

Thanks,
Xeurom
Willis
03-21-2005, 05:27 PM
I have tried to confirm this for you but I may not be 100%:

91 E30 318i (M40B18 SOHC 8v 122 bhp) 2657 lb. curb.
91 E30 318is (M42B18 DOHC 16v 134 bhp) 2602 lb. curb.
92 E36 318is (M42B18 DOHC 16v 142 bhp) 2866 lb. curb.

Based on the minimal power to weight difference, I would go with which ever handles and looks better in your opinion.

Sources:
Engine Data (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=89822&highlight=m44+models)
r3vlimited - 318is (http://www.r3vlimited.com/Tech/318is.htm)
BMWE30.NET (http://www.bmwe30.net/cgi-bin/datacgi/database.cgi?file=articles&report=sections)
gaubien
03-22-2005, 08:16 AM
Thanks, Willis. The info available is certainly conflicting. From what I read yesterday, I believe the 318 did not come back to North America until 91.
Willis
03-22-2005, 01:32 PM
Originally posted by gaubien
Thanks, Willis. The info available is certainly conflicting. From what I read yesterday, I believe the 318 did not come back to North America until 91.

That's why I only listed the 91 E30 and 92 E36 engine information. A lot of the information on the net is European and usually differs from N.A. spec cars.

I have a great article from BMW Car magazine (December 2003) "E30 V E36 318is". I will try to get you a scan when I can.
Chrisw
03-22-2005, 01:52 PM
Make sure to get a 318 with factory painted molding, they are a huge pain to do after and they look like crap when they are grey.
three.eighteen.
03-23-2005, 11:57 AM
the m42 in e36 chassis is sorta underpowered
Willis
03-23-2005, 07:38 PM
Also, the original profile gasket on the M42 was defective. Make sure this was replaced.

As promised. The article is kind of long-winded but a pretty good comparison. Sorry for the poor scan quality.
SteveMo600
03-24-2005, 10:58 AM
My paps is selling his 1995 BMW 318i...it's got under 160,000kms on it and power everything. It's a very nice car. PM me if you're interested or want pics.
gaubien
03-24-2005, 10:05 PM
Please email me with the details.
gaubien
03-24-2005, 10:18 PM
[email protected]