Technical info for a newbie

[samsonite]

Hi, this is my first thread so I probably sound a bit stupid with my questions!

I bought my first bimmer a few weeks ago (1997 318i) and I read up on engine variations thinking I new everything I needed to.

I'm not 100% sure what exactly I've got now!

I swapped a 6 year old Fiat Punto for it and I don't think I got a bad deal, but just went for it.

I'm guessing it is an M43 as they were introduced in 1993. I have only got disc brakes on the front and the engine is 1.8. I'm kind of annoyed with myself because I really wanted the M44 for the extra power and rear discs.

Does it sound like I have the 8 valve 1.8 M43 with timing chain?

Also, what simple things can I do to make sure I'm getting the most out of it? I love the way it drives and handles. The only bad point is that there is no acceleration in 1st gear (compared to the 1.2l Punto), but the clutch is really smooth.

My first plans are: 4 new good tyres (all 4 are different currently). Slightly better panel filter + slightly better exhaust to go with it.

I'll try and make the rest of my posts a bit shorter, phew!

[nelson22]

the m44 engine comes with the 318is
strange you find it slow in first mine is fine
they have loads of torqu for a 4 banger
problem with them is you cann't really get much more out of the engine
it doesn't know the difference between hot and cold air
just get exhaust,filter etc to let it breath a liitle also sounds better

oh and welcome to the fest
this is the best site around:thumbup:

[B/\/\W]

Well we have the same car, I have a timing chain and mine is 1994, and so you will too.

As for first gear, mine has good acceleration in first gear, so maybe you have an issue there? I'm not sure what.

You can cheaply replace the spark plugs with NGK iridiums which are known to be the best for the money and should make the engine smoother, also put in some quality oil, the K&N panel filter (the cold air induction K&N doesn't give much HP gain because the mass air filter on the M43 engine doesn't recognise the cooler air temperatures much, so don't bother with that).

Everyone else will have more to add, that's all I can think of.

[samsonite]

Thanks for the info so far guys, I think the those sparks are on the list now - I'll do them myself too (I've hardly got any experience under the bonnet/hood, but I can't wait to get going on this car!).

[nelson22]

Thanks for the info so far guys, I think the those sparks are on the list now - I'll do them myself too (I've hardly got any experience under the bonnet/hood, but I can't wait to get going on this car!).

lol:rofl:believe me once you start you won't stop there is allways something else :thumbup:

[samsonite]

Any advice on an exhaust to match K & N filter panel? I don't know a lot about exhausts - presumably I just need a new silencer & tailpipe? I don't want "loud" exhaust, or at least not one that is just designed to sound impressive.

[samsonite]

lol:rofl:believe me once you start you won't stop there is allways something else :thumbup:

I think I've started already!

[nelson22]

Any advice on an exhaust to match K & N filter panel? I don't know a lot about exhausts - presumably I just need a new silencer & tailpipe? I don't want "loud" exhaust, or at least not one that is just designed to sound impressive.

i have a scorpion check my earlier thread (you tube)

[samsonite]

i have a scorpion check my earlier thread (you tube)

That should do the trick. The shopping list grows...

[B/\/\W]

The problem is, the panel filter might not allow the engine to breathe enough to warrant having a better exhaust. If the bottleneck is at the intake it won't help. But, see what others say, the panel filter may be enough to warrant getting a good exhaust.

[samsonite]

Will there be a problem with getting the panel first? I was just worried about needing the exhaust to deal with the extra air intake...

[Talon328]

I couldn't even notice a difference with a new K&N panel over a frequently new OEM filter. Just drop the extra cash and get a CAI, then it's worth it.

[jasonf860]

Yeah, I say go CAI all the way. I know we have different animals (325 vs 3180 but I had a K&N panel in mine and when I switched over to a cai it was a noticable difference. If your gonna drop $50 on a panel, you could buy a cheap Ebay CAI and add a good K&N/ITG/AEM filter on it and be golden. I know it doesn't recognize the higher flow/cooler air well, but it can't hurt. I'd also venture to say that a freer flowing exhaust is a good bet for ANY car.

[Pirate_copy]

Is such a shame that a CAI will not really benefit a 318i :(

Good sound though...

[nelson22]

Is such a shame that a CAI will not really benefit a 318i :(

Good sound though...

+100 pirate

[Pirate_copy]

Throw some Iridium IX spark plugs in it, change the oil to something really decent and run some STP Complete Fuel System Cleaner through her to make sure she is running tip top

Then add a K&N panel/cone filter and a nice cat back exhaust system (i suggest Mongoose)

That will get her going very nicely :)

[samsonite]

Sounds like a plan, I'll start shopping!

[samsonite]

The only bad thing is that she just had a new catalytic converter because she failed the MOT on emissions. Can I still get a decent exhaust without getting a new cat, or do I need the whole lot?

It would be a pain to replace something that is brand new!

[Pirate_copy]

A 'cat back' system only replaced the back bit buddy :)

[samsonite]

Ok thanks pirate, I'm trying to get my useless questions out in this post so that one day I may know something :)

[samsonite]

Starting with the NGK Plugs (start with cheapest bit!) - Every site I look on has NGK plugs for all engines except my M43! Maybe it'll be fine, but why do they only do M40, M42, M44 and the 1.9 M43B?

Is there much difference between the brands or is NGK the only option worth considering?

BKR6EIX seems the best match so far. I've got so much to learn :dunno:

[Conehead]

Starting with the NGK Plugs (start with cheapest bit!) - Every site I look on has NGK plugs for all engines except my M43! Maybe it'll be fine, but why do they only do M40, M42, M44 and the 1.9 M43B?

Is there much difference between the brands or is NGK the only option worth considering?

BKR6EIX seems the best match so far. I've got so much to learn :dunno:

Mate, NO question is useless. You are new and need to know. Dont ever think a question is silly.

Ask away.

The NGK iridiums will fit the M43. From MEMORY I think the code is (NGK) BKR6EKIX, as you said, (Pirate may help on this), I believe that is the same for all BMW engines, 4 cyclinder and 6 cylinder.

Hope this helps.

Cone
XXX

[Pirate_copy]

Ok thanks pirate, I'm trying to get my useless questions out in this post so that one day I may know something :)

Not useless at all, that is why we are here

I didn't know what a 'cat-back' system was until i joined here!!

[Pirate_copy]

Mate, NO question is useless. You are new and need to know. Dont ever think a question is silly.

Ask away.

The NGK iridiums will fit the M43. From MEMORY I think the code is (NGK) BKR6EKIX, as you said, (Pirate may help on this), I believe that is the same for all BMW engines, 4 cyclinder and 6 cylinder.

Hope this helps.

Cone
XXX

Yep, they are the ones :) (BKR6EIX)

Get them from www.sparkplugs.co.uk

[nelson22]

Yep, they are the ones :) (BKR6EIX)

Get them from www.sparkplugs.co.uk

well reccommeneded by pirate got mine thanks to pirate there so much better:thumbup:

[chrisproia]

advice: you want more power? trade it in for a 328i or M3 - it will be worth it!

[Pirate_copy]

Good point but that is the easy way out

Getting a new car is not always possible!

[chrisproia]

Good point but that is the easy way out

Getting a new car is not always possible!

Not really... you kind of contradicted yourself: It is difficult to do, but a better choice! Unless it is financed, but then there are still options! It just makes things more difficult.

[Pirate_copy]

Maybe it reads better in my head lol

Still think that people who say things like "get a new car" are missing the point. He asked how he could get the best out of his own car!

[samsonite]

Yep, they are the ones :) (BKR6EIX)

Get them from www.sparkplugs.co.uk

Thanks Cone & Pirate (and everyone else) - I'm learning! Can't wait to get the bits :)

[Pirate_copy]

Anytime buddy

We are always here to help :thumbup:

[chrisproia]

Maybe it reads better in my head lol

Still think that people who say things like "get a new car" are missing the point. He asked how he could get the best out of his own car!

you know, you're right. I think these forum people are rubbing off on me, because I got that line of thinking from somone else on a forum I read.

Here's what I think, easiest and cheapest way to make your car faster and look better without a lot of work.

1. headlight bulbs. whiter headlight bulbs make any car more aesthetically appealing, especially a hott car like a BMW.

it took me 5 minutes total to change all 4 of my headlight bulbs; I got them in today, but still waiting for the rest of my stuff. I'm selling all my OEM head/tail/fog/side lights, by the way.

2. get either an air intake, exhaust, or both. It doesn't take long to do yourself, and not very expensive. It will make a noticeable difference in your car's power, and if you get the right intake, it will actually IMPROVE your gas mileage, not decrease it!

3. bigger wheels will slow your car down. If your stock ones look good and are in good shape, leave them on! Only the most expensive wheels are both big AND lightweight.

4. get rid of the orange. the most inexpensive way to do this is to get clear corner lights, and white-on-red tail lights.

5. you can try a racing chip if you want-- and they DO work, but A.make sure you install it properly, and B.it takes away gas mileage!

^. get a decent head unit for your stereo; BMW's have great stereo speakers stock, so just plugging it in is great! you can wait for the rest of the stuff for when you have the time and/or money. DO NOT get a store like circuit city to do the installation work for you. They will charge you more than a whole system is worth just to do something you could have figured out yourself. Plus, you could benefit from the experience, and if you get stuck, just jump on the forum and ask!

7. get in your awesome BMW and drive!

[Pirate_copy]

You just pretty much described my bimmer hehehehe

Totally agree with you though

[samsonite]

Actually stereo head units are one thing I have done in the past - this car came with a Sony, but I have to admit that my old Punto with a cheapo unit had a much better sound. I may look into it after sorting the mechanics out.

Interestingly (and annoyingly), after the cat was replace due to failing on emissions, the car runs smoother and all strange noises seem to have gone - BUT! - The acceleration in 2nd & 3rd gear is noticably slower. Before the fix, it was like having a turbo in 3rd where after a second or so, it really pulled you into your seat!

I'm guessing that the broken exhaust system somehow improved acceleration at the expense of being too bad for the environment!

Oh well, a nice back-cat should sort it out again!

[Pirate_copy]

Stupid emissions laws!!

[chrisproia]

Actually stereo head units are one thing I have done in the past - this car came with a Sony, but I have to admit that my old Punto with a cheapo unit had a much better sound. I may look into it after sorting the mechanics out.

Interestingly (and annoyingly), after the cat was replace due to failing on emissions, the car runs smoother and all strange noises seem to have gone - BUT! - The acceleration in 2nd & 3rd gear is noticably slower. Before the fix, it was like having a turbo in 3rd where after a second or so, it really pulled you into your seat!

I'm guessing that the broken exhaust system somehow improved acceleration at the expense of being too bad for the environment!

Oh well, a nice back-cat should sort it out again!

I'm really not on here to sell stuff; I love talking about cars, especially BMW's

But I have a custom head unit, and because of that, I do have my stock BMW head unit that came with the car for sale, it is in excellent condition, if you want it let me know.

[chrisproia]

Hey, I bet you the guy before you HAD a racing chip in there! That is exactly how it feels when you have a racing chip in there-- like you are running on turbo. MAN!!! I bet you the guys that fixed your car stole your chip!!! AARrrghhh! That reaaaly annoys me, and it isn't even my car!!!

Actually, I can guarantee that is what happened!!

I suggest not going to them ANYmore, because they are in it to steal your crap! Who knows what they'll do next?!

[chrisproia]

anyone had a racing chip in their car that knows what it feels like as well? please let him know that is exactly what it's like!

[Pirate_copy]

I have a Superchip (remap) in mine and the difference is ridicules for the price

She is smother through the gears, she has more power below 3k rpm and ALL my flatspots have gone

One of the best £300 i ever spent!!

[samsonite]

I am going to try a different garage or two - the one I was using is next door to work so is very convenient. There are 2 garages near my house and one is a German car tuning specialist, so who knows.

Would have to take the day off to use these places as I can only get to work by car and only have 1 car!

[nfl]

Is such a shame that a CAI will not really benefit a 318i :(
haha, I thought about replacing the MAF sensor, but an M50 unit won't physically fit M42, am I right? )
hm.. I don't feel like buying panel filter after reading this thread. I'm afraid I won't be able to tell the difference.

[Pirate_copy]

I think a panel filter is a good plan mate, you will notice a bit more power as it gets increased airflow

Oh, and no, a M50 MAS will not work with your car :(