318i quick mods

[JayDub]

I need some advice, I just acquired a 92 318i and I have about $1k-$2k leftover. What quick upgrades would u guys recommend getting??

[neuman_allan]

You can get new front side lights for around $40.00 or they have deals where you can upgrade front and rear also for around 200-300.. Look up bmw replica wheels on a search or on ebay they have them also set of 4 wheels with tires around $1000 - $1300. Here's a pic of my 1993--- 318

[LDV330i]

Since you live here in TX you should consider tinting your windows if it has already not been done.

[JayDub]

Thanx, but I was thinkin more engine upgrades, cuz I have wheels and tint, but the lights are already on my list of things to do.

[318-Bmw]

You have two options as far as engine upgrades..... (im in the same boat)
1)Take it to dinan and get a cold air intake and software
>6hp gain>around 1000 bucks installed :jack:
2) Take it to downing atlanta and get them to throw a supercharger on her
>Puts the car out at around 220hp>roughly 4000 dollars

Everyone trys to say that putting a cone filter on it will make it fast.... :tsk:
All this will do is take AWAY horsepower and make your car sound like a wheezing jap import.

Hope this helps

[The Roadstergal]

The order in which I would do mods is:
Maintenance
Driver
Suspension
Driver
Brakes
Driver
Engine
Driver

So make sure all the maintenance is done, put good fluids in, get a good set of tires and lightweight wheels, do some driving schools, get an upgraded suspension, do some driving schools, get good track pads, do some driving schools, and by this time you should know what to do with the engine.

[SergioK]

I need some advice, I just acquired a 92 318i and I have about $1k-$2k leftover. What quick upgrades would u guys recommend getting??

I think the 92 318i came with the M42 engine which was notorious for having a bad head gasket issue. Has that been taken care of ??

[The Roadstergal]

I think the 92 318i came with the M42 engine which was notorious for having a bad head gasket issue. Has that been taken care of ??

Oh, and the plastic water pump...

[kioneo]

I think the M42 was a *profile* gasket issue. Basically, you'd get a mix of oil and coolant, just like a head gasket failure might. The difference is that the profile gasket is between the timing case and the cylinder head. Look for a milky substance in either your coolant or oil. Also, you can check the top of the coolant reservior cap for a milky residue.

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/all/engine/all_m42_profile_gasket_faq.html

See the following for some good pics on coolant/oil mixture:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/E36-Coolant_Flush/E36-Coolant-Flush.htm

I've heard that most of the defective profile gaskets crap out around 70,000 miles. So if you have more than that on the car, it may already have been replaced. If you can get the maintenance records, so much the better.

One note on maintenance records, a dealer told me that BMW corporate maintains a list of all reimbursed warranty work done on any car. You may be able to work through a dealer to obtain those records.

If your engine is in good shape, it should last you a long time. I have an M42 in my 1991 318i and it runs well (153,000+ miles) and still gives me excellent gas mileage.

[kioneo]

I forgot to mention that tires/wheels/suspension/brakes may be the best bang for your buck, just like Roadstergal mentioned. There's only so much power that an M42 can give you (and it's more than you might think). But improving the handling and ride quality will make it feel 100% better even without engine mods.