M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

FAQ / REFERENCE => Member Profiles => Topic started by: Strike_Zero on January 06, 2010, 06:35:08 PM

Title: Strike_Zero
Post by: Strike_Zero on January 06, 2010, 06:35:08 PM

I've been lurking for about year (unregistered).

Now that I finally have a 318is, I figured should join ;)

I'm not a stranger to BMWs. I have a 1993 325is that was M50+M3 cam powered. Hopefully in the next few weeks, it be moving under some V8 muscle (more on that later).

I picked up a 1993 318is for a parts car from Jacksonville, FL in early:

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/4167809852_4ef7ce562a_b.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/4167809002_5ecdb36266_b.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2757/4167047847_c5217d4e1d_b.jpg)

The guy said it hadn't be started since Oct. After three days of tinkering, it ran pretty strong (scratch using it as a parts car :p)

After 1300 miles and the 3 fillups :eek: . . . I think the modding can begin

The guy I bought it from said he overheated it in July. I can see traces of coolant in the oil. The Compression test checks out ok, so it may be the dreaded Timing Cover Profile Gasket. Either way, I'm going to replace the headgasket as a precaution. Also on the list is waterpump, plugs, and accessory belts. Finally, the suspension is pretty worn, so some Bilstein Sport struts and shocks + Tokico springs and bushings are on the way to help it be a BMW with a good tight suspension . . .

After all that is done . . . a small turbo of some sorts to give it the pep and a new clutch

Yea I can swap in an M50 for the same cost and have good power. But my previous M50 NEVER got ~35 mpg on the interstate (that and a turbo M42 would be cooler).

Title: Update!!
Post by: Strike_Zero on January 11, 2010, 04:01:05 PM

Before:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4264684602_76f2b4d491_b.jpg)

After:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4263935251_06030fca4e_b.jpg)

Bilstein Sports Struts and Shocks, Tokico Sport Springs, and Double Spoke II w/ Kumho Ecsta SPT

Looks better. . . :D

Now onto the fun stuff . . . re-gasketing the M42 . . . oh joy . . .

Title: Strike_Zero
Post by: xwill112x on January 23, 2010, 01:28:30 PM

repaint your lower trim

Title: Strike_Zero
Post by: Sean_318is on January 28, 2010, 04:17:07 AM

Cool, mass application of polish and elbow grease should have it looking nice :)

Its amazing the difference fitting bigger wheels make on the E36, I'm fitting some double 5 spoke 16's to mine this week :) I have the same wheels as your originals at the moment. :S

Title: Strike_Zero
Post by: jacco on January 28, 2010, 03:24:34 PM

hi,
nice rims! :D
i have the same one's

grtz