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

DISCUSSION => Engine management => Topic started by: Frankie on January 26, 2008, 06:58:23 AM

Title: Has 318i and 31is a same chip?
Post by: Frankie on January 26, 2008, 06:58:23 AM
I just bought XG Motorsport a 318is E30 chip. I'm just a little bit uncertain wether the chip will fit since it has label on it saying "318i/318is". The number --075 is the same as 318is ecu.
Title: Has 318i and 31is a same chip?
Post by: hoevesruperd on January 26, 2008, 10:20:43 AM
if you have an 1991 318i then you have the m42 so it will probably fit. for an earlier M10  318i i doubt so
Title: Has 318i and 31is a same chip?
Post by: Boyracer on January 28, 2008, 09:32:33 AM
Hmmmm interesting :confused:

Even if the ECU's are indentical and the chip fits, the engines are not (E30 318i is 8 valve M40 and E30 318is is 16 valve M42) and ignition and fuel injection maps are different. Maybe not a lot but this chip is for tuning out the last few easy HP's there is in the engine so everything should be spot on to achieve that.

Maybe it is just problem with the label. I guess easiest way to know for sure is to put it in and go to dyno.
Title: Has 318i and 31is a same chip?
Post by: roadsterd on January 28, 2008, 12:35:11 PM
The U.S. 318i had an M42 in '91, same as the 318is.  If you are buying it from an American company, chances are it was made for an m42 318i and not your m40 318i.
Title: Has 318i and 31is a same chip?
Post by: Boyracer on January 29, 2008, 05:23:33 AM
Quote from: roadsterd;41828
The U.S. 318i had an M42 in '91, same as the 318is.  If you are buying it from an American company, chances are it was made for an m42 318i and not your m40 318i.


Yes, E36 318i in US has M42, same engine as E30 318is and european E36 318is has.

So while theoretically the chip could be really meant for 318i with M42 it is E36 M42 with knock sensors and variable lenght intake manifold which E30 M42 does not have -> problems.
Title: Has 318i and 31is a same chip?
Post by: ose30 on January 29, 2008, 07:45:47 AM
US model E30 318I is a four door sedan with M42 16V engine. In Europe all 1987 and newer 318I badged cars have a 8V M40 engine. 16V engine was not available for 4 door E30 sedans in Europe. I suppose 8V M40 engine was not available in US market.
Title: Has 318i and 31is a same chip?
Post by: Boyracer on January 29, 2008, 09:53:19 AM
Quote from: ose30;41879
US model E30 318I is a four door sedan with M42 16V engine. In Europe all 1987 and newer 318I badged cars have a 8V M40 engine. 16V engine was not available for 4 door E30 sedans in Europe. I suppose 8V M40 engine was not available in US market.


OMG you are right, I just checked realoem.com. I thought only US E36 318i had M42. Thank you for pointing this out :eek:

In light of that, the chip could be good afterall :)