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DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: Alexx on June 24, 2008, 11:48:08 PM

Title: BMW 318is 1991.
Post by: Alexx on June 24, 2008, 11:48:08 PM

What is the lifespan of our engine ?

Title: BMW 318is 1991.
Post by: BMWManiac on June 27, 2008, 06:18:15 AM

I have 231k right now....still pound on it and it doesn't have any hiccups through the rev range....maintenance is the key!

Title: BMW 318is 1991.
Post by: strad on June 27, 2008, 08:11:05 AM

Mine has 203.5k miles.  Valve guides leak a very small amount, and it could use a new timing assembly (though the present one isn't noisy).  And it still gets 32 mpg city.

Title: BMW 318is 1991.
Post by: rhogg on June 27, 2008, 09:07:07 AM

I'm at 200K km (120K miles), I had excellent compression at 180K when I bought the car a year an a half ago. I have replaced the timing and cooling systems, checked for oil pan bolts, and changed the oil every 5,000 km. As a result I fully expect to have the engine outlast our use of the car.

I bought an E30 based on its reputation as being very well built with long lasting engines (plus looks, handling, and fuel economy). The work I have done on the car has been preventaive, and possibly not necessary.

Having just refreshed the suspension, all I have left is a sloppy shifter, and seat upgrades. There are some external imperfections that can be chased over time. The car was bought as a daily driver for my kids, and as a car on which to do a rolling restoration.  I am 85% of the way there - will finish up with around $12K in the car and never see that money back - but have a great (3rd) car that I enjoy driving.  I doubt I will sell it but will probably give it to one of the kids in a couple of years.

$ so far

Purchase  $6,000
2nd set wheels & tires $800
Cooling system $400
Suspension (Complete front & rear) say $1,600
Timing gear $750
Stereo $550

I figure about $2K to finish the interior upgrade and paint it myself.

Title: BMW 318is 1991.
Post by: E30nate on June 27, 2008, 12:05:45 PM

i replaced my engine at 180K due to lack of maintenance by the previous owner. when i got it it had 210psi in all cylinders with 156k on it. now with a rebuilt engine and new suspension it gets 32mpg on the highway and can out handle a lot of cars in turns.

Title: BMW 318is 1991.
Post by: xwill112x on June 27, 2008, 08:23:11 PM

mines got 135k miles on it. its got a valve ticking problem, other than that...it runs fine.

Title: BMW 318is 1991.
Post by: xwill112x on June 27, 2008, 08:24:47 PM

btw, i tear around in it all the time. whine it out all the time, she never misses a beat.

Title: BMW 318is 1991.
Post by: christophbmw on June 29, 2008, 05:57:04 PM

Quote from: Alexx;51989

What is the lifespan of our engine ?

well if you take care of it, do all maitnence, fix it when it breaks....then there is no reason for it to not go 400K plus. i havent seen one with that many miles but anything is possible, right?