Messages

1

M42 Reference / What engine in a 97 318is?

« on: October 10, 2008, 07:26:31 AM »

Is the M44 as good an engine as the M42?  Is the 1.8 vs the 1.9 the maid difference?  I also heard the intake is different???

2

M42 Reference / What engine in a 97 318is?

« on: October 09, 2008, 12:28:30 PM »

Which engine is in a 1997 318is?  It is the 1.9 liter I know that much. Is that still an M42?  Are these still good cars even though they are not E30's?

Thanks!

3

M42 Buyer's Guide / This could be my first 318is....HELP!

« on: October 09, 2008, 07:51:11 AM »

Well, the owner of the 318is I was looking at put the car on ebay.  It sold to a guy in Canada for $4300.00 and he has to fly down to TN and drive it home.  I was very disappointed and still am.  The car was 4 blocks from my house and I waited too long and missed it.  I will be hard pressed to find another like that one.  Oh well... life continues.

4

M42 Buyer's Guide / This could be my first 318is....HELP!

« on: October 05, 2008, 06:54:01 AM »

Thanks for the warm welcome!  I am not sure it is going to work out for me to get the 318is.  I will know more Monday.  I have wavered on this thing many ways trying to justify it.  I already own a 1999 Lexus ES 300 (144k mi) and a 1995 Range Rover 4.0 SE (147k mi).  The Lexus is pretty much care free with the exception of ome prventitive maint.  I guess I better be quiet or it may hear me.  However, when the Rover starts to limp about something it is a bit more of a challange and at times pricy.  I keep telling myself if I get the 318is then I would have a vehicle for every catagory.  Sport, luxury and SUV.  The other thing is.... They all have well over 100K miles.  I think I am addicted to classic cars that need my help from time to time.  Either that or I like cars with one foot in the grave.  The 2 I have now I keep in very good running order.  if something breaks.... I fix it.  I HATE new cars (and the pmt that goes with them)!  Thanks for all the help!

5

Engine management / Going from std oil to synthetic...OK?

« on: October 01, 2008, 08:03:44 AM »

I am looking to buy within the next week a 91 318is.  It has been well maintained through the years.  Both previous owners used conventional oil in it.  Would I be doing justice or damege if I switched to Mobil 1 synthetic oil?  My Lexus mechanic says he does not like synthetic oil. The guy who has wrenched the car over the years says regular oil is "fine".  I am leary of switching the oil types.  Any input as to what I should do?  The car has 129k on it.  Is it worth the switch?  Thanks!

6

M42 Buyer's Guide / This could be my first 318is....HELP!

« on: September 30, 2008, 08:35:22 PM »

Thanks for the replys!  I had another friend who has been in the import car business for 30 years tell me to get it because he thinks it is worth it for that price.  I will have to pay close to the $4k to get it.  I looked through some of the receipts in the folder today and there were several high dollar receipts in the for $750-$1100.  New a/c compressor, mass air flow sensor, lots and lots of oil changes etc.  If I can get my Wife to agree to it I will pull the trigger.  Thanks again for all of your input.

7

M42 Buyer's Guide / This could be my first 318is....HELP!

« on: September 30, 2008, 07:40:22 AM »

Is the price fair?

8

M42 Buyer's Guide / This could be my first 318is....HELP!

« on: September 29, 2008, 10:47:26 AM »

To start with I would like to say HELLO to all of you!  I am new and this is my first post on this forum.  I joined because I hope to soon be the owner of a 1991 318is.  This is a local car and both the original and second owner live within a couple of mile from me.  What I know about it are as follows...

1991 318is
Alpine White
128k miles
I don't know yet if it has LSD (I spoke to a mechainic that says all "is" models have it. How can I tell?)
5 spd
front air dam (no fog lights)
no cruise cont.
new Sumitomo tires
new brakes
new shocks (don't know what kind yet)
Bav. Motorsports combo sheepskin/leather seat covers in front (cloth seats underneath)
Bav. Motorsports replacement mats
all original electroncs (stereo etc)
All service records included since it was new
I also do not know if the timing belt has been replaced or not...
Never wrecked or any body work done
Garage kept
Runs GREAT!!!

What else do I need to know?

He was asking $4500 for it.  However, I think I can get it for $3700.  I initially was looking for a car to get good milage, but turned out this may be a toy as well!  Please tell me what else I need to know before I go to the bank.  

Its 3:00pm 9/29/08 and I just took it for an interstate drive and ran it up to about 90-100.  That little motor like the revs!  It idles and runs like a new car... I wish I could get some feedback from some of you.....


Thanks in advance for all the help!!!!