is it wise to 'CHIP' the e30 318is? HELP!!!!!!!

[dublinboy]

hi all,

just thinking of putting a chip in the euc for better performance.
i believe these cars chip well, with not many problems, and it is an advanced performance that you an feel. i was always weiry of doin this in case it was a trouble starter.
is this true???
whould you reccomend it???
has anyone here done this???
is it worth the money/hassle???

thanks in advance

[Febi Guibo]

Mark D sylva makes an excellent chip; the 'pope' of the 318iS, Brendan Purcell (in ireland!) I think has a chip made by superchips?

Anyway, a chip from a good, reputable source is a nice upgrade. The rev limit on a well-maintained stock motor can go to 7000 rpms with no problems.

[JHZR2]

Dinan makes a chip for the US that is emissions and warranty certified (not that an E30 has a warranty anymore).  Some may say that they arent the best chip, but as a "good idea", the metrics provided are peace of mind.  

Some say that DInan chips only work at WOT, but that has not has not been my experience.  Dinan claims that is not correct either.

Ive not had any issues.  More aggressive chips may provide sacrifices in longevity, etc.  ANy chip used without premium fuel may have issues.

JMH

[Wise Old Dog]

Best bang for the money is the chip. I also have a Mark D chip, and am pleased with the performance. Keep in mind that you can only squeeze a few more horses out of this engine without going inside $$$. The chip will do more for less money. The lightweight flywheel is probably the 2nd best upgrade, no horses, but driveability greatly increases.

[ose30]

Since you are living in Europe, i suggest you to check out the German Ebay. I have bought several chips from there mainly for 318I (M40) and 320IS (S14).
So far i have chipped only 9 BMW's, but i have chipped 31 various Porsche models.
If you chip an N/A engine do not expect too much. The advantage is usually few additional horsepower and a little bit better torque. I have also noticed my chipped daily driver M40 got more MPG with the chip. What comes to flywheel changes most likely your Euromodel already have a lighter one. I assume you do not have AC, like most euro models did not have. Heavy flywheel is usually a problem for our US friends.
I have a BMW factory's Motrosport divisions chip from which i can take a copy. Factory claims 12 additional HP and rev limiter is set to 7100rpm. Let me know if you are interested. Yo pay price of empty Eprom, postage (letter) from Finland to Ireland and give me enough money, so i can buy a bottle of Guinnes

[dublinboy]

haha bottled guinness is horrible. what you need is a nice cold big pint of it!!
i will defo be getting the car chipped, but dont no where to go! i might try the german ebay. what do u mean by 'copy'?? can you do that?

[dublinboy]

what else could i do to up the performance? i have around 3000euro to spend

[Febi Guibo]

chip
clutch stop
short shift kit
electric fan (fan clutch delete)
good tires
better brakes / stainless lines
lowered springs, shocks

4.27 LSD
lightweight flywheel

supersprint exhaust
dbilas ITBs

but honestly.... any car will go faster if you can drive it better... consider spending some money on a 3 day driving school.

In the US, we have programs like Skip Barber and Bob Bondurant... the 318iS will never be that fast straight line... but it rewards good driving skill like no other car, with the exception of the miata probably...

trust me, driving school will transform your relationship with your car.

[ose30]

what do u mean by 'copy'?? can you do that?

Yes, i can copy Eproms. Here's my Eprom programmer: