Author Topic: newly acquired 318is with a seized engine (Read 3788 times)

colorado 318is · « **on:** February 19, 2009, 01:56:50 PM »

so hello to the m42 sphere - just acquired a 1991 BMW 318is with a dead engine from a fraudster on ebay but in the end may end up with "vehicle purchase protection" insurance cash to replace the m42 or even might consider an m50 swap like all the horsepower junkies are wanting to do with these little e30s.

I am generally a purist and bought the 318is with m42 as a toy to run around town sipping gas with but with an eye toward doing little improvements here and there - have read many many threads and think i have a plan, but am curious and want to pose a question to y'all...

if you had $4,000 to spend on a very very clean 318is with a seized engine, what would you do first?

KenC · « **Reply #1 on:** February 19, 2009, 02:22:09 PM »

M50 and redo the suspension.

longms · « **Reply #2 on:** February 19, 2009, 03:12:19 PM »

What he said^^^

maybe if you can splurge a little more an S50 will do you good!!!

halcrontech · « **Reply #3 on:** February 22, 2009, 08:29:28 PM »

It depends on what you are after. If you want power while keeping the engine stock. A M50B25 will be a good idea. M52B28 is another good option but its OBD2 thus you may need some additional work to convert it into ODB1 for your car.

If you just want a fuel efficient daily commuter, a replacement M42 is another option.

Rafiki · « **Reply #4 on:** February 25, 2009, 08:55:21 PM »

replacment m42 and then spend the rest on paint, suspension, interior

colorado 318is · « **Reply #5 on:** February 26, 2009, 03:33:47 PM »

spending the money on lightweight flywheel conversion, chip, exhaust, tires, and tuning. new belts, hoses, waterpump, starter, battery, sparks. practically a new 318is. couldn't bring myself to do the 24v swap just yet, that'll come down the line. gonna have some fuel efficient fun till then.

Cobra Jet · « **Reply #6 on:** February 27, 2009, 08:26:10 AM »

don't do anything w/ the "lightweight flywheel conversion" - SAVE your $$$$$..... if you do a search on this site, another M42 Member has factually shown w/ factual numbers how there is NO gain or weight savings between the "lightweight flywheel conversion" and what the M42 originally has....

colin86325 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 27, 2009, 10:39:14 AM »

The flywheel comparison was between an M20 flywheel and an M42 single mass flywheel which resulted in the same weight loss.
The comparison was not of the heavy stock dual-mass M42 flywheel.

I have done the single-mass conversion on my daily driver and can highly recommend it.

colorado 318is · « **Reply #8 on:** March 04, 2009, 04:11:13 PM »

thx for the input. the flywheel will be the an M20 sport set-up lightweight aluminum job replacing the dual mass M42. needs a new starter, some spacers, and the throw out right? i hear good things about this conversion.

papercutout · « **Reply #9 on:** March 04, 2009, 04:52:34 PM »

I'd either stroke the M42, or wang in the saab 2.3turbo lump and vauxhall gearbox, possibly get a bigger turbo and DEFINITELY wind the boost up! (It can be done, I know of a build thread if anyone wants!)