Author Topic: Help Identifying 1993 318i (Read 3422 times)

sqlpython · « **on:** April 24, 2011, 11:15:42 PM »

Hello
I am a new member who has 4/2011 purchased a 1993 318i 4dr...
Reading through the forums to try to answer my questions but did not find all but most of what I needed.. A good forum to help me as a e36 new owner.
..Having owned some 70 autos in my life time I was surprised at what this little EFI 318i Bimmer of 140hp brought to the party.

I was looking for a 2nd Economical 5-spd auto with a tuned chassis that was not Ho-Hum to drive..& This little car delivers.

That said, I am trying to determine if this car is an E36 M42 or M41. As this 318i is a USA car, I am told all 1993 E36 318i shipped to the USA should be with the M42 engine.

bmwconnect · « **Reply #1 on:** April 24, 2011, 11:49:00 PM »

The BMW M41 is a straight-4 Diesel engine
You sir have a M42 petrol in that photo

All the best!

sqlpython · « **Reply #2 on:** April 25, 2011, 10:16:44 AM »

Quote

The BMW M41 is a straight-4 Diesel engine

And so the Education process begins..
Thank You! I wasn't expecting that answer..
As we have not imported a Diesel 3 series here until this recent model year that would explain the references to all USA E36 models being M42... Would have been informative if just one writer had mentioned the Diesel factor...

Live and Learn...Die and well, ...Die.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** April 25, 2011, 07:38:08 PM »

Not sure how much research you've done, so I'll add some tidbits:

All US 4-cyl models are M42's, from the '91 to '96 when they were replaced by the similar OBDII M44. Same for the 4-cyl Z3 and the 318Ti. You'll see a lot of the SOHC M40 in European markets, but it never came stateside.

Your model also has the dual-resonance intake manifold and knock sensors. The earlier e30 doesn't have those. There were a few other variations on these motors as well...the engine computer (DME for short), oil filter housing and belt drive.

Welcome to the club! Hope you find it helpful. These are great little cars if they get a bit of love.

sqlpython · « **Reply #4 on:** April 26, 2011, 04:07:33 PM »

Thanks Dave

Every bit helps as I have never owned a BMW (Bimmer) before through over 70 autos..
Must say though I have admired them from the 70's 2002 models.
The vehicle will be a Project/Daily Driver car as it is not my Primary vehicle.
This 93 318i has 106000 miles on the odo but as I looked from coast to coast on the Internet and throughout other advertisers was definitely One of the Cleanest I came across. If you don't know Bimmers this vehicle could easily past for a 4-5 yr old based on condition alone.. Really happy with it.

You will be hearing from me with more questions for sure.

Edit: Let me add as you can see from the Photo above the one item that does need detailing is the Engine Compartment.