2002jm

[2002jm]

Hi: I am in the process of buying a 91 318is. Car seems to be in fair condition, but it has been sitting around for awhile.
Can you give me a list of what you would check, change first etc.
Not talking about oil, coolant:).
I have owned about 12 bmws over the years even an m3 for awhile:). Have little experience with the 318.
Any help would be great,
thanks,
jm

[EN318isPDX]

Hi: I am in the process of buying a 91 318is. Car seems to be in fair condition, but it has been sitting around for awhile.
Can you give me a list of what you would check, change first etc.
Not talking about oil, coolant:).
I have owned about 12 bmws over the years even an m3 for awhile:). Have little experience with the 318.
Any help would be great,
thanks,
jm

Before or after purchase? You are going to want to drop the oil pan and check the upper oil pan bolts. You are going to want to replace most of the vacuum hoses/ ICV if they are decayed. M42's are a very temperamental about idling perfect. My car never ran right until i replaced the entire fuel system and vacuum system. I'd recommend you check the trunk for leaks.
Check heater, lights, blinkers.

My personal list of parts I've replaced since i purchased my 1991 318is with 220k

ICV + All Vacuum and Coolant Hoses + Plastic Coolant Junction (make sure you read "mess under the intake" thread)
Intake Gaskets
Throttle body gasket
Throttle Position Sensor
Fuel Injectors, Fuel Pump, Fuel Filters
Brakes all the way around
Radiator ( these cars don't take kindly to overheating at all )


I would look at our thread about buyers guide. Gives a basic check list.

[colin86325]

Definitely drop the oil pan and check for upper pan bolts and metal shavings.

These motors also love to eat the crank thrust bearings. Guaranteed.
For some reason BMW chose to run a 180 degree thrust bearing instead of a 360 degree bearings, and 4/5 of cranks that I've seen has a thrust surface that is unacceptable for use.  
My M42 was recently rebuilt by Peerless of this board with 360 deg thrust bearings, and improved rod bearings.  It's much improved over stock longevity (my engine literally exploded at 224,000 miles).

[2002jm]

Seems I have lots of things to check:).
Thanks for the insight. I have been reading everything on this forum to get up-to-speed on the 318. Most items except the engine seem to be about the same as a 325, but the engine, and all the coolant, vaccum lines will be fun.
When I get the car, I am going to do a major tune-up and then drop the pan, change all fluids and then make a list of what comes next.
thanks again,
jm

[Voluted]

If the car has been sittign long enough your going to want to drain the gas tank and check the pump and sending unit as well. If there is rust particle buildup you'll want to clean all that out too!

[EN318isPDX]

Seems I have lots of things to check:).
Thanks for the insight. I have been reading everything on this forum to get up-to-speed on the 318. Most items except the engine seem to be about the same as a 325, but the engine, and all the coolant, vaccum lines will be fun.
When I get the car, I am going to do a major tune-up and then drop the pan, change all fluids and then make a list of what comes next.
thanks again,
jm

Good luck! Enjoy

[CePa318IS]

Check out the brendan purcells buyers guide thread
 
http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5
 
or the direct link
 
http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318isfaultstable.html