Is there anything nice about 318tis?

[Pimpsolo]

With my Miata probably totaled, or close, and my Impala guzzling gas like it's a renewable energy source, I'm probably going to sell them both and use the money to buy one car.

I love hatches and I can't really afford an M Coupe, nor do I want one in a college parking lot. Unfortunately, contrary to popular opinion, I love how the 318ti looks, and how affordable it is. I heard they're fairly upgradable, and I'd have plunty of cash to do so. For some reason I'm attracted to the fact that it's a "base" or "economy" model BMW. It stands there with its unpainted bumpers, and really low price tag screaming "Upgrade my suspension, make me a cool car!"

So talk me out of a 318ti.

[JCapelo]

I thought u wanted to get a M?......

or a 318ti with a M motor would be sweet....

If u want it for handling ect....go with it, if your looking for speed stay away.
with out some kind of F/I or a motor swap its not gonna happen

and compared to a 325 or 328 the gas mileage really isnt that much better if it all....i guess it depends how you drive.

[TheDarkSide]

just save longer for an M

[FactorX]

Three letters...

GTI. :p

(runs back to the VW section)

[TheDarkSide]

Paul: /GTI > 318(gay slow)

[rami0187]

318ti was the first bmw i drove and honestly what hooked me to owning a bmw...go for it they is cool

[Variance]

I'm kinda biased since I own one and all), but since you're into AutoX, you'd like the 318ti quite a bit. It's the lightest of the E36's, and people that have driven both a ti and a normal E36 say that the ti feels more responsive and agile. Also, it shares the E30 rear suspension design, which makes it more tossable and predictable. Yes, it's a bit lacking in the power department, but the engine loves to rev; it will keep going and going. If you'd like more info, you can ask me any questions, or you can check out www.318ti.org. Hatchback ftw!

[kelso]

i just bought mine a few months ago, its spectacular. im averaging 30mpg and i usually am not the nicest to my throttle around my home town;)

it really handles amazingly. i read somewhere that because of where the wheels are, its the best handling E36 you can get. it does lack power but my turner chip makes it alright. and just look at my sig... good suspension dropping my car on E46 m3 wheels... that is sex right there and you know it... i need to paint the bumper though:shhh:

[TheDarkSide]

Hatchback ftw!

Paul: cool, honda pride in a bmw!

[Cobb_Web]

dude, go for the merc_pwr. lol. In all honesty, Mercedes makes the C series into a pretty decent hatch.

But a 3 series is my dream car, so I really have nothing bad to say about a BMW.

[Variance]

The main downside to the C230 hatch is the weight. Since it's a merc, it's going to be quite a bit heavier than the 318ti. You can get the Kompressor model, but the extra power isn't really enough to make up for it. The ti is about 3000 lbs, whereas the C230 is 3400 lbs. That's not to mention the rather staggering difference in price...

[Cobb_Web]

Yea, thats true, i think the one downside to pretty much all mercs is their weight. They're all super heavy. My mom has a new SLK280, that thing is so heavy I almost get more acceleration than her. The doors on that car are rediculously heavy.

If you want to get a car just for its performance, get the 3 series, but if you wanna consider the car that is "Unlike any Other" consider taking a look at the C series. Like Variance said, and I back up, it is heavier, but its still a nice ride.

[SlickShift]

I think you should definitely get a 318tis...just make sure it's an OBD-I model (only MY '95 for ti's). With a $250 chip you get 11hp and 19hp plus a higher rev limit. That's a lot of power for a cheap bolt-on for a BMW. Add an intake and exhaust and it won't be that slow. I vote 318tis :thumbu:

[TheDarkSide]

Kompressor C-Class is quicker than you would think....

[Pimpsolo]

Wow, lots of responses, awesome.

Yeah I had planned on an e36 M3 Coupe, although I feel like if I buy the M3, for, say $15k I'll have a pretty nice M3 that I'll be worried about scratching all the time. If I get the 318ti, for, sayyyy $7-$8k, I can throw $5k at it in just upgrading it, and still have some left over for repairs if needed. This is my thought process. Funny you mention the C hatch, I do like those a lot too, but I'm really partial to the BMW after having weighed it out (literally the Mercedes is heavy.)

And in all serious, I know a lot more people who know about BMWs than Mercedes, and heard they're fairly easy to work on. I posted this question on another board and got a lot more negative responses in opposition to the 318ti... this makes me feel a little less guilty about liking them. Bottom line is I've ruled out any car in between 318ti and M3, I either go all out awesome, or all out base model. I guess whichever car comes along at the right time, right mileage and right price.

[Mr.bimmerPuck]

J.capelo had a 318i it looket really good but car was kinda slow but he manged to make it fast lol WOOT

[Variance]

The biggest gripe people seem to have is with the engine. So many people think that the straight six is the supreme, own-all engine, and scoff at the idea that BMW made a 4-banger. In reality, though, the M42/M44 is one of the most reliable and bulletproof engines that BMW has made... Oh, and out of curiousity, what board did you get all the negative comments from?

[The Weiner]

dude, go for the merc_pwr. lol. In all honesty, Mercedes makes the C series into a pretty decent hatch.

But a 3 series is my dream car, so I really have nothing bad to say about a BMW.

so buy my car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[M52 POWER!]

My 328is weighs 3075 lbs, so not a huge weight diff. I say go for the 318ti if you put a M engine, tranny and LSD in it. Otherwise it'll be meh in teh acceleration department.

Its shorter wheelbase is what makes it a more maneuverable car.

[SlickShift]

It's more fun to get and less expensive car and spend money modding it than buying the more expensive one and not touching it. 318tis FTW again!

[kelso]

i dont see you buying an 7 thousand dollar 318ti honestly. i got mine with sport package, BRAND NEW wheels, tires, chip, h&R springs, Bilstein shock, shock mounts, new tires on stock wheels, K&N filter, and it had been all flushed out for 5700 and it was in almost perfect condition really. some people said i got ripped off but i swear they are on crack cause i got a good deal no matter what they think. you could find one cheaper than 7 easily....

[Variance]

Haha, mine was 9k. Then again, I got it for under bluebook, and it was MINT with only 58k miles. I know I overpaid, but eh, you live, you learn.

[rami0187]

i dont see you buying an 7 thousand dollar 318ti honestly. i got mine with sport package, BRAND NEW wheels, tires, chip, h&R springs, Bilstein shock, shock mounts, new tires on stock wheels, K&N filter, and it had been all flushed out for 5700 and it was in almost perfect condition really. some people said i got ripped off but i swear they are on crack cause i got a good deal no matter what they think. you could find one cheaper than 7 easily....

how many miles were on it and what year is it?

[kelso]

95.... had 113k when i picked it up, but all those parts listed were literally 2 weeks old

[rami0187]

wow sounds lika pretty good deal then

[kelso]

yea i think so too but when i originally posted about my new ride people were basically saying i got ripped....they crazy fools! plus alpine white on black sport interior ownzzzz

[FactorX]

:flip: :rant: ... quit hating on the hatches... hatches /= honduh luv. :flip: :rant:


:cheers:

[Pimpsolo]

:eek: That seems like a really good deal you got. Wow if that's the prices on 318tis it really wouldn't be cost prohibitive to actually put in the M engine/tranny/diff and upgrade the suspention. Unless there's some sort of logistical problems. Talk about sleeper too.

Edit: Oh yeah, I asked Automotive Insanity on Something Awful.

[Variance]

Yeah, ti's can really be had for cheap. Especially if you'd be looking for one to do a swap on, you could go for a higher-milage example and get it for even cheaper. In fact, a guy on 318ti.org recently bought a 95 Sport that needs some TLC for $2k.

[TheDarkSide]

It's more fun to get and less expensive car and spend money modding it than buying the more expensive one and not touching it. 318tis FTW again!

Try it a few times, it sucks. You will never get any of it back. :thumbd: I still vote against. I can see doing as a project car like I want to do but he is saying getting rid of both of his for this decision....

[Roy]

Try it a few times, it sucks. You will never get any of it back. :thumbd: I still vote against. I can see doing as a project car like I want to do but he is saying getting rid of both of his for this decision....
Dave has a point. Never mod a car and expect your going to get returns from it. I'd never buy a modded car, and I think most on here wouldn't either. Think about it, people mod cars to go faster and perform better. Why would you want to buy a car that someone has modded to do better performance wise, and then sell it for some reason. They're selling it for lack of money, or the car needs serious repairs...

[Pimpsolo]

Dave has a point. Never mod a car and expect your going to get returns from it. I'd never buy a modded car, and I think most on here wouldn't either. Think about it, people mod cars to go faster and perform better. Why would you want to buy a car that someone has modded to do better performance wise, and then sell it for some reason. They're selling it for lack of money, or the car needs serious repairs...

I would never sell it. I drive my cars 'till the wheels fall off. Literally.

http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/2682/ripcsk19ql.jpg

Old car ^

I called the guys insurance company about my Miata. The said he isn't picking up any of the calls and that they'll just wait for the offical accident report to arrive and then have my car evaluated.

[Racerchick]

Hey Pimpsolo, do you go to SPC at the Tarpon Campus? I think ive seen your miata with the duck take decals there lol.

But yeah, the ti is an awesome car, they do come cheap because unfortunetly they didnt do well in the United States. They did great in Europe though. You can get them for a great price and they will be practically in great condition if you know where to look. They are fun cars and they do keep up with their fair share of cars. You do get better gas mileage then any other e36 and if you dont want to do a M swap there is always a DASC. And dont let people fool you on the trunk, it may look like there is nothing but even with the back seats up you get a lot of space and with the seats down its like your own mini pick up truck in car form. Good luck though!

[aeryk7]

Anyone want to help me stick a 5.5L Kompressor engine in a C230 compressor hatch? Anyone .........awww come on, just imagine. Plus you can get that model in a manual transmission .

[Variance]

I'm not sure how much help I could be, but man, I'd to be there for that. That'd be insane... Go for it, I'll hand you the wrenches... XD

[kelso]

get the car and the motor, ill drive down on sundays or at night to help with that:D

[Pimpsolo]

Hey Pimpsolo, do you go to SPC at the Tarpon Campus? I think ive seen your miata with the duck take decals there lol.


Heh, yeah I do go there.

Chris and I just test drove a red 318ti today in Tampa. It was decent, however a few minor problems. Sunroof didn't work, and didnt have headliner cover on it, shift knob fell off during test drive, door panel wood screwed on, radio powered up but didn't respond to pressing the buttons at all, and a few body panels showed evidence of being repainted (although it looked like a quality job, still we noticed some overspray.)

It drove well, had 95k miles, ac worked. They said $6500, Chris and I pretty much laughed, I offered $3300, if I get a call back, I wouldn't go a dime over $3,500, and I might not even go that high. Sigh, the search continues.

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/7978/718zk.jpg

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/4135/134bb.jpg
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/7545/405fy.jpg

[TheDarkSide]

Interior looks good

[Pimpsolo]

Everything "looked" pretty good, it was a matter of whether they functioned properly. The seats looked brand new actually, paint as well, for the most part. I forgot to mention it had a few aftermarket parts that hinted toward a kid driver, such as a coffee can exhaust, that "quality" /sarcastic intake, some slotted and drilled rotors, the ac schnitzer petals. I'd prefer a less "shady" car, unfortunately it's tempting because it's my favorite color, and how often do you find basically the exact match car you want? I need to follow my head however, over my heart :gay:

[Variance]

Yeah, I'd steer clear of that car. It may not seem to have many issues at the moment, but who knows what could pop up in the future. I can do some searching for you to help out, if you like.

[kelso]

too many issues listed, sounds shady and high priced for what it is

[Pimpsolo]

Yeah, shady indeed. I would definatly appreciate any help looking for the right car. I have been sifting through ebay listings, and autotrader, this one seemed like the best one so far. Obviously not. I also forgot to mention one of the funniest things. They had a kelly blue book print out on the dash that showed the car to be worth $8,xxx and no matter what configuration we used, it was impossible to get that car to reach that amount, or anything even above $6k. Chris kept the print out.

[Viper3812]

My 328is weighs 3075 lbs, so not a huge weight diff.
I'm sure the weight of the ti is under 3000ibs. If I'm correct mine is around 2800 lbs. I love my ti and even though it has the 4 cylinder the handling makes up for it.

[TheDarkSide]

Never been in one nor have I seen one up close :dunno: Real enthusiast I am huh :roll:

[kelso]

whaaaaaaaaaaaat....dave im coming to get you and very driving to my house and going through aripeka or something....fun fun road

[kelso]

check craigslist.com, bf.c 318ti.org, autotrader, and the newspapers. it took me about 6 months to find a clean bimmer:cry: i almost gave up at the end but then bam found my TI and im almost glad i dont have a 325/328. the hatch look grew on me fast and it handles great, gas milage rocks, and its something different...

keep checking ebay and autotrader as well but dont bid on ebay till you have seen and driven the car, then try to buy it without auction ifits nice...

about KBB- maybe they put 9500 miles instead of 95000:dunno:

[TheDarkSide]

whaaaaaaaaaaaat....dave im coming to get you and very driving to my house and going through aripeka or something....fun fun road

:D Sounds good to me!

[Pimpsolo]

<TABLE class=bgYellow height=41 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=218 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=ucCondDarkGrey style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px" vAlign=bottom height=21>Excellent</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px" vAlign=bottom align=right height=21>$5,900
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
9,500 miles, all options.

I'm curious, how is the handleing worth it? Not to be a dick, but I've heard the same thing from a lot of poeple, that it's great at handeling. Is that because it's a BMW or what? Because from what I understand, it's the e30 suspension in the rear, so technically I'd be better off with a 318 sedan, of course I'd never do that because the main reason I like the car is for the hatch, but I'm just curious if there's some aspect of it that makes it a better handeling car than other e36s.

Also, I understand it's the same wheelbase as any of the other e36s, so does that mean if I did the m3 engine swap, that the driveshaft would bolt up to the ti differential? If anyone has any info on an m3 engine swap into a ti, I'd really appreciate that link. And I haven't seen a single 318ti on craigslist, but the search continues.

[kelso]

craigslist doesnt have much but its worth it to check occasionally...

yea the e30 rear end parts make the ti handle better than the others plus i think the weight might be distributed better? not positive on that but yea they handle better than sedan and coupe e36's, which still handle good anyways.

318ti.org has tons of info, im almost positive they have a swap guide on there. the first main section is completely for m3 engine swapped ti's.

[Variance]

Actually, I've read that people who have driven both prefer the handling of the ti over the normal 318. Apparently the E30 rear suspension makes it more predictable, and just has more of a "fun to drive" factor.

As for the driveshaft, the M3 driveshaft would bolt up to the ti diff IF you also used the M3 tranny. If you stuck with the stock tranny (which people have done with fine results), then you would stick with the stock driveshaft. If you want info on ti swap, just go to www.318ti.org and search for swap. Also, there's a 'Compact 6' section that deals sepcifically with 6 cylinder swaps.

Edit-Damn, took to long to write. kelso beat me to most of it.

[Pimpsolo]

Oh, wow, awesome. It just confuses me a lot because the 318ti has the battery in the front, the old suspension, seemingly no advantages besides a slight weight and looks ;) advantage. (Don't get me wrong, I really like the car. I just want to clear some things up I don't understand with 318ti owners such as yourself. Thanks for being so helpful!

[Pimpsolo]

No man, you just answered a WHOLE lot of questions before I even really asked them, wow. I can't believe the 318ti tranny bolts up to the m3 engine. No problems with the added hp? (Sorry, I'll look on 318ti.org right now, heh.)

[Variance]

Well, there are two transmissions that E36s got. The Getrag, which the 318, 325, etc got, and the ZF, which the 328, M3, etc. got. The ZF IS a stronger transmission. But I know of several people using the getrag on swaps with no problem. In fact, J!m on the ti board has been running a M3 engine with his stock tranny for a while with no problems.

[Pimpsolo]

Wow, so if I'm reading right... the m3 engine swap is just swap engine, bolt in new one? Does it need a custom exhaust? Wireing?

[Variance]

Well, considering that you ARE adding 2 more cylinders, yeah, you'll need a new exhaust. Also, you will need the appropriate engine wiring harness(es) out of the M3, in addition to the ECU. However, the normal ti doesn't have LSD, which would mean you might want an upgraded differential from another car.

[Pimpsolo]

Heheh, those were sort of rhetorical questions. I was on 318ti.org and saw there's some lsd diff's for 318ti's. Or what other doner cars are good for differentials? e30 m3s?

Edit: what I ment to ask was... does it require the m3 exhaust, or just m3 headers, which would bolt on to the rest of the 318ti exhaust?

[Panzer_M]

having owned two of them, both the M44 and M42 I'll say the 318ti is the best handling e36 out there, minus the M Coupe. actaully I'll take my 95 Club Sport over most e36 BMWs out there. weight on a 318ti is just about 50/50.

As to the Hp issue, well after I installed UUC's Stage II Fly and e34 M5 clutch, the M42 got alot more responsive throttle wise...but loosing a 20lb+ Dual Mass Fly will do that.

Also for 3k you can get a DASC and work with 188-190whp(Grassroots Motorsports' dyno on a 91 s/c M42 and understeer's dyno numbers confirm this area)

yes there are LSD for Tis. I have one a 3.45 Limited slip small diff case.

[Variance]

I may be wrong, but I think that the M3 exhaust might fit. You would most definately not want to fit M3 headers to the stock ti system, as it would be far too restrictive. As for diffs, I've heard of people using E30 325 diffs, as well as various E36 diffs with LSD. The M Coupe differential is also another possibility.

Edit-And Panzer, woot! Glad to see you joined.

[Panzer_M]

any exhaust will be modified to a six swap.

also before anyone says it, the euro 323ti is a single piped exhaust so it might work, well it's going to bolt up to a M52/M50 block, but you'd be better off on a custom exhaust.

[Pimpsolo]

This is why I love BMW. Everything bolts to everything. I bet you could bolt four bmw steering wheels to the lugs and use them as rims.

(I assume all those differentials are basically bolt on?)

[Variance]

You'll have to do some flip-flopping of output flanges or halfshafts, and maybe a little hammering to get it to fit, but yes.

[Pimpsolo]

having owned two of them, both the M44 and M42 I'll say the 318ti is the best handling e36 out there, minus the M Coupe. actaully I'll take my 95 Club Sport over most e36 BMWs out there. weight on a 318ti is just about 50/50.

As to the Hp issue, well after I installed UUC's Stage II Fly and e34 M5 clutch, the M42 got alot more responsive throttle wise...but loosing a 20lb+ Dual Mass Fly will do that.

Also for 3k you can get a DASC and work with 188-190whp(Grassroots Motorsports' dyno on a 91 s/c M42 and understeer's dyno numbers confirm this area)

yes there are LSD for Tis. I have one a 3.45 Limited slip small diff case.

I was looking at the DASC and it seems like a lot of money and strain on the engine when for... seemingly less money the m54 swap can get you similar hp, and that would be minus forced induction. Am I wrong?

[Panzer_M]

If it's a four bolt yes.

E36 diff WILL NOT Work

but Z3, Z3M, 318ti(uses small diff housing), e30, e28 and possible e24 will all bolt on, some with minor modification to the diff cover or replacing the diff cover.

popular diff swaps are 3.73LS, 3.64LS and 3.46LS. Also the Ti Sport diff is popular with it's 3.45LS

[Panzer_M]

yea......well here is Panzer to educate the mass on the 318ti, The M42 has forged internals...it can take 8psi of boost(Stock DASC) with no prob. The M44 doesn't have forged guts, but it's got oilers for the pistons which is nice, both have nice Iron block.

believe me they can take the 8psi.

[Pimpsolo]

But isn't it still a waste of money to turbo the 4, when for a similar, or possibly less cost, get an inline 6?

[Panzer_M]

I was looking at the DASC and it seems like a lot of money and strain on the engine when for... seemingly less money the m54 swap can get you similar hp, and that would be minus forced induction. Am I wrong?

by M54, I hope you mean M50 as in M50B25TU or M52B28..with regards to the M52 if you can find one from a Z3 2.8 it's got an alloy block which makes the weight just about that of the M44/M42.

just got to deal with ODB II and EWS. Electronics fun.

[Pimpsolo]

****, what engine does the 95 m3 have? (Sorry, I never really owned a bmw or really went this in depth with them before)

But bottom line question is, e36 m3 engine swap, is it not more cost effective than the DASC turbo?

[Variance]

Also, we recently had a 318ti.org member do a check-up on his engine after... I forgot... miles, and his engine was fine. Still had 180 PSI compression across all 4 pistons.

[Variance]

The M3 engines are the S50 and S52.

Edit-The 95 has the S50.

[Panzer_M]

But isn't it still a waste of money to turbo the 4, when for a similar, or possibly less cost, get an inline 6?

weight. adding a six is adding weight. weight is the killer of any good sports car.

the Ti is 2700lb or so..if you add a DASC with what you remove you only gain 40lbs during the install you gain less than 50lb. (Adding UUC's LTW flywheel will drop 15-20lb estimated, and you can get some 10-15lb rims, remove the spare(add a M mobility kit), etc and trim some of the remaining fat from the car.

plus with LTW rims, body panels, interior, you can cancel that out and get even lighter. Break the 2600lbs most e36 and all e46s can touch you with a good diiff and 185whp.

[kelso]

dasc is actually supercharger... i havent driven a ti with either of these, but both would be fast. i like forced induction though...they both have the strong points. how about a supercharged m3 engine swap woot!

[Panzer_M]

S50B30 - 95 M3
S50B30E ITB Euro M, from 93-95
S50B32E ITB, 3.2L Euro M from 96-99
S52B32..modified M52 for US market M3 96-99
S54B32 ITB 01-current M3 and M Roadster motor

ITB = Individual Throttle Bodies

[Pimpsolo]

Heheh kelso, that was in the back of my mind. Ahh pipe dreams.

But in all seriousness... it would be so difficult for me to justify $3200 (if I'm lucky) in parts alone on a turbo kit for only 8psi. The rational makes a lot of sense of course but I can't imagine myself shelling out that money to turbo a 4 cylinder. I should do the b18 swap, the turbo chargers for those a a lot cheaper. Sheesh.

Edit: How much more heavy is the S50B30? and would the S50B30 be the best option if I were to do so. I only assumed it'd be the cheapest, and easiest because of the odb1. School me. (this forum is great)

[Panzer_M]

dasc is actually supercharger... i havent driven a ti with either of these, but both would be fast. i like forced induction though...they both have the strong points. how about a supercharged m3 engine swap woot!

More than 250hp would make the Ti ungainly. I can swing my rear with no prob now easy enough.

my goal is a modest 200hp/190whp


one point, DASC works fine with the Stock Trans and Diff

the S50/S52 swap, will the getrag can handle it, a Bulker ZF trans was intended for this engine. And the M engines will grenade(Break) the diff under heavy abuse.

[Panzer_M]

Heheh kelso, that was in the back of my mind. Ahh pipe dreams.

But in all seriousness... it would be so difficult for me to justify $3200 (if I'm lucky) in parts alone on a turbo kit for only 8psi. The rational makes a lot of sense of course but I can't imagine myself shelling out that money to turbo a 4 cylinder. I should do the b18 swap, the turbo chargers for those a a lot cheaper. Sheesh.

Edit: How much more heavy is the S50B30? and would the S50B30 be the best option if I were to do so. I only assumed it'd be the cheapest, and easiest because of the odb1. School me. (this forum is great)

M50B25 would be the cheapest six, and parts are cheap than M parts. Plus the 318/325 share the same getrag trans...so the M50 would pretty much drop in, wire up and bolt to the Ti's drivetrain.

now what you would have to replace.

Motor mounts
DME
Exhaust system
Intake System
match up all the electrical and fuel lines
new radiator from a 6 cyl
Gauge cluster from any 6 cyl BMW e36 will need to be source, M3 Z3, M Road and M coupe can work as well.

ODB I is plug and play
ODB II is a bit more complicated
and the ODB II to ODB I stuff..i don't know about.

[Pimpsolo]

Hmm, well my cars could be considered under heavy abuse about 50% of the time they see the road, but I wouldn't consider an M engine swap without at least upgrading the diff. Wouldn't you want to upgrade the tranny and dif with all the added hp from the dasc then, by your logic? (playing devil's advocate right now)

[Variance]

The getrag can support more power, as it was used in the 325 also. It's just that the power from an M3 engine could be too much.

[Panzer_M]

all the DA'd Ti are using the stock setup.

If parts broke than I would def up them to strong parts.

Right now I am in the process of finding a 95 M3 steering rack to upgrade the Club Sports...so I beleive in over-building cars def....also why I like the e34 M5 Clutch I am using over the Sach 318 clutch...although that is need for the 8lb flywheel.

[Pimpsolo]

Would the m3 engine produce more hp than the dasc?

[Panzer_M]

The getrag can support more power, as it was used in the 325 also. It's just that the power from an M3 engine could be too much.

esp if modified on the M3 part.

[Panzer_M]

Would the m3 engine produce more hp than the dasc?

depends.

M3 is 240crank

DASC is at 8psi 200hp crank or around for ODB I
for ODB II they have tuned it to 3 stages.
and then you just swap pullies to change you PSI your boosting.

[kelso]

superchargers can be upgraded fairly cheaply. im not sure what all the dasc kit includes but maybe a smaller pully, fmic...stuff like that would add some good power.

[Pimpsolo]

all the DA'd Ti are using the stock setup.

If parts broke than I would def up them to strong parts.

Right now I am in the process of finding a 95 M3 steering rack to upgrade the Club Sports...so I beleive in over-building cars def....also why I like the e34 M5 Clutch I am using over the Sach 318 clutch...although that is need for the 8lb flywheel.

Slightly a derail, but this is just something I was talking to Chris about earlier today.. wouldn't you be better off with the z3 rack as it isn't progressive? Just curios about this one because this is yet another mod in my foreseeable future.

[Panzer_M]

superchargers can be upgraded fairly cheaply. im not sure what all the dasc kit includes but maybe a smaller pully, fmic...stuff like that would add some good power.


It's All About Speed.com has you covered they have 4 pullies

and are working on a intercooler(or whatever S/C use) for the DASC.

[Panzer_M]

Slightly a derail, but this is just something I was talking to Chris about earlier today.. wouldn't you be better off with the z3 rack as it isn't progressive? Just curios about this one because this is yet another mod in my foreseeable future.

I found Z3 rack...RMFD by Maval for 550$

but I want the 95 M, 1. it's built by ZF(trusted company for me) and I don't know about the quality of the US Made Maval racks.

[Pimpsolo]

Difficult to find OEM z3 racks then?

Also, I want to get this straight, the consensus is DASC kit, as opposed to engine swap?

[Panzer_M]

well there is another option

2.1 Stroker and Stroker 2.1 w/ ITB

[Pimpsolo]

Heh, or ls1, rite?

I guess I'll make the difficult decision of engine swap, or DASC when I actually own the 318ti. But you can bet that will be soon. Just doing some research before I buy it, and it looks promising.

[Panzer_M]

try to get a 1995 Club Model. Best of the group, but only 200 were made in 1995, I got mine from a BMW enthusist in Nebraska. Well worth the drive IMO.

[JCapelo]

Idk....my stock 318 sedan out handled 2 Ti's at the Auto x......The only one that beat me was that crazy fast guy with the mtech kit that beats m3s and ish!

I have driven all 3, 318ti, 318is and 318i.....and the only way i would go back to a 318 is if i knew i was gonna do an engine swap....and sooon!

Kelso you say ur glad you didnt get a 325/328 because u love your car.....just like i loved my 318..

But i bet if we traded cars for a week you would change ur mind....ya you still might like the 318ti but u will also fall in love with the power of the staight 6 cyl..

[SlickShift]

I think you should have a mechanic take a serious look at the car before you buy it. Also, make sure the kid still has the stock exhaust and intake. If you know how to fix the stuff that's broken/missing, go for it. It's just not fun spending mod money on repairs!

And to go along with Jeff...inline-6 FTW. Nothing sounds sweeter!

[M52 POWER!]

http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/store/shop.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=6134&Product_Code=3.05.SR

[bam2002]

http://www.fscbmwcca.org/DrivingEvents/standings.html

The leader in the A class is Russ in a 318 ti.. Yes it has Cams, a chip and upgraded Tires / rims. But as you can see its as fast as a Minni S.

On a Auto X.. that is..

[kelso]

Kelso you say ur glad you didnt get a 325/328 because u love your car.....just like i loved my 318..

But i bet if we traded cars for a week you would change ur mind....ya you still might like the 318ti but u will also fall in love with the power of the staight 6 cyl..


i really want to say your wrong but i dunno... the stright 6 just sounds so awesome, and i know it has quite a bit more power.... but i really do like my car. if it was a stock, base ti, that would be tough to back up but ive got nice lookin wheels, great suspension, black sexy interior, and i do love the look of the hatch.once i have money, this will be supercharged, but i might do some internal work before then if i think ill get some decent power for the money like porting the head and getting cams maybe would help it a bit... the chip is alright but its still lacking

[M52 POWER!]

Put a M52 in your 318ti and it's rape time.

[Mr.bimmerPuck]

Put a M52 in your 318ti and it's rape time.

:woot: :boink:

[Panzer_M]

:woot: :boink:

I've seen too many non-Six swapped Ti loose it on runs.

add another 100hp and that backend will bite you bad.

Ask Viper about the Challenge Rally.

Or when I 360'd my 97 Ti in the rain on 528 and smack the guard rail.

or when I 360'd the Club Sport in Bithlo trying to avoid small mammal that wanted to Die, but I was unwilling to assist it.

They can be ungainly at time, and other time, like on Sebring or Clermount, they can be a huge amount of fun in a small package.

[Pimpsolo]

I've seen too many non-Six swapped Ti loose it on runs.

add another 100hp and that backend will bite you bad.

Ask Viper about the Challenge Rally.

Or when I 360'd my 97 Ti in the rain on 528 and smack the guard rail.

or when I 360'd the Club Sport in Bithlo trying to avoid small mammal that wanted to Die, but I was unwilling to assist it.

They can be ungainly at time, and other time, like on Sebring or Clermount, they can be a huge amount of fun in a small package.

So you're suggesting that the 318ti already has enough power? If so, I'd have to strongly disagree there. I can't imagine myself having difficulty keeping traction with its current power plant. In fact, it seems like it's difficult to lose traction at all, even if you want to. Save for driver error, I think 240hp at the crank sounds like a HELL of a lot of fun, and not too much power to keep control, especially with its "really good suspension." Which no matter how much research I do, I can't figure out how a 30+ year old trailing arm suspension could be better than the other e36's. I'm not saying anyone's wrong, I just wish I had some documentation that could explain it.

[Panzer_M]

it's got enough USEABLE power. power to weight power to weight...318ti is 2700lbs vs a e36 coupe which is 3000-3200lbs. So there is a 500lb differance out of the box.

it's not a 0-60 machine and it's not a Drag car...like a e30 M, which will be beaten off the line by a 325 e30.

not get out on the B roads and that is were the Ti will def show it's worth.

Z3s and Z3Ms use the same 30 yr old trailing arms.

I just suggest you drive one.

[Pimpsolo]

Well, I did test drive that one. There weren't many curvy roads around there unfortunately but jerking the wheel back and forth, and taking a few slow turns, I can say my Miata feels a lot better (obviously this wasn't a fair, or thorough test by any means, just my initial impression.) As far as power goes, we drove it like we stole it, it's not numbingly slow, but to suit my appetite, I'd want more power for sure. That said, the 318ti is still the number one choice for my next car.