Ottawa's thoughts on E30 318is's

[Duct_Taper]

It's all about what you want... both motors have their strong points. M42 has some newer technology than the M20 (timing chain, distributorless ignition, DOHC), but in the end it's a 1.8L 4-cyl vs a 2.5L 6.

The M20 weighs a bit more and won't touch the M42 for fuel economy, but for equal money it'll always have more power.

There's a reason I'm looking at swapping an M30 in my E30

[everlast]

Duct, that's a terrible idea. Imagine the lousy fuel economy!! Don't do it!

[everlast]

Another good thing about ANY 91 318is: always manual gearbox.

[Duct_Taper]

Fuel economy... pssh. I want my torque!

[chromius]

Originally Posted by richie_s999

I will say the same to you, don't go calling something you know nothing about a down grade.....cause you just did what you said not to do.

What exactly did I say not to do? And what makes you assume I know nothing about this subject? Regardless of how you want to spin it, it's a downgrade, plain and simple. Otherwise, BMW marketing strategy is really odd.

[Old_School]

Originally Posted by Duct_Taper

It's all about what you want... both motors have their strong points. M42 has some newer technology than the M20 (timing chain, distributorless ignition, DOHC), but in the end it's a 1.8L 4-cyl vs a 2.5L 6.

The M20 weighs a bit more and won't touch the M42 for fuel economy, but for equal money it'll always have more power.

There's a reason I'm looking at swapping an M30 in my E30

Timing chain isn't exactly newer technology over a belt. My '84 M635CSi has a timing chain. The e30 M3 has a timing chain. The 1920's Bentley Blower has a timing chain (well, probably, I'm not sure ).

[bmdbley'sBro]

my very 1st bimmer 85 318i, 4 door, 5speed

*ps boost it

[Duct_Taper]

Originally Posted by Old_School

Timing chain isn't exactly newer technology over a belt. My '84 M635CSi has a timing chain. The e30 M3 has a timing chain. The 1920's Bentley Blower has a timing chain (well, probably, I'm not sure ).

Fair enough. Maybe not newer, but better

[Old_School]

Originally Posted by Duct_Taper

Fair enough. Maybe not newer, but better

It's better until you have to replace it. Changing the chain and associated components on an M635CSi every 160,000km for about $2500 in parts and labour is still more expensive than a belt every 60k for $350-400 (or a lot less if you do the work).

Not sure what the interval and cost is on the M42, but chains do have to be replaced.

[Lee in Ottawa]

$2500 !!! for a M30. Sheesh you my friend are paying way too much

[lvan]

I would not mind 318is in a city like Ottawa. If I came over it again in Toronto, I would not buy it. It gets you tired for city driving.

[Old_School]

Originally Posted by Lee in Ottawa

$2500 !!! for a M30. Sheesh you my friend are paying way too much

Try an M88/3, not an M30 - it's an M635CSi. If it was an M30 I'd drive it till the chain grenaded and just buy a whole new lump.

Parts for the M amount to about $1000-1500 depending on what needs to be replaced (but if you're opening it up, you might as well replace the sprockets, chain, guides and tensioner so you're paying top whack. One of the guides is almost $500). Plus it's about 10-12 hours labour, and if you want someone who's seen the inside of an M88 or S38 to do it, you end up paying.

[everlast]

I saw only an E32 in that ad, no M6. ??

Er.. what? Am I lost?

[Duct_Taper]

Well, if you're comparing relative cost of timing chains to timing belts, an M88/3 compared to an M20 is hardly an apples-to-apples comparison.

Pretty sure a timing chain job on an M42 could be done at a shop for under 1k including all parts and labour. Plus, since it's not an M motor, no worries about DIYing it so really you could do it for close to the same cost as the timing belt job on an M20. Only way less frequently.

[richie_s999]

350000km known on my car.....speed was dead when I got it 2 years ago....origional chain....you only need change the time chain tensioner regulaly and you'll get the milage puls outa the chain.....if you change oil and maintain things.