How to improve a E30 318i?

[anxious]

I have a general Question:-



How to improve a E30 318i?



I guess many E30 forumers here own a 318i.From my experience over the last yr I must say it is a relatively trouble free/easy maintainance car apart from the normal wear and tear.

But a 1.8 4 cyclinder has its limitations.Given a choice now I would prefer a 325i A 2dr (post 1988) but there arent many available in Msia.

Anyway what have u guys done or plan to do to improve your 318's.......performance,handling,noise insulation,wheels etc.

I know it all mosly in the forum but searching is very time consuming and some of u guys may not have shared your experiences.......so why dont we share our expereinces on how to improve a poor man's E30?

As for me, my car is pretty much stock with a K&N drop in filter as my main mod.I have changed almost all my bushings and am looking forward to changing the absorbers and mounts,getting 15 or 16 in rims,painting the car black and of course getting rid of the thump sound which occurs sometimes before I come to a stop.

Last edited by anxious on 28-03-2004 at 06:28 PM

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318i(A) 88/92 M40

[StanAE86]

The 318 will never be a very fast car without serious modifications to the motor. Modifications that may not be worth the money in the end. I would spend the money in the suspension of the car. Besides the fact that your suspension is over 10 years old already, the 318 chassis is a good foundation to start with. It was a relatively small and boxy car. On the track, a well set up 318 will give a good fight to cars with more power, but less suspension work.

Given the small power of the block, any wheels you get should be light. Look into forged wheels instead of the cheaper cast wheels, which are heavier and increase the unsprung weight. If you want to go up in size, consider whether the added weight versus the added grip is worth it. You may want to just get wheels in the same size, but maybe wider, or just spend the money on good tires. Good tires make a big difference.

From what I understand, there used to be several companies that made turbo kits for the E30. Not sure if that was for the 318 or not though. A search of the internet should turn that information up.

Good luck.

[anxious]

I am more into improving its handling not too keen on engine conversion or performance enhancements.

I just love driving my E30...look forward to it everyday.I just want to make the enjoyment better w/o having to spend a bomb.

[draak666]

I have an e36 318i. You can't get anymore basic than mine. I'm thinking about a few simple modifications to take it to the ring.

I'm not touching the engine, unless some simple parts need replacement, like filters or so. No big investments. A turbo could ruin the handling. And other improvements are just not worth it IMO.

First thing that will be done is a new (second hand) set of wheels. I'm taking those of my mom's car. These are 205 in width. I'll let you know in a few weeks if it was worth it.

Second, when my suspension needs to be replaced, I'll go for the sportsuspension.

After that, well we'll see. Possibly a sportseat for the driver and a steering wheel which is a bit smaller and has better grip.

Oh yeah, and good tyres are indeed a good idea, especially for driving in the wet.

[initiala4]

Supersprint exhaust might help response if you are looking for $/hp. I heard that with some suspension mods, the bimmer handles pretty good in the corners.

[caneswell]

H&R springs and bilstien sport shocks -60/40mm Fr/Re. M3 control arm bushes. Replace any other worn bushes and ball joints. Ventilated discs and calipers from a bigger engined model if you don't have them already. Lightweight 15" wheels 205/50/15 performance tyres. Maybe a Limited slip diff and rear anti roll bar if you don't have one. That should see you out handle most cars! Cut a big hole in the bottom section of airbox (sounds much nicer) Don't lower the rear too much, because the camber will EAT tyres! Maybe and exhaust for sound too. then you could get serious and change steering rack to a quicker ratio and remove everything you don't need, to reduce weight. Makes a huge difference!

Have fun!