maximum tuning potential of an m40 318i?

[318i1989]

hi I was just wondering if anyone has done any extensive tuning on their 318i M40 engine before, how much it cost and what power gains it got you?

I've heard that they can't be tuned too much and people are reluctant due to the engines' top end wear problems

By the way, I've no intention of tuning mine as I haven't got the money (I've only fitted a pipercross air filter with heat shield and a cold air feed which was cheap)

cheers

[ed325i]

You can fit a turbo. look here >> http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ic&t=37165

[318i1989]

nice! that's a highly tuned M40. don't know what power it's giving out though. also it's got an auto box which'll slow it down a bit

[bmwe30mtech]

Dont bother, your cams and tappets will go soon

[dobbie82]

I would say don't bother! if you want extra power buy a 320i or 325i (or 318iS even) just isnt worth the effort in my opinion as it will still be a 318i at the end of the day and its never going to have blinding speed!

m40's are great for everyday driving, but I dont think there is much you can do to them to increase speed significantly without a petrol guzzling turbo

[318i1989]

no I won't be tuning mine anyway. I just wondered if there's anyone out there who's gone against the grain and decided to tune the m40 to (possible) destruction

[Ant]

m40's are great for everyday driving, but I dont think there is much you can do to them to increase speed significantly without a petrol guzzling turbo

tsk tsk, Malcolms car does better Mpg in its turbo guise than ever before, being auto its a difficult car to dyno , but its the match of a 325i on low boost, and very smooth and grunty, most unlike the M40 almost refined

agreed though, tuning is: service it, add a chip and enjoy, any other Normally Aspirated mods will achieve little but an empty wallet I'm afraid

[jonb]

318i1989

i presume your young lad.

as said above, chips and cams will only give minor gains + 9 bhp, pointless in the long run.

if you want to gain respect at college then bring your car to ants place.

[318i1989]

318i1989

i presume your young lad.
as said above, chips and cams will only give minor gains + 9 bhp, pointless in the long run.
if you want to gain respect at college then bring your car to ants place

yep am fairly young but i'm not at college. Either way I like the sound of having it tuned to high levels by turbocharging but ultimately I'd keep mine as it is. The reason I have a 318 is due to my lead foot (I don't trust myself)