318i vs 318is. how much for IS conversion parts n fitted

Post Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:18 am

Thinking about doing a 318i to 318is conversion, will i notice much difference??

ow much should i be paying engine and gearbox plus getting it fitted..

Post Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:21 am

you will, why don't you look in the wiki and compare the engine outputs and other info you may want to know.

Post Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:28 am

yea ive seen the stats and figures but i want to know peoples hands on experience with 318is's, does it make a normal 318i feel a bit sloppy..

Post Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:48 am

I used to have a m42 in my touring, only ever drove a 318i once which felt like it hit a brick wall once you hit 3k-ish (worn cam shafts probably) but was a noticeable difference.

Post Mon Sep 17, 2012 12:35 pm

i owned a 318is, but had never driven a 318i , and i drove a facelift one recently- a big difference in the way the car feels, more the suspension/ride feel than the engine as i didnt have a proper drive drive, a massive difference between the standard and my is which has eibach and bilstein, so that would be a must to do, and the engine felt less revvy and not as sharp/on the button as the is engine, and then the massive 318i steering wheel, crikey what a difference aswell,and the comfort as opposed to sport seats, gave overall a feeling of being worlds apart

Post Mon Sep 17, 2012 12:54 pm

twice the number of valves, twice the number of camshafts, forged crank that like to rev... an extra 20hp...plus the stiffer suspension... try one and make up your own mind

Post Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:42 pm

There's a lot of differences between a 318i saloon and a 318iS, besides the engine. Two very different cars.

Post Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:59 pm

I have a 318 with a is engine now fitted it has put a smile on my face for a few years.it is worth doing,it will feel so much better.i'm now in the process of collecting parts for a m52 conversion

Post Mon Sep 17, 2012 6:41 pm

had a passenger ride in one but there was no wow factor but it was better then my 316i

Post Mon Sep 17, 2012 8:00 pm

I have owned 318i and 318is and can only say the 318i idled smoother/quieter than the is,but the 318is is a way better performer. (318 bloody boring) (318is great fun) and still one of my favorite bmw lumps, despite my s50 powered sport, i always still enjoy jumping in the misses cab ( with m42 lump). Go for it!