I have just bought my first E30 a 318is. Runs well but I think it could be better. Its a little hesitant at starting and I think it could be a bit more responsive. Any quick fixes on these engines or tips on making them run better?
Also if anyone happens to have a good silver bonnet and drivers side wing going spare. I'd be interested.
Cheers
James
E30 M42 318i S Could it run better?
Moderator: martauto
-
tomstickland
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 916
- Joined: Fri Apr 29, 2005 11:00 pm
There are no quick tips. If it's new to you then I would suggest a full service:
-spark plugs
-HT leads if the current ones look old
-oil & filter
-coolant flush
-air filter
-gbox oil
-rear diff oil
The engine should pick up past 3.5K and revel in being revved.
It's amazing the difference basic servicing can make; I seem to be managing 3-4mpg more and gained around 8mph on top speed since changing the gbox/diff oil and fitting the correct wheels back on the car (less drag).
-spark plugs
-HT leads if the current ones look old
-oil & filter
-coolant flush
-air filter
-gbox oil
-rear diff oil
The engine should pick up past 3.5K and revel in being revved.
It's amazing the difference basic servicing can make; I seem to be managing 3-4mpg more and gained around 8mph on top speed since changing the gbox/diff oil and fitting the correct wheels back on the car (less drag).
-
kidsinister
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 755
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Oldham, Lancs.
If none of the above helps (though it should), get a Viper2 chip for it; Ԛ£80 from ChippedUK.
You'll notice more power throughout the rev range, also you could try an E30Zone big-bore throttle body if you're really going to push it hard.
You'll notice more power throughout the rev range, also you could try an E30Zone big-bore throttle body if you're really going to push it hard.
-
adamS
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 437
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Washington near Newcastle
leave the HT leads until last though. They are bloody expensive(Ԛ£90 from ECP) and you don't want to replace them unnecessarily!
-
tommo320i
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 221
- Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2005 11:00 pm
I'm having an inspectionII done on mine on monday so I'll let you know the difference, oh chip and throttle body being installed too 
-
darren318is
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Thu May 19, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: dundalk, ireland
whats fuel economy like with abig bore tb on an 318is what gains and how much are they
-
kidsinister
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 755
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Oldham, Lancs.
Fuel economy not much different - you'll want to drive it faster though, so...
Chip reputed to give approx 150BHP, which seems about right, don't know about the TB, I didn't have mine long enough...
Chip reputed to give approx 150BHP, which seems about right, don't know about the TB, I didn't have mine long enough...
-
redrobbie
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2005 11:00 pm
yeh let us know, will be interesting to know if there is a difference.tommo320i wrote:I'm having an inspectionII done on mine on monday so I'll let you know the difference, oh chip and throttle body being installed too
-
Guest
the chip makes a massive difference, i had hesitation like you described now its all fun fun fun!
-
tomstickland
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 916
- Joined: Fri Apr 29, 2005 11:00 pm
Well, I've got the standard factory chip and standard throttle body and mine doesn't hesistate.
Fix any problems before doing chip swaps or tuning.
I doubt that a chip will gain you 15BHP.
Fix any problems before doing chip swaps or tuning.
I doubt that a chip will gain you 15BHP.