fozzymandeus wrote:I'm surpised no one has mentioned that the e36 318ti has an M44 engine during that era, and the 316i has an M43 engine.
Early 318ti cars have M42s, I think, and early 316i cars have 1.6 M43s. The M43 is a good, bombproof lump though. My M43 316i had a way nicer engine than my E30 316i's M40.
I imagine the later 1.9 M43 is a bit better.
However, I test drove a 2000 X reg 318ti as a potential car for my wife a few years ago and the engine made the car. Shame the condition was a deal breaker.
A 316i would be a nice car, sure enough, but, well I like revvy multi valve engines.
Now that all makes sense, cheers
DanThe wrote:Whats the problem with the colour Gareth? You could always get a pink wrap

I'm getting tempted!
si- wrote:does she like Daytona Violet??? as i have one for sale, 318ti genuine sport, S reg
drop me a pm if your interested, well within your price range as i need it gone
PM on it's way...
bigdoe wrote:very good cars with either 1.9 8v/16v, my other half had a 316i sport in techno violet which i was so that impressed with i bought one myself, now it's got an m52 under the bonnet
and the best thing about them is the price, THE best value bm you can buy.
I've not seen this thing around hastings...!
Andyboy wrote:The first Compacts were a 1600 M43 and 1800 M42. The Sport arrived in June 1995 with M3 style bumpers, sports seats, electric s/roof, front fogs, 15 inch 10 spoke alloys, 318iS suspension and black headlining. The 1.9 16v M44 engine arrived in March 1996 (Late N reg) about the time the Z3 was launched.
The 316i became a 1.9 in January 1999 (S reg) and used the M43TU 1.9 8v.
There were two option packs. SE with electric s/roof, extra interior lights, microfilter, rear PDC, remote locking and auto dim mirror. The Lux had these bits plus alloys, headlight wash, front fogs, OBC and rear headrests. Lux, SE and Sport could be had with all three engines. 318Ti's without alloys had wider steel wheels.
By 1998/1999 BMW had added a few bits - 16 inch alloys, clear lights, half leather and clear indicators on the Sport (316i/318Ti only - the tds Sport was dropped), air con on the SE and the Lux model was dropped - BMW made the PDC, headlight wash, fogs etc options.
The 318Ti 1.9 is worth having over the 316i. They go much better, don't use any more fuel and the M44 seems less prone to head gasket issues than the 8v engine - odd when they share the same block. The common problems are clanking electric windows which are easily cured with a new regulator, back arches are less rust prone than saloons/Coupes but still need cleaning out. A good clean Compact is a great car, cheap to buy and buttons to run. They don't have a coolant level warning light so you'll need to do a bit of a cooling system autopsy - remove the rad, put a new pump in and just check everything - especially the heater hose at the back of the head on the 8v.
Heroic nerdy info as usual and very handy actually! Cheers Andy
