how do I improve the MPG of my 316i

Post Fri Jan 20, 2006 2:10 am

it's a 1994 316i touring and I love it apart from the frequency of which I visit the petrol station. Is there anything I can do? What are the best spark plugs for this car. I've added a K&N panel filter which seems to make it a bit more lively but whether it helps economy I'm not sure. Should I get it chipped? Is it worth getting a new more powerful engine? Any advice is more than welcome. Any secret little tricks you can let me in on?

hope you can help

p

Post Fri Jan 20, 2006 2:28 am

welcome buddy

well in general filters wont help the economy of your car

as for a bigger engine wouldnt this be making your
dilemma even worse?

Post Fri Jan 20, 2006 2:32 am

I have pretty much the same problem. Crap fuel economy. 16 - 25 mpg

Post Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:56 am

drop in a 318iS engine - M42 1.8L 16V DOHC 136Bhp, 32-42mpg........

Post Fri Jan 20, 2006 9:28 am

Welcombe to the zone. Three things will give you the best fuel economy.
First, make sure the engine is serviced and tuned properly, and secondly, go easy with the right foot, thirdly, make sure the tyres are at the correct pressures and don't run tyres that are too wide.
Watch the gauge below the rev counter to teach you how to drive economically.
Any gains you notice from the K&N over the standard filter (unless the original was completely filthy) are entirely in your head.
If the E30 would go better with a different air filter, then BMW would have fitted a better air filter.

Post Fri Jan 20, 2006 12:21 pm

E30Mark wrote:drop in a 318iS engine - M42 1.8L 16V DOHC 136Bhp, 32-42mpg........

where could I get one from and how much would it cost to get it fitted properly? Would that engine fit in my car?

p

Post Fri Jan 20, 2006 6:33 pm

parkie wrote:
E30Mark wrote:drop in a 318iS engine - M42 1.8L 16V DOHC 136Bhp, 32-42mpg........
where could I get one from and how much would it cost to get it fitted properly? Would that engine fit in my car?

p

318iS is a standard production E30, so the obviuos answer is from a 318iS breaker. All fits in your car as a straight swap.
Engine was also used i E36 models.
I recently bought a 318iS and was quite inpressed as to how much livlier and economical it was than the 318i I drive every day. It didn't seem much slower than my 325i either, an impression help[erd by the lower gearing and generally rev happy characteristics of the iS engine.

Post Fri Jan 20, 2006 6:36 pm

One point to note is, as your car is one of the last E30s built, it has to meet the emission regulations that normally require a cat to be fitted in the exhaust.

Post Sat Jan 21, 2006 3:52 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:One point to note is, as your car is one of the last E30s built, it has to meet the emission regulations that normally require a cat to be fitted in the exhaust.

how does that affect me in this situation?

cheers

p

thanks everyone, its something to think about if I want to keep this car for a while.

Post Sat Jan 21, 2006 6:46 pm

parkie wrote:
Brianmoooore wrote:One point to note is, as your car is one of the last E30s built, it has to meet the emission regulations that normally require a cat to be fitted in the exhaust.
how does that affect me in this situation?
Any engine you swap into it will need to be suitable for use woth a cat. (or run on LPG).

cheers

p

thanks everyone, its something to think about if I want to keep this car for a while.