what to look for when buying m42 powered e30

[T Verdier]

alright my mom needs a dd so im looking at some 318is. what would you do first thing if you dont know the history of the car? example: 325is = timing belt. i know m42's have timing chains, should i change that?

[E30nate]

check out m42club.com. lots of good stuff over there.

[318isbmw]

check out m42club.com. lots of good stuff over there.

+1 you'll find whatcha need there.

[cepa318is]

+1 for M42club. come be part of the club

known to have bolts come out in to the oil pan. check that first.

Heres a link to THE buyers guide for the 318is:
http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318isfaultstable.html

[chris328i]

check coils, tps, and AFM resistance

[Fast Frankie]

+1 for M42club. come be part of the club

known to have bolts come out in to the oil pan. check that first.

Heres a link to THE buyers guide for the 318is:
http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318isfaultstable.html

YES, awesome link!

[Vethen]

timing chain, watch for leaks from any rear seal, and

this is a link to a site where a guy tells EVERYTHING to look 4 :)

http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318isfaultstable.html

GL!!

[Asbradley21]

Timing chain rattle, (you don't always have to change it, usually just need a tensioner), oil leaks... bolts in the oil pan...

[tjts1]

Ear plugs.

[slow e30]

Ear plugs.

? its one of the quietest running engines in a e30 stock.

Look at the profile gasket section. check everything you normally would, pay attention to oil pan bolts, look for cracks, lip, sunroof leaks, working glovebox, ect.

[tjts1]

There is nothing quiet about 3800rpm at 80mph.

[rThor432]

Everyone has mentioned what to look for, so I wont say what has been said. I'm just here to tell you to DO IT. The 318is is the best daily driver I've ever had.. Averaged 36-37 mpg normally and even averaged 34 mpg @ 90 mph to and from Daytona.

I traded my very nice example for an E36 M3 and I regret it every day..

Good luck with the purchase, hope it's a nice one.

[jrobie79]

m42's are the tits......got 293 on mine, and would trust it any day of the week to make the drive to LA again from boston...

[wolfgangstbd]

There is nothing quiet about 3800rpm at 80mph.

depending on what exhuast system you have. when you drive a 85' corolla thats gutted and has a fart can the 318 is tranquil haha.