Potential New Owner - 318is

[simple318]

Hey - new forum member and potential new owner of 318is (w/187k miles) that is said to be mostly all stock and/or original. I was hoping to get some help with the following:

It's my understanding that most 318is came with:

1. Motor M42 DOHC 16V
2. Sport Suspension
3. LSD
4. Sport Seats
5. M-Technic steering wheel
6. Front air dam and rear deck spoiler
7. 14” basketweave alloy wheels

How can I verify if the one I’m looking at actually has the LSD and sport suspension? Also, should the M-Tech steering wheel have an M logo on it? The one currently on the car doesn’t.

The A/C doesn’t work — I’m assuming that’s a fairly straightforward fix once diagnosed, and parts shouldn’t be too hard to source? Other than that, it’s supposedly in good mechanical shape.

What should I be asking about or checking in person — visually or physically — when I inspect the car?

I’m no stranger to BMWs or wrenching; I currently own an E46 M3 and an E90 M3 and do most of my own maintenance, servicing, and mods. The E30 chassis is new to me though. I’ve heard they’re simpler to work on compared to the newer models.

Any useful tips, checks, or insights would be appreciated.

[82eye]

How can I verify if the one I’m looking at actually has the LSD and sport suspension?

the ls should have a metal tag noting the gear ratio and whether it is an ls. gear ratio is generally 4.10 on the 318is. you can also lift the rear wheels and do the ls test with another person. some cases will have a painted s on them as well.

Also, should the M-Tech steering wheel have an M logo on it? The one currently on the car doesn’t.

should be a 4-spoke airbag wheel or a 3-spoke sport wheel with bag. the 3-spoke normally has a m-logo. could be optioned either way. also a non-airbag wheel swap was common at one time, especially if a quicker rack was installed, you'd have to know the history of the car.

The A/C doesn’t work — I’m assuming that’s a fairly straightforward fix once diagnosed, and parts shouldn’t be too hard to source? Other than that, it’s supposedly in good mechanical shape.

the 318is should be more straightforward than the 325i. if not it's an entire system refresh. if it was built as a r134 car you should be good. the r12's require brand new everything nearly. there's huge thread on it.

What should I be asking about or checking in person — visually or physically — when I inspect the car?

rust and maintenance.
it's getting harder to source parts for m42s and it's no longer the easiest to rebuild them.

[simple318]

the ls should have a metal tag noting the gear ratio and whether it is an ls. gear ratio is generally 4.10 on the 318is. you can also lift the rear wheels and do the ls test with another person. some cases will have a painted s on them as well.

Got it.

should be a 4-spoke airbag wheel or a 3-spoke sport wheel with bag. the 3-spoke normally has a m-logo. could be optioned either way. also a non-airbag wheel swap was common at one time, especially if a quicker rack was installed, you'd have to know the history of the car.

It's equipped with the 4-spoke w/airbag. It's hideous so it's definitely getting swapped.


the 318is should be more straightforward than the 325i. if not it's an entire system refresh. if it was built as a r134 car you should be good. the r12's require brand new everything nearly. there's huge thread on it.

How can I verify if it's an r134 or r12? Anything specific under the hood that would denote which build it is?

rust and maintenance.
it's getting harder to source parts for m42s and it's no longer the easiest to rebuild them.

Good to know. Based on some research, it looks like engine swaps are extremely common for this chassis. Any advise or recommendations there? Is there a particular motor gives produces enough power without involving replacing the driveline and/or trans that is worth considering for a swap. For instance, I saw a few with the S54. That seems like overkill IMO but IDK. I feel like a decently powered 6 would make sense here.

[82eye]

How can I verify if it's an r134 or r12? Anything specific under the hood that would denote which build it is?

hope you see a sticker. most have a compressor that can accept r134 if you change the drier. bmw affixed stickers to the compressor and underhood on cars that had been changed. otherwise you have to search for answers and take chances unless you replace the whole thing.

Good to know. Based on some research, it looks like engine swaps are extremely common for this chassis. Any advise or recommendations there? Is there a particular motor gives produces enough power without involving replacing the driveline and/or trans that is worth considering for a swap. For instance, I saw a few with the S54. That seems like overkill IMO but IDK. I feel like a decently powered 6 would make sense here.

m42s mostly get ditched for m5x and s5x swaps. there's mountains of info on it a simple search away. clean m42 cars are now gaining in value over the swap as the swap has been overly common. the swap is really well documented, engine, trans, diff, and rear sub get swapped.

[simple318]

Got it, thanks. I ended up pulling the trigger. It drives a lot better than I expected given its age. Aside from it looks, I can see why they’re so popular amongst bmw enthusiasts.

[tomstin]

Before you start on the mods, inspect ALL the fuel hoses as they tend to crack over time. Check the brake hoses, lines and pads. You can expect all the rubber bushings to be worn and need replacement. Finally, I'm a big fan of replacing all the fluids when you purchase a car where you don't have good documentation on the history.

Get it running, make it safe, then start with the mods. Good luck!