Buying 318is,UPDATE *DOESN"T PASS SMOG* PASSED

[spud814]

Hey guys,
I just finished a deal, buying a 1990 318is. I searched the forum to see if theres any problems with M42 and nothing really came up. So before i pay the guy in full this weekend, i want to know how reliable a M42 is, and what major problems does it have? People say it's a good engine but i really got to make sure before i pay the guy. The engine almost has 200k, so what will i also need to change when i get it, the engine seemed a bit loud compared to my 325i, i dont know if i it has to do with the deadening, so yeah. ADVICE PLEASE, picking car up this weekend!!!! Thanks in advance.

-gil

[M3Driver]

I bought a 318Is w/ an M42 2 years ago and I have had almost no problems with it. I had to replace the intake elbow and the spark plugs, thats it. I drive it very hard every day and there are about 150k miles on it, and it still runs very strong.

I would say it is a very reliable motor

[nando]

ask stu how reliable it is! :twisted:

seriosly, as far as longevity and maintenance, the M42 is probably the best E30 engine. there was a profile headgasket issue, but any car with over 100,000 miles on it would have had it replaced by now, unless it hadn't failed yet which isn't likely. get maintenance records if you can and have the car checked out before you buy it!

my friends 318is has over 190k, the engine runs and looks like it was new!

there's a 318is buyers guide somewhere, I'm sure one of the 318is fanboys here would be glad to point you to it. ;)

[Erick]

Stu got like 220 thousand miles out of his....... and he can get that much out of his, I'd say your average spirited driving enthusiast can get like 500,000 miles easy :P :)

[OldUser1]

I have about 195k+ on my M42, never given me any problems at all and I give it hell on a daily basis.
Buyers Guide
I never doubt its reliability, always starts, always runs and its a fun car to drive.

Edit: Actually I remember I had to replace my timing chain tensioner about 10,000 miles ago. My engine would make a horrible rattle/hiss because the chain tensioner had no pressure. It takes 5 minutes to install and the part was about $35 from The Euro Depot.

[MR 325]

In my opinion, it is the BEST motor the E30's came with.

The 318is is an awesome car.

[e30Matt]

Yeah, Stu also drove the fuck out of it, cold or not.

M42s are one of the most maintenance free BMW engines... no valve adjustments (hydraulic lifters), adaptive Motronic 1.7, overall a manageable setup... regardless of the lack of power, it's a good little engine that makes great gas mileage.

[Streetspec_iS]

mines treated me real well. less problems than the m40.

[spud814]

Thanks for the quick replies, you all have been very helpful, i feel much more confident about this purchase now. Thanks again guys.

-gil

[spud814]

So guys it doens't pass smog the owner says, i live in california, what should i do? I got the car for 2500, he says name a price now, he also says its probably the cat. Is it worth it for me to gamble to fix it myself?


-gil

[ETA fro]

So guys it doens't pass smog the owner says, i live in california, what should i do? I got the car for 2500, he says name a price now, he also says its probably the cat. Is it worth it for me to gamble to fix it myself?


-gil

ask for the read out, unless it was real close to passing, i say dont do it, legally you cant regester it if he didnt have it pass smog.

back away from the car, there will be others

[Saul325is]

So guys it doens't pass smog the owner says, i live in california, what should i do? I got the car for 2500, he says name a price now, he also says its probably the cat. Is it worth it for me to gamble to fix it myself?


-gil

Well check to see if its really the cat. But it sounds kinda sketch. He really needs to get rid of it. Have you gotten it checked out my a BMW service place? Maybe there might be somthing wrong with the engine. Who knows
-Saul

[ETA fro]

to really figure out the problem you need to have the car, so risk it, or dont

i wouldnt but i can give you advice if you want to

[spud814]

everything on the readout passed except for the NO on the 15mph run, the NO was 1415 when the limit is 815. thats the only thing that didn't pass, everything passed with flying colors. The reason why he needs to get rid of car is because he is going on vacation in two weeks and he just brought a new car, he doesn't want two cars in front of his house, he lives in a very quiet neigborhood.

[MR 325]

Get it for $1500 or less.

Believe it or not guys, there are people who can make cars pass smog if for some reason you can't fix it.