M42 questions, what should i look for when buying.

[christophbmw]

i totaled my car on saturday so im in the market for another E30. i used to drive an '85 318i and i want to get another 318i, but i want a newer one. anyways i was wondering what i should look for when buying a newer 318is (preferably a '91). i know that the M42 head gaskets have a problem but is there any other problem area's i should look out for? also, on models without fog lighs, is wiring pre installed or do i have to run a wireing setup if i buy a 318is without foglight? any info would help, thanks. :D

[Rob]

most complete m42 site i've seen:

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

[clutterbucker]

I love M42's. I wish I would have bought an E30 318is. The E30 is so much more suited for the M42 than the E36 is. I would have liked to own bpoth just to see the comparison. And don't get scared away from the motor because of that huge list of stuff you might have to do. If it's not done already, it may not need to be done for a long time. Good Luck.