1991 318i Where's the power?

[SomeOldGuy]

Today I took a look at a 1991 318i for sale. The engine in this car runs really rough. At idle the gas pedal has to be slightly pushed to keep it from dying. When driven the car felt very underpowered, struggling to make it up a moderate slope. I thought maybe there was a problem with either the head gasket or fuel pump?

I was wondering if anyone might know what the problem is and if they think buying this car would be worth the effort.

Thanks in advance,

Levi

[kenika65]

seems simple as a torn intake boot

[gearheadE30]

Yeah, I'd guess a bad vacuum leak somewhere.

[Naplm00]

also 318i ≠ power

[drumad]

well if you took a good look in the bay, I bet one of the hoses that make up medusa's tangle of vacuum hoses is ripped/missing/torn/etc

plus its a 4 banger.. lets be real

[325ix]

all those things mentioned

[accident]

what they said

[dvmotorsports]

Yes, look for vacuum leaks. How much are they asking for it? If it is a simple fix, it all comes down to how much they want.

[SomeOldGuy]

thanks for the help
I agree with the lack of power to begin with but this car was ridiculously underpowered.

@ dvmotorsports the guy is asking $700

[drumad]

depending on body and interior... that might not be too bad tbh

[daniel]

sounds like mine when the fuel pump went bad

[dvmotorsports]

Buy it. Do some research. Fix it. You'll be happy.

[BlueBMW]

There's a whole mess of us over at m42club that are ready and willing to help you get that super duper totally awesome M42 purring at 7 grand again :D