M42 Performance

[silverblades181]

I've recently test drove a 318is. I'm very disapointed with the performance. I used to drive a 320i with a 6 cylinder...maybe that's why but could it be the compression was no good or is it that the M42 lacks torque? Under 3000 rpm it was very sluggish and even over that it wasn't impressive. I've seen videos of 318is doing track and they seemed to be capable cars....

[M42Technik]

Well of course you'll be upset with the 4 banger, but with some suspension mods, they're very capable cars on the track. They're lighter than 325's by far, so they have that going. And MarkD chips give it that grunt it needs before 3,000 RPM's, and puts more torque on the entire rev range...but they're still 4 bangers.

STW 318 all the way.

[silverblades181]

Well my friend has a 1992 Acura Integra with a 4 cyl. and I enjoy everytime I get to drive it. I'm still interested with the 318is, I turned this one down for multiple other reasons and I'll see if the next one handles better....talking about handling, while I was testing it I lightly steped on the throttle while cornering and the wheels started screaming, it was a dry road and the tires were new according to the owner....my 320i rarely screamed like that and I cornered rather hard with it.

[Gr00v3]

well the tires could have been crappy, i know that with my poor excuse for tires, i can get them sideways as if i was driving a high powered drift machine or something
________
Pissing tube

[nando]

M42 = slow

if you don't think so, get over yourself.

that said, they are good motors, good daily drivers and get good gas mileage. they also handle well.

[hamann318is]

Whine about it, and don't get one. Leaves more for me.

[Streetspec_iS]

M42 = slow

if you don't think so, get over yourself.

true, but i gotta say. a nice m42 should annihilate an m20b20. the one hedrove must have been clagged.

yes, under 3000 is pretty empty, you just gotta learn to drive em up the rev range.

[Stu]

M42's have no balls under 3000 rpm. No chip will give it much more at all down low, that's just the fact of 4 holes and 1800 cc's. The upper-midrange is pretty strong on a healthy M42 though.

But they are light cars, and if you know how to drive one properly, they'll produce a lot more performance than you thought on your first test drive.

[silverblades181]

I am gonna try other 318is. It's just that from what I'd heard and read it just seemed a whole lot better then what I tried, maybe my expectations were too high or maybe it was that one car that was no good. Thanks for the info guys.

[///M42 sport]

I just went on a 200 mile trip on my 318is today and loved every minute. Shocks and springs make alot of difference too.

[Rob]

great, we'll have yet another "modding a m42" thread in a month or so.

[Jand3rson]

great, we'll have yet another "modding a m42" thread in a month or so.

I can take care of that.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/Tech/318is.htm

No thread needed.

[nickmp0wer]

not to mention theres tons if you search. Half of which were probably started by me ;)

and about the quickness of a 318. I have a faster car and i dont mind driving the 318 daily, although some people might

[BS87]

My next E30 in a few years will probably be an M42 for gas milage alone.

[fabianyee]

I got better low end torque with the 3.5 bar fuel pressure regulator...