What makes the E30 318is a fun driving car?

[roguetoaster]

Didn't realize that DASC was out when v belts were still a thing on M42s, very interesting.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Yes, I scored a DASC from an early e36 m42 with hybrid V-belt/serpentine belt set-up.

If i ever decide to go FI on my 318 i want to use a downing kit

[robrez]

Is that a Downing Atlanta SC, Robert? How does it run? Selling? ;)

Yes, I scored a DASC from an early e36 m42 with hybrid V-belt/serpentine belt set-up.

[roguetoaster]

When it comes to swapping the M42 I've always thought the M44 has potential that gets overlooked. Just look at benz-tech's build: http://r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=359475

I suspect that the M44 gets overlooked because of the crazy transition to roller rockers, and with good reason. That's not to say that it's a bad engine, rather that high RPM performance potential seems limited with the top end, thus why the DASC was developed for the M44.

Best of breed is probably the late M42, as it has knock detection with all of the flat tappet goodness you need, and it even has a much improved timing chain setup.

[E30 Wagen]

When it comes to swapping the M42 I've always thought the M44 has potential that gets overlooked. Just look at benz-tech's build: http://r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=359475

[c0rbin9]

Drove a 590HP 2010 Shelby GT500 around all day today - got home and took the E30 for a spin. It felt slower than usual, haha. Driving feel was no comparison though.

[Balleristic31]

Is that a Downing Atlanta SC, Robert? How does it run? Selling? ;)

[robrez]

as another person said, what makes the 318is truly fun is an engine swap.

Or this


Actually, I never once thought my daily driven 318i needed it, but intrigue made me try it. It's still a work in progress, but I'll report back if/when it returns to daily driver form.

[nando]

I couldn't agree less. Again, just my opinion. I was so excited when I drove my first 318is long ago, but was so let down, and have been ever since. I think a stock-ish m20 iS, with good suspension and exhaust is a fantastic driving experience in any environment, while a 318is in any configuration is only fun when you can really fling it around at its limit. Which is a pretty lame thing to do on the street. That said I'm considering picking up a nice 318is from a friend right now... but would be tossing the M42 quickly.

as another person said, what makes the 318is truly fun is an engine swap.

[sandrune]

I thoroughly enjoy my m42. I've got a 4.27 diff though so getting into the fun rev range is super easy. Definitely wish I had a few more horses but honestly I keep up with people pretty well in a short race, and that's with a slipping clutch too.

A turbo is in my future at some point. Already have a lower milage m42 I'm building on the side.

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[Jb325is]

all of this

I've owned both and the 318is is not that much slower than a 325i that it matters. The M42 motor flat out is a much better motor than the 6cyl 325i.

The two cars are different experiences. The 325i is a tank compared to the 318is.

I couldn't agree less. Again, just my opinion. I was so excited when I drove my first 318is long ago, but was so let down, and have been ever since. I think a stock-ish m20 iS, with good suspension and exhaust is a fantastic driving experience in any environment, while a 318is in any configuration is only fun when you can really fling it around at its limit. Which is a pretty lame thing to do on the street. That said I'm considering picking up a nice 318is from a friend right now... but would be tossing the M42 quickly.

[djjerme]

To be fair, they were trying to meet the ever changing emissions standards. The M10 was a rock solid motor and you still see people abusing them in competition..

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Well they used the M10 very early in the 2002's all the way into the 80's on the bigger/heavier E21 and then on the even bigger/heavier E30. So we're talking about virtually the same 100HP engines having to move bigger/heavier bodies. They kept that engine around a long long time. Furthermore, the 2002 guys benefited from the later M10 development such as EFI conversion, etc.

And along the way they nerf'd the engine when they went efi by dropping compression ratio and losing engine size from 2.0 liter to 1.8

[reelizmpro]

Haha, ironic isn't it? An E30/M10 is not a fun car, but a little hotrod M10 in a 2002 is such a fun combo... go figure.

Well they used the M10 very early in the 2002's all the way into the 80's on the bigger/heavier E21 and then on the even bigger/heavier E30. So we're talking about virtually the same 100HP engines having to move bigger/heavier bodies. They kept that engine around a long long time. Furthermore, the 2002 guys benefited from the later M10 development such as EFI conversion, etc.

[MrBurgundy]

the M42 motor flat out is a much better motor than the 6cyl 325i.