Any 318i/is's (M42 cars) here in CO?

[mach schnell]

Thinking about picking one up, but wondering how they do with the altitude.

Any comments?

[S14pwrdE30]

Paging Ted...

[downforce22]

Yeah i've got one. It does pretty good all in all. i mean 137 hp and a weight of 2600 pounds doesn't make it a rocket. The steering is nice and light and makes it tossable. There is a reason they call it the poor man's m3.

But they say you lose 3% per 1000 feet so i'm losing between 15-18% power normally from sea level. But the m42 in the e30 has a peakier and less torquey engine than the one in the e36 so it makes it fun to drive. Don't expect to win many races -- after I picked up some tires a truck drag raced me and beat me but thats not the point of the car. It also averaged 29.8 mpg on a roadtrip of almost 1000 miles averaging 66.6 mpg including all stops on an engine unknown with history. I average between 29-31 depending where I drive and how hard i drive. I would recommend it for buzzing around town and doing commuting but if you are looking for any sort of speed based performance you may consider another car. I'm planning to do an autocross with it sunday and will let you know it goes!

[hyperE30]

I've had mine since 2001, as slow as a car can be the m42 does very good. From Brighton to denver I would consume a tank of gas in 7 days. My 318i has markD chip, lightweight flywheel and COP.

[downforce22]

did you build your COP kit?

[mach schnell]

How do your M42's do climbing the mountains? I drive up and down almost daily between Denver and up to ~7,500ft. I'm currently driving a V8, so no problems, but I want something more economical and lighter.

[hyperE30]

did you build your COP kit?

Bought it as a set like 5 years ago.

How do your M42's do climbing the mountains? I drive up and down almost daily between Denver and up to ~7,500ft. I'm currently driving a V8, so no problems, but I want something more economical and lighter.

Never really take it up that way, we used to drive it up to central city, Cabrini area when I was a younger with my parents and brother, did ok I guess.

[downforce22]

I've taken mine up to like 9300 ft and it does fine. Need a heavy foot to get over monument hill (7300 ft) but I can almost do 80 all the way to the top in 5th gear. It keeps up with most traffic, just don't expect to overtake many in that scenario

[m60b40]

I've taken mine up to like 9300 ft and it does fine. Need a heavy foot to get over monument hill (7300 ft) but I can almost do 80 all the way to the top in 5th gear. It keeps up with most traffic, just don't expect to overtake many in that scenario

Just took mine over monument yesterday, no issues. End of the month lets see what happens when I drive out to steamboat and head over Loveland pass. For around town? No problems, and my transition was v8 (e38 740 sport) into the 318iS. 5 speed makes it more tolerable, too

[hyperE30]

Should do a m42 only gtg ha!!

[george graves]

And e30 M42 up a steep incline is a bit of a humbling experience. You'll get minivans and prius passing you at a decent clip. A e30 or a e21 with a M10 is even worse. Down shift to third, close your eyes, and pretend it didn't happen.

Now do that with an m30, and you'll be fine. Ehehehhe.

[MT325is]

I have a 91 318is and it looks like crap. beat. it has 257K and needs a lot of suspension work blah blah blah. But the engine i won't complain.. i also have a 13 subaru impreza manual.. and the m42 does better then that up hills. i prefer to drive the e30 anywhere over the subaru partly of it being an e30, but i like it better than the subaru .

[mach schnell]

Any M42 cars here near Longmont?

[yourmightyruler]

Any M42 cars here near Longmont?

Yup! Superior.

JSA_0280-1

[ajhostetter]

^ That's a nice looking car.