99 Bmw 318i

[t(o.0t)]

What do u guys think of the old 99 318I. I might be getting a really good deal on one with 32K miles. Looks drives like brand new. Owneds getting deported and wifes selling everything. So im gettin a good price. but do u guys have any exp with this model?

anything at all would be appreciated.
vehicle specs
1999 BMW 318I
1.8L v4, 5 speed manual
Black ext, Tan int.

EDIT: Also how much do u think it can be boosted with stock motor setup?

[Nortad]

well, first its not a V4 but a straight 4, its a M43 engine with vanos. Its a very good engine, I dont know if its exacly the same has in here (Euro version)

It can take a good dose of tuning and boost I think. I dont know how much tuning material there is over there, specially for 4cylinder bmw engines. the only company I know of that you might check out is http://www.metricmechanic.com/ Maybe Dinan might have some stuff too, but I think they work more on the 6cylinders and stuff.

The rest of the car is standart E46 - great quality, reliablity, great chassis with great handling. Sum-up: Great car.

I think you´re getting a sweet deal.

[BOTLFEDLT1]

I respectfully disagree. Perhaps the 4 banger in the 318 avail in NA is different from the euro spec version, but it was no where near the standard set by BMW's I6's, which are very smooth and have a decent powerband. This engine in contrast was pretty thrashly and underpowered. I base this opinion from roadtesting the original Z3 with the same engine.

The US market 99 318 was still based on the E36 chassis.. europe got the E46 starting in 98 I believe....

Originally Posted by Nortad

well, first its not a V4 but a straight 4, its a M43 engine with vanos. Its a very good engine, I dont know if its exacly the same has in here (Euro version)

It can take a good dose of tuning and boost I think. I dont know how much tuning material there is over there, specially for 4cylinder bmw engines. the only company I know of that you might check out is http://www.metricmechanic.com/ Maybe Dinan might have some stuff too, but I think they work more on the 6cylinders and stuff.

The rest of the car is standart E46 - great quality, reliablity, great chassis with great handling. Sum-up: Great car.

I think you´re getting a sweet deal.

[Nortad]

Originally Posted by BOTLFEDLT1

I respectfully disagree. Perhaps the 4 banger in the 318 avail in NA is different from the euro spec version, but it was no where near the standard set by BMW's I6's, which are very smooth and have a decent powerband. This engine in contrast was pretty thrashly and underpowered. I base this opinion from roadtesting the original Z3 with the same engine.

The US market 99 318 was still based on the E36 chassis.. europe got the E46 starting in 98 I believe....

E36? I didnt know that. Of course the 4cilinder units dont match their sixes, but it still capable of being a nice basis for some tuning.

[t(o.0t)]

thanx guys for the info, feel free to keep it flowing