i have just recently brought a 318 convertible and people have told me they came in two types or engines.. any ideas?

what are you asking? if you have a 318, its a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder

i know that but i have heard that there are two different 1.8liter engines

yes in england there is the 318i and the 318is. Is being the superior of the two the specs on the two i can rememeber to be exact

1995 and older 318's are 1.8L. 1996 and newer 318's are 1.9L. At least that's how it is in the states.

cherz i understand now.. thanks

does this also apply to the convertibles aswell or just the coupe???

well it should my 318i has a m44 1.9L DOHC, i have heard that there is a SOHC type m43 but i dont know what the size is?

really old thread

So, pardon the newb question, but what is the difference between a 323i, 318i, 328i etc. Is it engine size or something else?

So, pardon the newb question, but what is the difference between a 323i, 318i, 328i etc. Is it engine size or something else?

MOST of the time with BMW's, the last two digits represent the engine displacement. The first digit always represents the model or series of vehicle.

318 = 3 series 1.8L (<1993)
325 = 3 series 2.5L
540 = 5 series 4.0L
735 = 7 series 3.5L

This isn't always true though, because there are some oddities which no one seems to understand...

323 = 3 series 2.5L
318 = 3 series 1.9L (>1993)
135 = 1 series 3.0L TT
128 = 1 series 3.0L

Then there's always the Z and X series which just go against pretty much everything I just said... Same thing with ///M's.

Thanks!

My 96 convertible has a 1.9 and it's awsome.Plenty of power and running great after 195K miles.

My 96 convertible has a 1.9 and it's awsome.Plenty of power and running great after 195K miles.

Is it a 5 speed? 5 speed 318's are not bad at all.

My 5 speed 318i I had once had plenty of low end power for me. Top end was not so much, but for normal every day driving it was perfect. Awesome on gas too.

My friend, though, has a 318is automatic and hold Jesus that thing is a tragedy to drive...I honestly don't think that thing could peel out on loose gravel... :eyecrazy

My 96 convertible has a 1.9 and it's awsome.Plenty of power and running great after 195K miles.

I'm suprised. The vert is a very heavy car and need some "oomph" to have any feel of sportiness.

The general concensus is that the 318i is really too less for the vert.

I'm suprised. The vert is a very heavy car and need some "oomph" to have any feel of sportiness.

The general concensus is that the 318i is really too less for the vert.
different strokes for different folks. ive driven a friend's 318 auto coupe around with 2 passengers and i thought it was fine. its not a racecar or anything. i wouldn't mind owning one in addition to my current car.

My car is a 5 speed. I agree that it is not a very powerful car, but it has plenty of power for a daily driver zipping around San Diego traffic. I really don't need much more. I love the fact that i drive the car daily to and from work and school and don't have to fill up the tank for two weeks. The fact that this car has 195K+ and still performs well is very impressive. If and when it gives out, i will get another one just like it. Well, maybe slightly newer.

different strokes for different folks. ive driven a friend's 318 auto coupe around with 2 passengers and i thought it was fine. its not a racecar or anything. i wouldn't mind owning one in addition to my current car.

Yeah coupe...

I talking vert here.

Makes all the difference.

318 has a lot of power, I had 2 of them before (in five speed though), I love them.

Those 1.8, and 1.9 engines are awesome, so easy to fix, and awesome on gas! Cant beat it really.

HI I have a new question for this thread... I have a 1992 318i convertible, the timing belt needs to be changed every 40 000Km unlike the standard engine?... does anyone know which engine, or model number this is ?

I am trying to finr the full specifics for this model, it is the model where the roof comes off in 2 pieces and has like a model role bar... not a complete convertible..

I am also trying to get the water pump off to replace it and it seems to have fused onto the engine..... any bright ideas to get this off..

Thanks

^^

Center rollbar? Do you have a Baur Saloon maybe?

Only the old 318 and 316 have a timing belt instead of chain that all others have.

First off, wrong forum for that question. You have an E30 not E36.

Secondly, 40,000km, with a timing chain, I don't think you have anything to worry about.