BMW 318is Performance Potential?

[TheNewKid89]

Hi,

I'm thinking about getting a BMW 318is and was wondering if it has any potential to be fast. I know it's not the quickest car on the street now but I really like the RWD and...well, it is a BMW. Anyways, I was just curious if it could be made to run low 14's for the 1/4 mile.

Thank you.

[Dudesky_E36]

In track conditions, the 318is suffers from oil starvation unless it's filled to max on the dipstick, so be careful with that. Personally, I would spend for a 325 or 328 instead.

[TheNewKid89]

What do you mean when you say it suffers from oil starvation?

Also, are there any intakes, exhuasts, turbochargers, superchargers, etc. made for the 318is?

Thanks.

[OKCSuburban]

Performance, you bet... now I'm just an old retired guy that enjoys my 318 convertible getting 28mpg in town but I have read about some mods.
1. check out www.downingatlanta.com Downing Atlanta Superchargers. Their ad says they can get over 200 peak horsepower... cool. I saw this ad in the "Roundel" the magazine of the BMW car club of America. Check and see where your local chapter is and visit with those guys.
2. www.metricmechanic.com another ad in the Rondel that has performance drivetrain products.

My 318 (e36) has 115k miles. I do not know if my engine could hold up under the stress. (or me) So I have not tried either product, just dreamed.

318i convertible with hardtop, 115k, 5 speed, stock as can be!

[Dudesky_E36]

Originally Posted by TheNewKid89

What do you mean when you say it suffers from oil starvation?

The 318 was designed for economy. Under normal conditions, it's fine, but when you constantly stress the engine, the oil doesn't circulate fast enough to protect the engine adequately. Most people recommend adding more oil to compensate.

[TheNewKid89]

So, even for daily driving I would be using a lot of oil?

[Dudesky_E36]

No. What I'm talking about are racetrack conditions, not daily driving. All I'm saying is watch the oil if you plan to race the car a lot.

[TheNewKid89]

Cool, thanks. Do you think that the 318 can be made into a formidable straight line car? All I really need it to do is to run high 13's.

[Dudesky_E36]

OKCSuburban's reply (above) has probably the best options for the 318 that I've heard. I don't know if it'll get you to sub-14 territory, then again I'm probably not the one to ask about that

[splinter818]

I have a 318i s and imo it rockets along in a straight line where i find it good though is when you throw it round a bend and then foot it before you know it your at the next corner im going to put a s\s cat back exhaustsoon and a k&n filter witch i hope will give soom extra power

[supervisor1886]

not worthy. just to get into 14s will take at least $4000. And its not even fast.

Whats up with fuel starvation? U mean like oil slashing from the sump? Can easily be solved with an aftermaket pan and sump or you could go and modify yours. Or instal a dry pan.
If thas an oil presure issue that a high flow oil pump would work.


Iam putting a 305 and a t5 into my 320i (1982). So that should make it go fast. I think getting a biger or a better(newer) engine should do the job in your case. (or a possible turbo)