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More Low-end Power (i.e. Torque)

The question was, what can be done to a '85 318i 5-speed, 57K miles, to
provide some amount of low-end torque?  The owner was sick of driving at
3000 rpm + to make it go.

1:
	Buy a 325e.  By investing in a good-condition '85-'86 325e (or
'es, if sporty's the way) and selling the 318i, you'd have a 50% larger
motor with gobs more low-end torque than the 1.8. Yet gas mileage equal
(although that was not a major concern for him) to the four.
	If there's an emotional attachment to the car, this won't work.
	An 'e might be from $1500-3000 more than your 318i, though.

2:
	Put in a 2.0 block.  It is as simple as replacing the pistons
and crankshaft from a '77-'80 320i or any '69-'76 2002.  The extra 
size of the motor 1990cc v. 1766 cc) provides more torque at all revs,
especially from 2000-4000rpm.   Gas mileage would be comparable, as 
full throttle would be not as necessary.  Longevity, well, it's all
stock BMW parts.    
	This would be cheaper than trading up to a 325e.   And you could
keep your present car, if that's an issue.
	Unfortunately, for a 57K-old motor, that's sorta young to be 
tearing it down.  Do you wanna do that?  If you're keeping it forever,
great.  If you might sell it, some buyers get wary.
	You could spend $1500 here easily.  

3:
	Nitrous?  :)

				thi v.