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re: early and late 318iS (E30 and E36) engines

Andrew Thomas wrote:-

>The engine in my '95 318iS feels tight, even after nearly 8,000 miles, and
>does not like more than about 4,000 rpm in any gear. A girl friend has a
>low mileage '90 318iS with the same 1.8 L engine that sings by comparison
>and (she says) will rev happily to over 7,000 rpm.

>So... has anybody had any experience of early and late 318iSs? Does anyone
>know what differences there are? If so, can I make them easily?

I don't think that your problem lies in the changes that where made to the
engine which, as far as I can tell are as follows:-

1) Modified air intake system to improve low end torque (it must have poor
before because it's not exactly a stump puller even now).

2) Individual coils for each cylinder.

3) A single wide belt to drive pumps, fan etc.

4) Anything else that I'm not aware of!

Mine has done 3500 miles and just loves to spin above 4000rpm, producing
a wonderful growl all the way to the red line at 6500. There is however 
a slight flat spot at 5000rpm which results in a drop off in acceleration.
Maybe you have a flat spot that extends over a much wider range. Sorry
if I'm not being very helpful, except to say that you should go back to
your dealer and bend his ear about doing some more tests. Try to get
a test drive in a newish 318is from his used car showroom for comparison.

Do any other 318is owners out there experience a flat spot at ~5000rpm?



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Stuart Metcalfe                                   email s.j.metcalfe@domain.elided
Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council. phone 01925 603521
Daresbury Laboratory                              fax   01925 603416
Warrington
Cheshire, England, WA4 4AD.                       '95 318iS coupe
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