1984 318i

[Subliminal]

Hey everyone, Im new to the boards and here seeking advice on my bmw. My dad decided if I wanted it, I could take the 318i he had in the garage thats in like brand new shape besides the clutch. Well the paint job is new, the car has some miles on it but everything is good. I was wondering if its worth moding at all? and if so what should I start with first? My only income is like a $200 paycheck I get each week, but all the money can pretty much go to the car, so try not to name pricey items to start with. Thanks to everyone in advance!

 

[mrferg]

Hey man, welcome! I'd suggest a free flow exhaust, I havn't bought one yet but plan to. Also work on the suspension, new shock, springs, strut braces, whatever. Good luck...

 

[rjp325i]

I had a 1985 318i that I sold last year with 205,000 miles on it. I still have my 89 325i. The 318i are nice cars but don't expect a lot of performance from the engine. You are starting out with only 101 hp so even minor modifications (intake) will help but you will never approach the performance levels of the 325i. the 318i is a good car, enjoy it (good fuel economy), improve the suspension (it only has a small front sway bar) and needs heavier front one and the addition of a rear one. When the time comes to do the brakes replace the rotors too (use ATE Power discs, they are grooved) and only cost about $40 each. The rears are drums so just use good quality stock components.
There is not much meat on the drums so you might as well replace them when the time comes too. If you must do the struts/shocks be aware the front struts are not the same size as the 325i. Exhaust, unless you do headers too, won't do much except make more noise.
Like I said earlier, enjoy the BMW handling and driving experience but don't expect too much.

 

[Rukus]

I hear ya. I own a 318i, picked it up for cheap.

 

[ScottMc]

hi mate. i just bought an '89 320i a few weeks ago and just started to modify it too.
My advice is to search for tutorials for basic e30 modifications on google - plenty of sites seem to have these.
There are loads of cost effective things you can do to these cars and luckily there are plenty of parts still available.

I have done a few things to mine so far that you could try:

I tinted the rear lights and front and side indicators.
painted the rocker cover in the engine bay
de-chromed the window surrounds
got a custom exhaust system (the original one was rotten)
new gear shifter
adjusted the front anti-roll bar

most of these (except the exhaust) are really cheap.

i'll try and post up some pics later

 

[Subliminal]

Thanks!

Thanks for all the information guys! If you can get some pictures that would be great and give me some more ideas to work off.

 

[ScottMc]

here's the pics -damn i need some alloys....

 

[mikev]

Damn that exhaust is nice. fit a nice descrete spoiler (like the style of the E34 5 series) and a set of nice alloys and you'd have a car that looks like the dogs danglies!!!!!