Here's how to mod an M42 (long) (archive)

People are often misled into believing you need "horsepower adding" parts to make your car faster; this is true to an extent. Here's the key things to do to a '91 318is to make it really perform:

1) Chip- This is vital, get a Jim C. chip from TurnerMotorsport for $250. These are the best, and allow for a 7200 redline, alone significantly incresing performance by opening up the powerband.

2) Adjust the cam sprockets- M42's have adjustable cam sprockets from the factory. So when you pull the head apart, tweak these as much as 6degrees (+/-) for more top-end or low end grunt.

3) Lighter flywheel- '91 318is's have BMW's dual-mass flywheel, which is complete garbage. It's ONLY advantage is to reduce clutch rattle. It weighs 2x as much as a 325i flywheel, and absolutely kills 1st-2nd gear acceleration. You wondered why your 318is's 0-60 was so slow, didn't you? Here's your answer: An aluminum flywheel.

4) Rear end gear- Try and find a 4.45 limited slip from a 1991-1992 318iCONVERTIBLE AUTOMATIC. These are very rare rear ends and significantly increase performance, in any gear. The beauty of them is they are still the light-duty diff. and they are capable of locking the inside wheel to 40%!

5) A good driver- Laugh now, but the driver is the only key to performance. The driver is the direct connection to grip/shifting/throttle/braking. Learn to drive well, and you will beat anything.

Stuart McHenry '91 318is

Follow Ups:

thanks for the info pig4bill 02:32 3/14/2001 (1)
- Re: thanks for the info Stuart McHenry 09:21 3/14/2001 (0)

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