just bought 1999 318ti, some questions and concerns

[momorugger]

I just bought a 1999 318ti off of ebay, and it looks like i got a project car. The previous owner has installed an aftermarket exhaust, and said that he has increased water pump and fuel pump pressure. He also said that he increased chamber pressure. He stated that it all added up to more horses, but the thing is just a dog. I have the M sport package, with the manu-matic 4 speed transmission, but even in manual mode the thing refuses to accelerate. Also, I am going to have to replace the headliner and reset the air bag light. Are these common problems. Also, I plan on doing all of my own work, but the Bentley E36 repair manual says it only runs through 1998. Will it cover my car as well? Also, somewhere down the road, I look to do an engine swap, and I heard the S62 from the E39 M5 fits. Does anyone have any experience in this field? I am sure that I am forgetting many other things, but for now this is all that comes to mind. Any tips or answers would be highly appreciated, thanks.

[1996 328ti]

SRS light
Could be a bad passenger seat mat sensor or seatbelt switch.

E39 M5 engine.
Anything is possible, I don't recall that being a direct swap.

Bentley
That will be fine. It doesn't cover the rear suspension of the ti though.
But it does have wiring schematics.

Exhaust
It's not uncommon to replace the exhaust.

Water pump and fuel pressure?
Not sure what that is all about.

[318iS]

fuel pump pressure does nothing on its own...

especially if theres fuel but not enough air to mix in with it.........

[bullmand]

If you can get the seller to tell you exactly what he did to the car, it might be useful to have that info. If not, I would take it to an experienced BMW mechanic (even a dealership if you have to) and have him thoroughly check the engine to see if anything weird is going on. I found this place on Google. http://www.hanswittlerauto.com/index.cfm

As for your engine swap question, an M5 engine might be a little much. Check the swap section of the forum for more info than you'll know what to do with on engine swaps. Also consider the DASC or even the new Metric Mechanic street motor.

[momorugger]

hey guys, thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I'll be going to the dealer next week for a sunroof repair (have to drive the audi A4 till then ), and I will have them poke around and see what's up. Just thanks again really

[momorugger]

wait a sec, if the Bentley manual doesn't cover the suspension, then what will. Just figuring it out or is there some literature?

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by momorugger

wait a sec, if the Bentley manual doesn't cover the suspension, then what will. Just figuring it out or is there some literature?

Z3 manual would somewhat cover the rear suspension.

[318iS]

Originally Posted by momorugger

wait a sec, if the Bentley manual doesn't cover the suspension, then what will. Just figuring it out or is there some literature?

to be honest you should be alrite with just the bentley manual...

and theres loads of writeups on suspension here on the forum and lots of members that know it well if you do have questions.....

just tryin to save you $20 or whatever the manual is

[rikdee]

Headliner sag is common to the E36. I replaced one in my '95 M3 last year. No reference tutorials, just seat of the pants. Looks factory but was quite the job. Lots of head scratching disassembly with no clues. The 98 ti I just bought also needs the same treatment. I'll have to gather myself for this one.

[96cali]

My .02... a S62 swap would be a lot more troublesome than an S52 then adding a supercharger if you want monster HP.

[momorugger]

Can I get a DASC for an S52?

[318iS]

theres a few companys that do em.... eg.

http://www.vf-engineering.com/index....t_bmw_z3_m.php

http://www.eurosporthighperformance....ercharger.html

[CirrusSR22]

Originally Posted by momorugger

with the manu-matic 4 speed transmission, but even in manual mode the thing refuses to accelerate.

Are you putting the car in "D"rive, then pushing the "M" button and accelerating from a stop like that? If so, that's your problem.

If you want more oomph, I suggest just putting the stick in "3", and forgetting about that whole manual function. The "3" position will take away fourth gear, but it also changes the shift programming. The car shifts MUCH later than if it's in "D".

[momorugger]

Originally Posted by CirrusSR22

Are you putting the car in "D"rive, then pushing the "M" button and accelerating from a stop like that? If so, that's your problem.

If you want more oomph, I suggest just putting the stick in "3", and forgetting about that whole manual function. The "3" position will take away fourth gear, but it also changes the shift programming. The car shifts MUCH later than if it's in "D".

Thanks, but no, when I used manual mode, I did shift through the gears, it just lacks low end grunt. I have also driven in 3 while still in automatic, and it seems to be faster, just not as much fun.

[dashate]

You really need to map out where you want to go with this vehicle. As you've seen from the responses, you have a few choices and all cost money. Once you decide on an upgrade program, stick with it..if you change direction, you will have spent a bundle of money for nothing. I decided long ago to not opt for the engine swap. It is far to costly, as you need to replace far more stuff than just the engine. A shop here in Tampa has done several and with parts and labor you'll be lucky to drive away for under $12,500...unless you're extremely handy and can do a lot of the work yourself. I've also talked with a recommended "Roundel" shop in Texas who have installed 7 - 8 Downing supercharger kits. It's affordable at about $4000 installed but NONE have dyno'd above 176HP...well below the claimed 50% increase.

I have opted for Dinan induction upgrades, new cams, PSS suspension, exhaust, lightweight flywheel and a few other goodies and my '98 ti will out turn a stock e36 M3 on the track. I get caught on the straights but catch them again in the turns. You take your fun where you can get it.

Eventually, I'll probably opt for an M44 engine rebuild by Korrman or Metric Mechanic. A little over 200HP for a price midway between the supercharger and engine change.

If I owned your car, I would probably get rid of the auto transmission first.