Buying my friends 318ti

[Npavs]

Hello everyone, I've decided to leave the VW scene, lose my 1.8t and go to a real car, with RWD. Don't get me wrong my Gti was great, chip, turboback exhaust, pullies, FMIC, and a few other things. It was really fast and all, but I'm sick of having car payments and I can sell my car buy my good friend marks '96 318 with 50,000ish miles. His ti is in good shape, all thats done is exhuast and a really nice M painted down the side(he hasn't gotten to the M motor part yet)...so that's where I come in, but the more I think about it the more I wonder if that's the motor I shoudl choose...so my main question is: M motor, 328 motor(either one would eventually be turboed) or SR20DET? The SR20 would be my first choice(600hp on stock internals in a 318 would be amazing) but the M or 328 would keep with BMW of course. Let me know and I look forward to meeting some new people, Nick.

[1996 328ti]

I am happy with my 2.8 although sometimes I wish I had a 3.2.
But that is only at driving schools. A 2.8 is plenty good for the ti.

[Npavs]

in the end which do you think would be better turboed the 3.2 or 2.8? I know the 3.2 will be "better", so I guess what I'm really asking is which would be better in the 318.....I know this is poorly worded and I sound like an idiot...and I'll prob go with the SR20DET....even though there are two e46 M-motors with everything on ebay right now for 7K....but then again the SR20 is right around 3

[1996 328ti]

Most people go with superchargers when it comes to BMWs.
Personally, 240hp at the crank with an M3 motor is more than enough.
What are your intentions to do with this car?

I would also recommend a Downing Atlanta S/C over a conversion.

[AlaskaBlue]

BMWs use BMW motors not a Nissan motor. I would say a 2.8 litre. If you are going to do something do it right. The other option is a supercharger especially considering the fact that the car was 50,000 miles on it. Why would you want to wast a perfectly good engine if you are worried about saving money.

[Npavs]

yeah, I want to keep it BMW....but I also was low number in the 1/4 mile and around the road track...I think a M would be great, esp. with a S/C or turbo.

[1996 328ti]

Have you done any road course driving?
It's usually not a matter of hp except on the straights.
Anyone can drive fast going straight.

[Npavs]

I'm well aware, I assume with the wieght of the car + an e36 motor it woudl rip around the twistys

[AlaskaBlue]

The heavier M motor and the potential of added weight of the Turbo or Supercharger you want could greatly upset the weight balance of the car. Not to mention a way overpowered car.

[Npavs]

that's what I was afraid of...I have time to figure it all out