Considering a boosted 96 318ti with 200k mi

[showaski]

I meant to say a weaker spring in my last post! I was getting a lot of spikes and creeps. I think I've sorted that issue. I tapped into the turbo housing's outlet (near charge pipe) today to provide a better boost reference to the wastegate. The WG used to get the reference from the intake manifold after the throttle body, and I think this caused a lot of my issues with spikes/creep, coupler(s) blowing off, or car going into limp mode after WOT. It no longer does most of these things!

I'm not getting boost spikes or creeps like I used to. For the 1st time since I've purchased the car I can now do WOT pulls without any couplers popping off, or car going into limp mode. I'm only getting 1 tiny spike for a split second between gear changes.

[showaski]

Ah, car still goes into this "LIMP" mode. It happened to me once last night, and once this morning. The only difference now is that the couplers near the MAF aren't popping off thanks to a little hair spray and new boost reference for the wastegate. It only seems to happen when the car's under a heavy load, and I can't remember if having the transmission in Sport or Economy makes a difference (I'll have to pay attention next time).

Here's a picture of this warning light that comes on when it goes into LIMP or safe mode. I have no idea what it means. The symptoms along with the light will go away after the car is shut off for a moment, and turned back on.



Edit: The car doesn't seem to be spiking at all anymore. I had found a small air leak in the new hose I ran from the turbo to the wastegate. I haven't seen it spike since fixing that leak. Also, the light I'm referring to above is the one with a gear and exclamation mark.

[bazar01]

Originally Posted by showaski

Ah, car still goes into this "LIMP" mode. It happened to me once last night, and once this morning. The only difference now is that the couplers near the MAF aren't popping off thanks to a little hair spray and new boost reference for the wastegate. It only seems to happen when the car's under a heavy load, and I can't remember if having the transmission in Sport or Economy makes a difference (I'll have to pay attention next time).

Here's a picture of this warning light that comes on when it goes into LIMP or safe mode. I have no idea what it means. The symptoms along with the light will go away after the car is shut off for a moment, and turned back on.



Edit: The car doesn't seem to be spiking at all anymore. I had found a small air leak in the new hose I ran from the turbo to the wastegate. I haven't seen it spike since fixing that leak. Also, the light I'm referring to above is the one with a gear and exclamation mark.

That is the automatic transmission shift electronics malfunction indicator lamp.
It means there is a malfunction in the shifting electronics or in the transmission.
Can you read the transmission codes?

Did you get an indy shop to do a pre-purchase inspection?

[showaski]

No, I inspected the car myself about a dozen times before purchasing it.

I had a feeling it was tranny related because I've read that a lot of people have the same issues after installing a supercharger or turbocharger.

This car needs a 3" catback badly! The additional back pressure from the current one has probably caused the turbo seals to wear prematurely. It would also completely change how the top of the powerband feels! It's great until your WOT above 4K RPM's where it feels very restricted after this point. For instance, it'll pull better under 3/4 throttle instead of WOT, and I know this is due to the exhaust system.

Does anyone know where a 3" catback can be purchased for the 318ti? If no one makes one, I may see if CM Performance out of Florida is willing to make a custom 3 inch catback for this car.

[showaski]

FYI guys, I'm selling a set of lowering springs Yoda threw in with the purchase of his car. You guys deserve first dibs! I don't have any intentions to install them. I like how the factor sport springs ride with the Bilstein's. Plus, it looks like my girlfriend will be driving the 318Ti for a lot longer than I thought. Some unfortunate circumstances came up that isn't going to allow her to continue saving for the car she really wanted. The good thing is, she's a girl so she'll baby it and stay out of boost

The eBay listing is here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/231133605773...p=mtr#viTabs_0