About to buy 1993 318i...question on timing belt/clutch

porsche_virus · porsche_virus's Garage

I am going to pickup this car tomorrow (I hope) to replace my Honda CRV (girls car, hate it) and I'm wondering if changing the timing belt is a big chore like on my 1987 Porsche 924s? Or if the clutch is hard to get to like on my '74 911? Well, I guess it's not hard to get to once the engine is out with the tranny, but is the BMW built on the same principle? I am going to get all the appropriate books, of course, but wanted to get some input first. The car has 115K miles but is in very good condition. I like the idea of a 4-banger, and its no-frills cloth interior tells me that it's simple...I like simple...easy to fix.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

I've got just about the same car, in my garage, with the tranny out for a clutch job. If your flywheel fails, it can be very expensive - just found that out. The A/C cars appear to have a dual-mass flywheel that is big bucks ($550?) and a dealer-only item.

Other than that, the transmission comes out relatively easy. It's more like a clutch job on the 914 than on the 911 - you don't need to drop the engine, only the tranny. There are some tricks that are not included or hinted at in the Bentley manuals - but I'm working on a clutch replacement article right now, so I will let everyone know what they are.

As for the timing belt, I haven't done that one yet, but I think it's a bit easier than the 924S/944 engine. You don't need that silly tensioner tool...

-Wayne

porsche_virus · porsche_virus's Garage

Got the car...love it...deal of the century! Well, dunno how well you fared on yours, but it has 115K miles, not a scratch on it, very very clean, and runs strong....$7800. Here's a pic:

Well, after further investigation I've found that my car has a timing chain, not a belt, so I'm good to go there. The clutch is strong according to other Bimmer owners, so I guess I'll leave it. I just orderd a performance chip and it should be here Monday. Will keep you posted on how it performs.

umnitza · 10-27-2002, 01:08 AM

I thought they all had timing chains, likelihood of that not being well are a million to 1

porsche_virus · porsche_virus's Garage

Well, this is my first BMW, and all of my previous Toyotas and Hondas have had timing belts, not chains. I didn't know any 4-bangers would be smart enough to use a chain, but then again, I'm finding out a lot of cool stuff about German cars this year. I am totally hooked...by the mechanics AND driveability of my BMW and Porsche. No more ricers for me! Now if I can just get my wife out of her Maxima and into a BMW wagon or something.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

I know that the E30 318s used chains, and I thought that the later E36s used chains too, but I'm not 100% sure.

Yes, chains are very durable, but as you know if you own a 911, the chain can stretch, and the tensioner can break (very bad)...

-Wayne

porsche_virus · porsche_virus's Garage

I installed my performance chip today, and it made a big difference! Best $250 I even spent! The rev limiting is gone, and it has a much smoother power band from stand still. I fish-tailed a few times today taking turns at intersections just driving like I normally do (it's been raining here for a week), and the 0 to 100 time is much faster! (don't worry, I don't drive like that when my son is in the car). I'm even contemplating selling my 911 when it's done to do more upgrades to the Bimmer.