BMW 318 ti lack of power

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Fri 8 Jul 2005 06:13
BMW 318 ti lack of power - JH1
Ok, firstly I dont want anyone to start telling me that the compact 4 cyl isnt a "proper BMW", I have bought the car and just need constructive advice please!!

I had the 8v GOLF Gti before this car and am amazed at how slow it seems to be compared to the Golf. The engine is bigger at 1.9, 16v and the body I wouldnt of thought is much heavier. However, despite this the BM is much slower to pull off and the third gear excelleration seems non existant pre 3500 revs. Even above this, there seems to be very little torque increase.. Is this normal for this model? (its the sports edition with the M package). The handling is excellent and it is a comfortable drive, but I am serisouly missing the power of the golf.

I was wondering what the best non chip mods would be to increase the BHP? its supposed to be 140 standard, but it feels more like 100 at the most. The obvious choices would be exhaust and air filter...?

Any thoughts or suggestions welcome (except: sell the car!)

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 8 Jul 2005 08:13
BMW 318 ti lack of power - stan_deezy
Ah, you've discovered the difference between an 8 valve engine and a 16 valve that's all. The 8 valve produces the torque a lot lower down the rev range than the 16 valve. Personally I don't like 16 valve engines for this very reason. I was taught to be "mechanically sympathetic" to my cars so I don't like revving them into the higher ends of the range.

Assuming the car has been serviced and checked over (especially the air and fuel filters) then try altering your driving style to exploit more of the higher rev range (ie hold the revs longer before changing up). I think you may notice the difference.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 8 Jul 2005 10:17
BMW 318 ti lack of power - Aprilia
Unfortunately I don't think there is a lot you can do. These cars are well known to be quite sluggish (as has been discussed on here before). Exhaust and air filter mods may make a few BHP difference, but you'd probably hardly notice it and the cost would probably not justify it (performance exhausts are not cheap), plus you would have to inform your insurance company who would want their pound of flesh.
I think you'll just have to get used to it, unless you trade for something a bit more powerful.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 8 Jul 2005 14:20
BMW 318 ti lack of power - bimmer-driver
You should count your blessings- some of us have to drive 316i Compacts sometimes with 35 bhp less :-)
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 8 Jul 2005 20:39
BMW 318 ti lack of power - R.Turpin
I should make sure the Catalytic converter is not partly blocked. That would reduce power, specially at higher revs. Happened to me.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide