e36 316

[Waldek]

Howdy

Im in the market for an e36 (dolphin) 316i manual transmission, however a motor mechanic has told me that the 316 is a problem motor.

How much truth is it? and if so, what problems are recurring, or what kind of problems should i be aware of?

 

[Loom]

Our 1998 316i (1.8 motor) was very reliable. Sold it reluctantly at about 300k km. Search the forum/Internet for common E36 problems.

 

[Waldek]

Our 1998 316i (1.8 motor) was very reliable. Sold it reluctantly at about 300k km. Search the forum/Internet for common E36 problems.

Thank you ever so much.

So i neednt worry about the engine dropping me?

I enquired as I was told by a mechanic that the 316 engines were/are problematic.

 

[Jeremy.d]

M40 is a solid motor. If you care for it (and even to some extent if you dont) you wont have a problem.

Welcome to Fanatics.:thumbs:

 

[Waldek]

M40 is a solid motor. If you care for it (and even to some extent if you dont) you wont have a problem.

Welcome to Fanatics.:thumbs:

Thanx.

Im just unsure if its a M40 or the M43.

Which of the two is the better? Reason being, there was an upgrade on the interior, with knobs changing to buttons, which also usually means there are other "changes" too.

 

[francoishensen11]

M40 is a solid motor. If you care for it (and even to some extent if you dont) you wont have a problem.

Welcome to Fanatics.:thumbs:

Thanx.

Im just unsure if its a M40 or the M43.

Which of the two is the better? Reason being, there was an upgrade on the interior, with knobs changing to buttons, which also usually means there are other "changes" too.

M40 will have a distributor cap on the front of the head, it's also a belt driven motor, M43 is a chain motor with a coil pack above the exhaust.

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As for which is better, I personally can't say, I got happy milage out of the E30 318i M40 and out of the e36 318i M43 motor

 

[Solo Man]

I think the M43 is the better motor. It has a flaw though in that it has a small plastic elbow right at the back of the head by the firewall which at high mileage starts to leak due to the head and plastic deteriorating at age and the leak is difficult to detect as owners do not know about this elbow. I would suggest you replace this as soon as you get the car for peace of mind. There is also a plastic y-piece under the inlet manifold which is difficult to get to but they do not seem to be such a big problem. I bought one with 300k on the odo and the leaking elbow soon started after that.

 

[Waldek]

I think the M43 is the better motor. It has a flaw though in that it has a small plastic elbow right at the back of the head by the firewall which at high mileage starts to leak due to the head and plastic deteriorating at age and the leak is difficult to detect as owners do not know about this elbow. I would suggest you replace this as soon as you get the car for peace of mind. There is also a plastic y-piece under the inlet manifold which is difficult to get to but they do not seem to be such a big problem. I bought one with 300k on the odo and the leaking elbow soon started after that.

Thanx ever so much for this advice.

At least now I know what to do should I decide on either the 316 or the 323.

To be honest, the 323 seems rather my kind of car.