Opinions on BMW 318i (M43TU Engine)

[AshG108]

Hi all,

Can I have some opinions on the pre-facelift 318i engines? I have found a unicorn, one owner with 151000kms on the clock that I am on the final leg of buying for my folks. Really just a better car than their current 2008 Polo 1.4 Trendline.

This one is also an automatic, has the M43TU motor...so 87kw/180nm motor.

I would just like to get a feel of the reliability of it, from reading on the overseas forums apparently this motor is less troublesome than the N42 which is the 105kw/200nm motor that was fitted into the facelift 346 318i.

Any help would be appreciated, this would be more a long distance car from KZN to GP and back most of the time. I drove this car, it is smooth, gearbox and everything is very well kept. May need a nice service and long drive to drive out the cobwebs as it feels tight still otherwise the rest is good on it.

Thanks!

 

[KPM3_30]

Heard that the pre-facelift 318's are also solid, just that auto box may be an issue in terms of long term reliability.. @Charlie Brown had one, maybe he can share more insight.

 

[Solo Man]

We had a E36 316i with the M43 motor iirc and their main problem at this age is the plastic waterpipe (looks like a Y) that sits right at the back of the cylinder head by the bulk head. The o-ring perishes and this leads to the water eating away at the aluminium cylinder head which then leads to a slow water leak. this could lead to overheating, as in our case, resulting in a blown head gasket. I know the E46 318i 1999 models also used the same engine layout with this y-piece plastic fitting with the same problem. This engine also has a t-piece plastic junction water pipe under the inlet manifold which is very difficult to get to, but this lasts a bit longer in my experience. Could be a good idea to buy both and have them replaced. I had a spare y-piece that i sold to a friend with the 318i motor in his auto E46. Have a good look with a torch or light for some whitish/greenish gunk by the y-piece and then you will know. Otherwise, very good motor. Ours was close to 400k kms when i fixed the head and gasket.

 

[Solo Man]

Ok, sorry, i see yours is the TU motor. Do not know if there is a difference but the y- and t-piece fittings could still apply for all i know

 

[Charlie Brown]

Apologies for the delayed reply. These motors are good and far more reliable that the N 42 motors.
Disa must be checked, very pricey and the common Y joint on the back of valve cover.

Solid dependable motors with good torque but no fireworks.

 

[AshG108]

Hi guys, thanks a million for the information. We decided to give that car a skip and bought the folks a 2007 Hyundai Accent, One owner with 92000kms, FSH etc. Very well kept car. That 318i still has my eye but that auto box was also a bit of a downer on my side too.