Buying a bmw

[Albaner]

I'm planning to buy a manual e90 318i lci what should I know before buying it like is there any part I should upgrade before it breaks, how well does it do with basic modifications like a cold air intake, exh manifold, downpipes etc. Also how does the handling feel is it tight or like boat?

[Jamescrs]

Not sure if this is one of the engines that can have timing chain issues so do.your research around that.

Handling will be pretty decent as all e90s are.

Modifying I simply wouldn't bother. A 318 is going to be producing 120bhp maybe? Doing airliners and exhausts etc won't make any tangible difference to the power you will get. If you want more power go for a 6 cylinder engine like a 325i.

Honestly the 318i is pretty poor for performance and not worth modifying, I had a 320i E91 around 6 years ago and it was a very pleasant car but its no performance car.

[stevemcs]

Jamescrs said:

Not sure if this is one of the engines that can have timing chain issues so do.your research around that.

Handling will be pretty decent as all e90s are.

Modifying I simply wouldn't bother. A 318 is going to be producing 120bhp maybe? Doing airliners and exhausts etc won't make any tangible difference to the power you will get. If you want more power go for a 6 cylinder engine like a 325i.

Honestly the 318i is pretty poor for performance and not worth modifying, I had a 320i E91 around 6 years ago and it was a very pleasant car but its no performance car.

It is

I really wouldn't want to buy one of these.

[ZX10R NIN]

Albaner said:

I'm planning to buy a manual e90 318i lci what should I know before buying it like is there any part I should upgrade before it breaks, how well does it do with basic modifications like a cold air intake, exh manifold, downpipes etc. Also how does the handling feel is it tight or like boat?

If you're thinking of buying with a view of simple upgrades then start with a 325i as it'll have better performance in standard form than a 318i with the mods you've listed above.

It's a better buy & more reliable.

[AlwynMike]

.....and a 325 will probably cheaper to insure than a modified 318

[Mr Tidy]

I'd give it a miss and just buy a 325i or 330i!

[SlowV6]

The OP seems to be keen on performance mods. If ULEZ isn't a constraint I would be considering an M57 as the start point.

[ant427]

I had an e91 318.
Timing Chain Stretched, offset pedals, electrical gremlins.
1 owner full BMW history.
Don't do it!