Gutless 316i Touring (M40?)

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   Hello all,
Have just bought a 316i Lux Touring of '93 vintage after wanting one for ages.  Metalic green, Sport seats and lovely BBS crossspokes.  Problem is, it's, well, a bit gutless and uses loads of petrol.  Big car, small engine, yes, but changing down for motorway hills was something I thought I'd passed when I sold my Beetle.  More low to mid torque, not outright power, is the aim.  It also seems to be doing about 60 miles a tenner (about 25 a gallon?) which is a bit depressing too.  Ideas please?

Edited by Touring Rupe

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Touring Rupe Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 16-November-2004 Location: Manchester Status: Offline Points: 2	Topic: Gutless 316i Touring (M40?) Posted: 16-November-2004 at 13:32
	Hello all, Have just bought a 316i Lux Touring of '93 vintage after wanting one for ages. Metalic green, Sport seats and lovely BBS crossspokes. Problem is, it's, well, a bit gutless and uses loads of petrol. Big car, small engine, yes, but changing down for motorway hills was something I thought I'd passed when I sold my Beetle. More low to mid torque, not outright power, is the aim. It also seems to be doing about 60 miles a tenner (about 25 a gallon?) which is a bit depressing too. Ideas please? Edited by Touring Rupe

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325i Ron Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member I Joined: 26-February-2003 Location: Bristol Status: Offline Points: 286	Posted: 17-November-2004 at 13:40
	Welcome to the E30 world As you say the 316i is under powered, you could try 1 K&N Filter 2 Chip 3 Bigger Throttle body 4 Sports exhaust All costs money not sure if its worth it? they are a lot more experts on here than me hope this might bring them out, come on guys!!! Jayson can you do a chip.
	Ron Parish (E30 Register Chairman)

Kevin_E30_318iS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 14-December-2002 Location: Ireland Status: Offline Points: 883	Posted: 18-November-2004 at 05:49
	I have a E30 316i with the M40 engine and while its certainly not a quick car, it doesn't sound as bad as what you are describing. Mine does around 35 mpg. Suggest you get a good service done first and see if there are any improvements from this. Sounds like the engine is not performing as it should. The M40 engine is prone to permature cam wear but I don't know what the symptoms of this would be. If your'e looking for lots of low down torque you will be disappointed.
	Kevin_1990_318iS

DOD528 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member I Joined: 05-October-2004 Location: Stonehaven Status: Offline Points: 145	Posted: 18-November-2004 at 13:39
	I ran an E30 316 tourer for 3 1/2 years, clocking up over 60k on it. I have to agree with Kevin on the fuel consumption, I was averaging 32mpg. As mentioned before it would be worth while having the car serviced you will be suprised at the difference it makes. What miles are on the car and when last was it serviced?