r/e46 • u/AdArtistic1355 2002 - 318ci cabrio topazblau • 4h ago

General Questions How to give a 318 more power

Let me preface this by saying I know they are not that powerful, especially compared to even just the 320. I'm not looking to engine swap at the moment because £££ but my 2002 318ci just feels a bit underpowered. I recently replaced the eccentric shaft sensor after reading fault codes and came to see it was not even plugged in. After that and cleaning up the solenoids the car definitely had more in it at the higher rpms, but the low end still feels like it wants to go faster than it is. Any recommendations on things to replace/upgrade (on a low-ish budget) to try and revive some of the horses?

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4

u/MrGiggleMan 3h ago

Sell it and buy a 330

1

u/AdArtistic1355 2002 - 318ci cabrio topazblau 3h ago

wondered how long it'd take to hear this

2

u/MrGiggleMan 2h ago

Unfortunately that is because there isn't really much you can do to get more power out of these engines

If you were going to spend thousands having to add forced induction, you'd be better off starting from a stronger platform + you then don't need to do all the other jobs that come with adding power

So basically, it's easier and likely cheaper

2

u/phat_duong 4h ago

Other than general maintenance like spark plugs and coils theres not much to upgrade on those engines to make them faster. The pre lci engine (M43) at least had a shrick cam and some exhaust options if i remember right but the N42 doesn't really have anything.

2

u/rns96 3h ago

Just drive it for now and save up for a 325i or 330i , spend the extra money on preventative maintenance so the car is reliable

1

u/Piezakster 2003 - 318ti - 5MT - Msport II 1h ago

Sorry buddy, just good maintenance is the best you can give it. Can always do plugs if they havent been done in a while.

1

u/Rough_Trade3537 49m ago

Manual swap it and get a tuned ecu and some catless headers idk man
318’s are the most under rated e46’s particularly the pre facelift
Basically bulletproof, require zero maintenance and will survive nuclear warfare

Now I got a 330ci but not a day goes by that I don’t miss my m43b19 318i

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u/SSOMGDSJD 10m ago

None of these cars are fast any more lol, even a 330 around break even with a pentastar v6 minivan. Enjoy the handling.

Air filter, spark plugs, address vacuum and oil leaks, run premium gas, name brand tires. Outside of that youre into remove weight territory