FC for E36 (320i)

[Jeffrey Tan]

Hi Guys!
Been trying to find a thread specifically for the above title, but can't seem to find it. So I thought I should start it. (Would be great if someone could lead me to it)

Anyway, I'm currently driving (for the last two months)
a 1991,E36 320i, no mod but with 17" rims
and am expericing a rather lousy FC.
I usually clock about 6.6 km/l or on ave. 15L/100km. Bummer

I am trying to find the ave. FC for similar cars.
Could the lousy FC be due to the age of the car?

I feel like l'm doing a FC like the 5 series (no offence), then I should have gotten the 520 instend.

Your contribution is most appreciated.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[piggyboyz]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

The 1991 model don come with a Vanos yet and given the age, there will be a lot of carbon built up in the cyclinder and IMO, ur FC sounds just about normal.

A E46 320i is around 12.5 to 14L depending on how it's driven.

U can try getting better FC by changing the plugs to better one, and if the engine is still holding well, use 40 grade oil instead of 50, which will reduce oil a little.

In term of FC, the 318 is always better than the 320 due to the better power / weight ratio

 

[sszone]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

my e36 318 FC abt the same, 6-7km/l. it does help alot if u use your air-conditioning sparingly plus minimisnig on jamming the accelarator on full throttle. can squeeze abt 8-8.5 doing this

 

[Jeffrey Tan]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

Thanks for your contributions...
What spark plugs would your recommend then?.
BTW, what's IMO?
I always thought that the 320 would have better FC over the 318 since they share the same heavy body. Besides, the 320 is a 24 valves where the 318 is a 6 valves engine.
I initially wanted the 318, but I thought of the FC (small engine, heavier body) and went for the 320. So, i am wrong!

So how in what ways does the 320 better the 318?

Thks,
Jeff

 

[Mockngbrd]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

Besides, the 320 is a 24 valves where the 318 is a 6 valves engine.

Thks,
Jeff

I think that's a factor is ur comsumption as well.
What does the 320 have over the 318? More POWER

 

[sszone]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

I think that's a factor is ur comsumption as well.
What does the 320 have over the 318? More POWER

and more road tax....hehe

 

[jawzsg]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

Is it not also because the 6 cyclinders weight more than the 4??

 

[opvaulet]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

I have a e34 with M50 24v 2litre, 5 sp auto 1991 model. FC varies between 7.5-8.5 km/litre. Trip to KL avg 10.99 km/ltr. So you are not far off. The m50 engine has only one fualt, and that's FC/lack of LET. But its a great engine!!!!!!!

 

[gwumpkus]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

my experience with 318i-AT- about 9~9.5km/ltr...

 

[Jeffrey Tan]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

my experience with 318i-AT- about 9~9.5km/ltr...

Wow! G'd onya mate! That's pretty good!! Which year is your 318.
Looks like I'll have to drive up north to expericnce the better FC and "POWER"

 

[Jeffrey Tan]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

Is it not also because the 6 cyclinders weight more than the 4??

More spark plugs to change too

Which plugs do you use?

Saw your photos on the E36s... and not too mention the race queens... Great Job!
I should get a back copy of the "Hot Stuff" mag. where the pictures are featured right?

 

[jawzsg]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

Can't remember whether it is Aug or Sep issue.. I'm using the stock bosch and have them change when they looked fouled. I heard the iradium stuff are pretty good and may try them sometime. Comparatively, beemer FC isn't exactly bad, a small premium for a wonderful drive. I am very happy with mine and I hope you and yours too.

 

[Runner71]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

Hi Jeffrey,
was going thru the forum and stumbled on your problems. Its already October now, so hope you have solved your FC probs. I'm driving a 92 E36 318 Manual and the FC is great. Doing about a fulltank of 550-600km. that's about 11-12l/100km. Its even better that my previous ride. Not bad for a 4 pot. I've been driving it for about 2 months and need advice to change my plugs. engine rev abit inconsistant. please advice, tx.

 

[gwumpkus]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

unstable idling ?..sounds like the usual clogged/dirty icv and/or afm...take out the buggers, spend quality time in front of tv cleaning them with mild solvent....usually does the trick.. thats going to be one of my weekend activities this weekend... hope it helps..

 

[gwumpkus]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

hahh..nothing special about mine la...changed the oil grade, and some plugs...vast improvement after that..

'93 E36 318 M40 engine...

Wow! G'd onya mate! That's pretty good!! Which year is your 318.
Looks like I'll have to drive up north to expericnce the better FC and "POWER"

 

[sszone]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

hahh..nothing special about mine la...changed the oil grade, and some plugs...vast improvement after that..

'93 E36 318 M40 engine...

envy u...my 91 318 not that efficient, still trying to figure out how to improve it.

 

[gwumpkus]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

i started out with a FC of almost 7.5km/ltr...freakish man...
so far i've only done maintenance work on it, nothing major..
- oil change to lighter grade (now 10w40)
- gearbox oil changed
- plugs changed

other than that, i flushed out the radiator, changed the belts, replaced the (already ticking damned loudly) hydraulic valve lifters!!!!

thats it...

i figure the driveline is the key...so as long as thats in decent condition, FC should be thereabouts... considering my engine is ok so far..

i stand corrected of course..

cheers!

envy u...my 91 318 not that efficient, still trying to figure out how to improve it.

 

[sszone]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

i started out with a FC of almost 7.5km/ltr...freakish man...
so far i've only done maintenance work on it, nothing major..
- oil change to lighter grade (now 10w40)
- gearbox oil changed
- plugs changed

other than that, i flushed out the radiator, changed the belts, replaced the (already ticking damned loudly) hydraulic valve lifters!!!!

thats it...

i figure the driveline is the key...so as long as thats in decent condition, FC should be thereabouts... considering my engine is ok so far..

i stand corrected of course..

cheers!

hi bro, what's your fc now? mine is 6-7 km/l with air-con, 8km/l without aircon

thanks for your advice, will work on it

 

[gwumpkus]

Re: FC for E36 (320i)

now about 8.5~9.5km/ltr... i always drive with aircon on anyway..too damned hot not to....hahha.. the variation is dependent on my travels, whether predominatnly highway or otherwise..

good luck man...let us know what other things improve ur FC as it comes along.... hehhe.. i'm sure we're all keen to know, what with gas prices being the way they are...